Jill Elizabeth and Kevin Schaefer dive into the whimsical world of "Wonka," the 2023 prequel that serves up a fresh take on everyone's favorite chocolatier. They kick things off by musing over the film's central question: would you risk everything for the best chocolate in the world? Both hosts glow with excitement as they share their thoughts on the movie's vibrant colors, catchy tunes, and delightful optimism, contrasting it with the darker elements lurking beneath its sugary surface. Jill, who was initially skeptical about Timothée Chalamet's casting, finds herself pleasantly surprised, while Kevin brings up some intriguing fan casting alternatives. As they wrap up their discussion, they reflect on how this prequel not only stands on its own but might just add another layer to the original Willy Wonka lore, leaving listeners craving more than just chocolate.

With summer in full swing, Jill Elizabeth and Kevin Schaefer dive into the deliciously whimsical world of the 2023 film 'Wonka', a prequel that sets out to unravel the sweet mysteries behind the iconic chocolatier. The duo captures the essence of a relaxed drive-in movie night, where they dissect the film's vibes, from its vibrant visuals to the toe-tapping musical numbers. Jill's enthusiasm shines through as she shares her initial reaction to the film, emphasizing its hopeful and optimistic tone, which starkly contrasts with the much darker themes of previous adaptations. They chat about how 'Wonka' feels like a cozy holiday treat, perfect for family outings, and how it successfully carves out its own identity separate from the beloved 1971 classic. Kevin adds his fresh perspective as a first-time viewer, sharing how he approached the movie with skepticism but was pleasantly surprised by its charm and creativity. The conversation flows effortlessly as they discuss the film's aesthetic, character development, and the delightful performances, especially by Timothée Chalamet, whose casting sparks a light debate about fitting roles, showcasing their banter and geeky camaraderie. They wrap up with thoughts on the film's themes of community and resilience, reminding listeners to keep an eye out for the underdogs in both cinema and real life, making it a quintessential summer drive-in experience.

Takeaways:

• Jill and Kevin dive into the delightful world of 'Wonka', exploring its optimistic vibe and colorful escapism, making it a perfect family flick for the holidays.
• The conversation highlights how 'Wonka' manages to stand alone while cleverly nodding to its source material, avoiding the trap of being a simple checklist prequel.
• They discuss the darker undertones of the film, particularly its themes of class struggle and the portrayal of marginalized communities forming bonds for the greater good.
• Kevin feels Timothée Chalamet may not have been the best casting choice for Willy Wonka, suggesting other actors who could have brought a different flavor to the character.
• The hosts agree that while 'Wonka' doesn't directly answer all the questions about the titular character's future, it enriches the original story with new layers of understanding.
• In a lighthearted banter, they remind listeners to have their favorite snacks ready, especially chocolate, while enjoying this whimsical, sweet adventure.

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Our show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities.

Would you risk everything for selling the best chocolate in the world? We are going to talk about this on systematic ecology.

We are the priests of the geeks. And this is one of our summer drive in episodes where this year we are specifically focusing on prequel movies.

Jill, how are you today?

Hi, I'm doing great and I'm so happy to be talking Willy Wonka.

This one I like.

I mean, I remember when we were brainstorming ideas for prequel movies and like, and I like, you know, we were going through the basics like Star wars and you know, like Furiosa is one of my favorites and Joshua and I did one on Planet of the Apes. But. But this one was like, I. So this was actually my first time seeing this one and I'm excited to talk about that.

Now I do have the like, fresh kind of out of the theater reaction. Of course I watched it at home, but still. But yeah, I mean, I. This, I think was a great pick from you. So I'm really excited to get your thoughts and.

And before we get started, for listeners out there, you can check out the show notes to see the full series here because we've been recording this every week over the summer. And so you can check out some of the other movies we talked about. Jill and Christian did one on Prey, which I really liked. The Predator prequel film.

That's a great episode. So check them all out in the show notes and you can also find out ways to support the show.

Connect us on fourth wall, connect with us on social media, all the good stuff there. So go check out all those links and. All right, well, let's get right into it. So, Jill, I want to hear your reaction first.

Imagining that you are coming right out of, in this case, the drive in movie. Seeing Wonka for the first time. What is your initial reaction here?

Okay, I am initially saying I'm so excited to see Willy Wonka. That doesn't frighten me in the least.

This is a delightful movie, full of hope, full of optimism, some great musical numbers, and never once did I feel like I needed to hide behind my mom. Just a great show.

I mean, Taka, as much as I love the 70s film, like we've Talked about is one of the most frightening, traumatizing sequences in the entire film when they're going on that ride and. And it zooms in on Gene Wilder's face. And I mean, not even talking about the Tim Burton one, I don't. That's another thing. But that also frightens.

It wasn't out of any, like, despise for it or anything like that. It was just that on the list of movies I didn't really ask for and didn't need, this would probably be toward the top there.

I was just like, I don't really need a Willy Wonka prequel. I prefer some ambiguity and mystery there. And I don't know, I just. That's, you know, like some of the, like.

I'll give you an example of one that, like, surprised me. That was really good. Was like the Cruella de Vil origin movie. I love that one. And that was also one coming in. I was like, do we need this?

I don't know. And it's. And it surprised me.

Same vein, right?

Yes, yes, yes.

Like an origin story that. Yes. We didn't ask for. But so delightful.

100%, No. And it was. I mean, I loved the aesthetic, the production design. It just an overly colorful, optimistic film that. Yeah. I mean. Yeah. That really there.

I will say there are darker elements here, but it doesn't really zero in on that. So. Yes, I also. I mean, it came out of it just like, hey, this was a fun aspect.

Like, I know we're watching this during the summer, but this is definitely a good holiday movie.

Especially very cozy, very atmospheric, and feels like the kind of musical comedy that you would take your family to around the holidays for like a matinee. So very much enjoyed that. What, Joe, what are some other thinking about this film? Like a. Well, like, did you see it when it came out?

Or like, what was your. Okay, so, yeah, like. So were you kind of excited or kind of like indifferent to it coming in?

I was very skeptical. So I'll just be up front. I'm not a huge Timothee Chalamet fan. I wasn't when the movie came out.

I'm not a hater by any means, but I'm just not like one of the super superfans. And I was very skeptical but always looking for family friendly movies that I can take my kids and you know, various other children too.

So we went to see this around the holidays when it came out and I just loved it. I love that you don't necessarily get like when I say it's optimistic and it's hopeful. Yes. But you also have these like darker elements.

Like they're all working in a laundry which is basically slave labor because they're poor. And I like that you kind of get a glimpse into that part of society.

You know, I love any story that happens in the margins and these are marginalized people that come together and form a community and help out each other. Like for the greater good.

No, absolutely, like right from the get go it, you know, I said in the intro question, like, oh, would you risk everything?

Because at the beginning of this movie, yeah, Willy Wonka just comes to this town that, that, that I also, I like that the town is kind of an amalgamation of influences. Like it's a little bit of Paris, it's a little bit of London.

You know, they kind of don't really define exactly where it is, but it has a mix of European influences. But it's a bit down. He has no money, he just wants to sell chocolate.

And yeah, he's a dreamer and you know, immediately gets caught and as you said, has to work in the laundry room with all these other misfits and, and then he kind of forms a bond there and you know, from there the plot moves along. There's a corrupt police, there's, there's Slugworth is there running the town.

And obviously while we're talking about this, I'd say one of the things I liked most about this movie is that never while I was watching I wasn't even thinking about really the novel or the, the 70s movie that much because it was.

While there were certainly references and Easter eggs, I liked that this was a prequel movie that was very self contained and just wanting to tell its own story because like to give you like a counter example there, like, I mean it's.

I, I still enjoy Solo for instance, like the, it's a fun movie but that one feels like a checklist of oh, these are the things we have to cover in a Han Solo origin movie. Like how did he get his blaster, how to get his name, how do you meet Chewie?

How do you meet Lando, like, I mean, it's still fun and entertaining, but.

I was very much Millennium Falcon.

Yes. And how you get the Falcon, like, all of these things where it's like, oh, this is. Has to line up exactly with New Hope and everything afterwards.

Whereas this one, it was inspired by the source material, but not necessarily beholden to it. So I liked how all of that was there.

Like, I mean, yes, you have a rendition of pure imagination and that's kind of embedded into the score throughout.

But other than that, and other than, you know, obviously the name and some of the candies, like, it had fun playing with its own world, its own story. And, yeah, it's. I mean, again, pretty, like, straightforward narrative of, you know, he.

And also, he connects with this orphan who they almost form like a Batman and Robin kind of pair. Like, they just. Yeah, Noodle is just. I do love. I love the character. I love the name. And, you know, she's there.

Both of them are kind of just, you know, have, like, mysteries about their past, and she's trying to ultimately reunite with her mom. And, you know. And then it's revealed later that she's related to Slugworth, who was handed her when she was a baby and then abandoned her.

And I like, again, very much darker element there, but still gives a little comedic take to it because it's like he throws her down the laundromat, and it's like. But you also recognize that this is not a realistic story. It draws on those themes and it still looks fantastical. Yes, very fantastical.

Very over the top. And I like how it maintains that tone throughout. So. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

And while you said, like, you don't need the novel, you don't need Willy Wonka to make this a whole, you know, series. It is. It's kind of sweet. Like, I read the book many times because I was a kindergarten teacher for a lot of years.

Oh, wow. Yeah, yeah.

And then for my own children, this was like, Roald Dahl was one of our favorites. And I read it all, Roald Dahl movies over and over and over to my children. And it sticks to that. Very, like, fantastical, whimsical.

We're not shying away from the sad parts of life, but there's always something like, wow, there's a man eating chocolate. And now. Now he's floating in the sky. I love that. I want to believe that anything is possible.

No, absolutely. That tone and the way it's maintained and the production design and the costumes and everything.

I was reading one review that was, like, it almost didn't need this level of commitment to it because it is ultimately like a whimsical family comedy. But I do love that they commit on all of those elements. Yeah, yeah.

Now, I will say, since you brought up Timothee Chalamet, I like him in a lot of things and I thought he was still good here overall. But I have to say, I do think he was miscast here and I think there are stronger actors that like not to say that he's a bad actor.

Like, I love him in Dune. I love him in Marty Supreme. I don't think this maybe was the best pick for him, personally. That's just. Personally, I was watching it and I was.

I don't know.

And it wasn't so much of, like, comparing it to Gene Wilder or anything like that, but I was just watching and thinking someone like Mike Feist, for instance, I think would have been really good. From west side Story, I think. Yeah. I think even. I know he's older, but he also has, like, an eternally youthful face.

I think Andrew Garfield would have killed it. And so, yeah, so, I mean, I never did have, like, others who I would have preferred. That's not to say he did a bad job.

I just don't think it was, like, as good a role as some of his others. But yeah, yeah.

So I'm not very good at, like, fan casting, but I kind of like this idea of, like, who else would you put?

I feel like maybe you and I should explore this a little more in our other movies that we talk about, like, what are some other possible casting options? Because I like that I kind of like an Andrew Garfield Wonka. Okay.

So it was like just a little bit after Tick, Tick Boom, which I. I talked to you last time when we were doing a script episode, one of my all time favorite movies. And like, I. I can't believe he hasn't done another musical since then. So I'm just like, put him in more. Give him like, they're all he needs there.

But yeah, that's just a personal preference there. Um, I really love the rest of the supporting cast, though.

Like, at the end, I mean, Keegan, Michael Key, perfect as the, like, corrupt police officer who's also, like, so dimwitted and everything. That was great. You know, it's popular. Olivia Colman.

And then, of course, you know, I know there were like, it was a lot of jokes when the movie came out. When you see Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa, And I was still laughing at it too.

Brilliant how serious he is as Oompa Loompa. I mean, you talk about committing to the.

Yes.

The whole theme, but he was so committed to his role and he was so serious. It was perfect.

There was nothing phoned in about it whatsoever. I mean, like you.

And especially because, like, you know, looking at, for instance, like the 70s movie, like, they hint at some of the Oompa Loompa mythology and all that.

And I feel like both his performance and then that brief, like flashback scene with his origin kind of really did give you just enough to know about that world and where they come from. But yeah, no, he commit the.

I mean, even with the CG performance, like, you know, his mannerisms, his facial expressions, his vocality, all of that is. Is really extraordinary.

Yeah, I. Yeah, I. He actually, his performance was probably my favorite in the movie.

I agree. Yeah.

Yeah, I loved it. And I loved Noodle too.

How about saying him and Noodle are really best. And then. Oh, and I love to. At the end, her mom was the. I don't know if you watched the Pit, but that was the Doctor in season one. So I was like, yes.

Yeah, yeah, but that was great. But, but yeah, no, I mean, it's a. It's a very delightful movie from start to finish. It just, you know, it's whimsical. It's wonderful.

Is there anything else about, like, thematically? I know we touched on a little bit about the relationship between poor and working classes and then the elite, I think.

I mean, while I don't know that it says anything like, profound, but that's certainly, you know, the main theme throughout the movie.

Well, I think it's always a good reminder that in any society, like what who might appear to be the good guys and the bad guys is probably not exactly how it is. And that, you know, it's a cartel, right. It's basically a chocolate cartel that's running the town.

And he comes to disrupt it and ultimately wins where, like, maybe we should look at in real life that probably doesn't happen as much as we would, like the little guy get squashed and actually the cartel or the corrupt police people or the corrupt people who make the laws end up winning. But it is nice to root for the underdog.

And I think it's really good, especially as Americans when we watch movies like this to remember that we root for the underdog on screen. So it's probably good to take those same passionate feelings and maybe root for the underdog in real life, too. Right?

I agree, and I'm always a little baffled by people who are fans of this kind of stuff, but they're, let's just say, their political views and their, you know, what they say in real life very much contradicts that notion. So I. I fully agree with you. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

And then I think always the question, well, we can talk more theme if you'd like, is there anything else you want to touch on?

No, feel free. Wherever you want to touch on here.

The question I was going to ask, and I think we should ask this, of all prequels is, does it make the original better?

Good question. Good question. So, I mean, it's another one where I think both movies stand on their own, so well, and that's a good thing. So.

But at the same time, like, because, I mean, I'd love, you know, I mean, of course, I grew up The. The 71 original and. And, you know, I could quote that endlessly.

I, you know, I think it does add a layer to the character, especially with, like, we even talk about the relationship with his mom. And the only thing is I wanted to see a little more of that because I love Sally Hawkins, and that would have been cool to see.

But when you see, like, where all the motivation comes from, where all the eccentricity comes from, where the, you know, looking out for the little guy, all of that makes sense. So I think it does, you know, like, it does nothing to strip away from the original, but it also does, I think, add another layer to it as well.

But again, I just like that this one just stands on its own so well. And I wasn't ever thinking about, like, oh, how is this going to pave the way? And there's still really a lot.

I mean, at the end of the movie, yeah, he started to form, you know, the basis of the Factory, but it's not fully formed or anything like that. This is really just like the beginning, beginning.

There's still like, you know, a long period of time in between the end of this movie and then the start of Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket and all that.

And then Wonka in the movie, Wonka is a teenager, right. Young adult. So there's so much that happens in between. And this answers like a little bit of his mystery.

Because I will say Willy Wonka is a very mysterious, mysterious character.

Very. And I. Yeah.

So many questions.

Yes. And I'm really glad that they didn't try to answer everything. They still leave a lot.

Yeah, yeah, I agree. And I still would like love to kind of know like what. What took him from this optimistic person who works with others. Well and. And uses others. Right.

To achieve his goals and seems like team oriented and team minded to this like really recluse in Willy Wonka.

Yeah.

That is just like him and the Oompa Loompas and doesn't trust anybody and is all by himself. And like what was that journey? Like we don't get answers to that. But I do think this does make the original better.

I think it's that mother theme that you talked about a little bit before. We know his mom is the first one that gave him a recipe for chocolate and put the idea in his head that he can do anything he wants.

Right.

Yeah.

And also to your point there, I'm just gonna say that capitalism just you know, war on him after a while. But it is fascinating to see. Like, I mean he's so optimistic throughout and. And there really isn't.

I guess that's about the only thing is like I don't know that he really changes a ton from the start of this movie to the end. Like he's pretty optimistic throughout. I mean he like. Yeah, he has to overcome stuff for all that. But.

But he really is like through, over the course of this movie kind of the same character.

So that was interesting too that there's not necessarily a lot of like development and we, yeah, we don't really see the tenets of that older reclusive character start to form here.

And he's mean. Like let's just be honest, like Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is mean. Like he's manipulating children.

Yeah.

He's kind of torturing them.

Yeah, yeah.

And tricking them to find out who's worthy like that. That Wonka is not present. And so like what happened?

It's like you see him as like he definitely knows how to play tricks on people and how to be a man. But.

But it's more, it's so light hearted here is he's never really doing anything overly manipulative or like trying to control like any if anything he's like looking out for little people and you know, he's using magic tricks and stuff to fool the bad guys.

Right.

But so that it really is interesting. And again, I like that. You know, Maybe they'll make Waka 2 to explore the gap years. Actually, I, I hope not, but. But we don't need it. It's Hollywood.

Yeah, yeah. But. And I also, I would love for Paul King to do like more musicals. I mean, I know he did Paddington and stuff, but.

But this like just felt like this, this fresh like again like holiday type musical comedy that they don't make a lot of these days. So I would love for him to tackle something else. Either. Either another Roald Dahl or like, I don't know what he would want to do next, but.

But I could definitely see him tackling another musical. Mm.

Yeah. I'm trying to think of some of my favorite role dolls. Fantastic. Mr. Fox I don't think could ever be done as a live action.

Yeah, yeah, that's it. Yeah, yeah, it's there. And Wes Anderson already.

The Twits, maybe.

Oh, okay. Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And I mean they made the BFG like that Spielberg did, but it wasn't. No, I know that was kind of a misfire.

So I wouldn't, you know, maybe a reinterpretation there. But. But yeah, so I mean, overall this was one. Yeah. Again, I had like put off for a long time and I quite enjoyed it.

So I mean, is there anything else you want to say on either the movie or. Yeah, it's relation to some of the other big prequels out there?

No, other than I recommend it. I think if you just want a movie that you can get lost in and not going to make you think too hard. And there's some great musical numbers.

I don't think any of them are outstanding. They're not unforgettable, but it's good. Yeah.

The thing on this one is like, watch your blood sugar because it's going to very much tempt you too. Uh, consume chocolate while you're. And yeah, if you're in that position as me, like. And yeah, just you gotta be careful.

Cause the temptation is there for two hours straight.

Okay. Do you have a real sweet tooth, Kevin?

Not. Well, not to play. Like, I'm diabetic, so I have to like be careful.

So like, I don't even like eat that much, but when you're thrown at like for two hours straight, it's a little hard to not. Yeah. So it's.

I would not recommend having a large, you know, portion of chocolate near you while watching this unless you're ready for that, you know.

Okay. Yeah.

Fair warning. Yes. Right. Well, and speaking of that, so I know, Jill, we've both done that.

We've answered this question already on previous Drive in episodes, but we could. We could change it. I know it was the. The tea or lemonade question before, but, like, we could answer that again or talk about.

If you want to talk about an alternative drink or snack you bring to the drive in theater.

Well, I actually do think you need to consume chocolate, like, while watching this movie. That makes sense. I love, like, gummy candies are kind of my thing right now.

And recently I discovered at my grocery store, like, I have a sprouts grocer that's near me. I know they're not everywhere in the country, but they're very big on the west coast and they have chocolate covered gummy bears.

So that's what I'm bringing to this Drive in.

That's delicious. I think I would. I would bring Hershey's cookies and cream bar. Those are. Those are delicious.

You like a white chocolate?

Yeah, I mean, I like, I like, I like, I like. But that brand specifically, it's just like. It's so good.

Yeah, you're inspiring me. So first of all, I need to say you inspire me all the time.

I'm always impressed that, you know, like, the directors of every movie and then you always give such an interesting, like, perspective into a movie because of your knowledge of the directors, and that makes me think of that a lot more. And then also now in your snack choices, because I don't love white chocolate, so I've never tried Hershey's cookies and cream.

Yeah, it's good stuff. Like, yeah, it's a. It's a very specific kind, but I don't know when they came out with that.

But, you know, if I treat myself every now and then, that's usually what I go to.

Okay, good to know.

Awesome. Well, Joe, this was a blast. And thank you to our listeners out there. Go check out the rest of the series. We're having a blast doing this one.

And feel free to send any recommendations to us as well, please. Awesome. And go eat chocolate. Enjoy yourself.

Yeah, thank you.

Take care.