This clever and whimsical origin story stars Timothée Chalamet as fiction’s most famous chocolatier. Co-written and directed by Paul King (‘Paddington’), it’s a loopy and uplifting holiday treat, chock-full of magic and music, co-starring a trove of familiar faces. Chalamet has more than enough charm and charisma to make it his own, but he saves some of the spotlight for the likes of Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Rowan Atkinson, and Sally Hawkins. It’s not as weird or dark as Dahl purists might want or expect, but this family-friendly treat will surely leave a sweet taste in your mouth. Forget the popcorn, though, and have some chocolate handy.
4/5 stars