Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
REVIEW:
The much-anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” has finally arrived, and it soars to new heights under the direction of Jon M. Chu. This dazzling spectacle not only captures the magic of the stage but also expands upon it, offering a fresh and immersive experience for both fans and newcomers alike.
“Wicked” the movie stays true to its Broadway roots while adding depth and visual splendor that only the big screen can provide. The film includes all the major musical numbers from the stage production, with some expanded sequences that enhance the storytelling. The addition of new scenes and characters, such as Dulcibear, Elphaba’s kind-hearted nanny, enriches the narrative and provides a deeper understanding of the characters’ backgrounds.
Adapting a beloved musical to the screen is no easy feat, and “Wicked” faces its share of challenges. On the positive side, the film’s visual effects and grandiose set designs bring the fantastical world of Oz to life in a way that the stage simply cannot. The sweeping landscapes and intricate details of the Emerald City are breathtaking. However, the film’s nearly three-hour runtime can feel overstuffed at times, and the decision to split the story into two parts may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied with the cliffhanger ending.
Jon M. Chu’s ability to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant scenes is evident throughout the film. Chu’s use of light and color to differentiate between Glinda and Elphaba’s worlds is particularly effective. However, the film occasionally struggles with tonal shifts, swinging between whimsical wonder and darker themes of oppression.
Cynthia Erivo delivers a powerful performance as Elphaba, capturing the character’s complexity and resilience. Her vocal prowess shines in iconic numbers like “Defying Gravity,” and her portrayal of Elphaba’s journey from misunderstood outcast to powerful witch is both moving and inspiring. However, some may find her performance a bit too subdued in the film’s lighter moments.
Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda is a delightful surprise. She brings a fresh, bubbly energy to the role, and her vocal performances are nothing short of spectacular. Grande’s comedic timing and charm make Glinda’s transformation from superficial socialite to compassionate leader believable and engaging. On the downside, her character’s arc feels slightly rushed, leaving less room for emotional depth.
Jeff Goldblum’s take on the Wizard is both charming and sinister. His portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the character, making him more than just a bumbling con artist. The film delves deeper into the Wizard’s manipulative nature, providing a more nuanced view of his role in Oz. However, some fans of the Broadway musical may miss the more straightforward depiction of the Wizard as a mere charlatan.
Michelle Yeoh’s performance as Madame Morrible is a standout. She brings a regal presence and a subtle menace to the role, making her a formidable antagonist. Yeoh’s portrayal adds depth to Morrible’s character, highlighting her manipulative and power-hungry nature.
The film’s setting at Shiz University, with its magical curriculum and diverse student body, draws inevitable comparisons to the Harry Potter series. The dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda mirrors the friendships and rivalries seen at Hogwarts, adding a layer of familiarity for fans of the wizarding world.
Elphaba and Glinda’s character arcs resemble those of Disney Princesses, with Elphaba’s journey from outcast to hero and Glinda’s transformation from superficial to selfless. These parallels add a fairy-tale quality to the story, making it accessible to a broader audience.
“Wicked” pays tribute to both the 1939 film and the Broadway musical with numerous Easter eggs and references. From the black-and-white-to-color transition in the opening sequence to the subtle musical nods, the film honors its predecessors while carving out its own identity.
Overall, “Wicked” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation that captures the essence of the Broadway musical while expanding its scope. Despite some pacing issues and tonal shifts, the film’s stellar performances and breathtaking visuals make it a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.
Rating: A- (4 out of 5)
CREDITS:
Directed by
Screenplay by
Based on
- Wicked
by - Stephen Schwartz
- Winnie Holzman
- Wicked
by Gregory Maguire
Produced by
Starring
- Cynthia Erivo
- Ariana Grande
- Jonathan Bailey
- Ethan Slater
- Bowen Yang
- Marissa Bode
- Peter Dinklage
- Michelle Yeoh
- Jeff Goldblum
Cinematography
Edited by
Music by
- John Powell(score)
- Stephen Schwartz (score and songs)
Production
companies
- Universal Pictures[2]
- Marc Platt Productions[2]
Distributed by
Universal Pictures
Release dates
- November 3, 2024(State Theatre)
- November 22, 2024(United States)
Running time
160 minutes[3]
Country
United States
Language
English
Budget
$150 million
Leave a Reply