Name: Wicked
Director: Jon M. Chu (known for Crazy Rich Asians, and Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never live concert film)
Cast: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, and more.
Rating: 4.5
As a longtime fan of musicals and someone who has seen the original Broadway production of Wicked multiple times, I must say that the film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu truly captures the magic and charm of the stage production. The performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are nothing short of spectacular, and their chemistry as Elphaba and Glinda is undeniably enchanting.
Spoiler Alert: This review contains key plot details from Wicked
Plot
Wicked: Part One is adapted from the 2003 Tony-winning Broadway musical of the same name. This stage production was originally inspired by Gregory Maguire’s book ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’. Maguire’s novel draws inspiration from L. Frank Baum’s famous Oz series. The musical, as well as its upcoming film version, primarily follows Maguire’s storyline, which can be seen as a prequel to Baum’s work, with minimal overlapping timelines.
In Jon M. Chu’s production, distributed by Universal Pictures and Marc Platt Productions, we follow the life of Elphaba, the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo. The narrative starts with her birth, showing how her green skin and unique look draw curious glances and quiet contempt from passersby. However, Elphaba’s struggles didn’t begin only with strangers; she also faced scorn and rejection from her own family, including her very own mother.
In the story, we swiftly learn about the main character’s past, and then it delves into a new chapter – her years spent at the magical university known as Shiz. This brings a wave of nostalgia for fans of Harry Potter.
In the musical Shiz, the characters of Elphaba and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande as Glinda, intersect. Over time, Glinda becomes known as Glinda the Good Witch. Initially, Glinda is depicted as self-centered and materialistic, while Elphaba is portrayed as misunderstood and tormented. Despite starting off on hostile terms, their bond quickly transforms into a strong and meaningful friendship. However, a man’s actions may potentially jeopardize their relationship, though unintentionally.
In simpler terms, the character Fiyero Tigelaar, played by Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton, finds himself caught between a surface-level fascination for Glinda and a deepening emotional connection with Elphaba. This internal struggle introduces a necessary layer of emotion to the story, complementing the visual spectacle that includes stunning acrobatics, aerial performances, and musical numbers delivered by actors who possess exceptional vocal abilities.
Performances
Under the guidance of Jon M. Chu, the screen adaptation of the beloved musical maintains its heart on the stage while adding cinematic magic. The dedication and skill demonstrated by Chu in Wicked: Part One has earned a perfect 10/10 from us. Without a director’s guidance—at times gentle, at times forceful—to steer the actors, no captivating performance can be achieved, regardless of their talent.
Globally acclaimed for her exceptional vocal abilities, Grande seamlessly plays Glinda and we sense that her background as a Disney star helps bring the captivating, noble witch character to the screen. Her on-screen persona in the film shares similarities with the perpetually cheerful Cat Valentine. It’s a pleasure to see Grande shine in her pink costumes on the Wicked stage.
Regarding the main character Elphaba, the green-skinned witch who carries a troubled history, it would be an understatement to say that Erivo doesn’t deliver in the movie. She skillfully portrays a mix of vulnerability and determination, striking the perfect balance. This green-skinned heroine is on a mission, and her destiny is set for success, even though audiences won’t have the chance to witness Erivo securing justice for her character until later in the next year.
Jonathan Bailey, playing the male lead in Wicked, lives up to our expectations of a captivating prince. He easily leaves viewers gasping whenever he appears alongside either of the two women mentioned, evoking memories of the fluttering butterflies we felt in our tummies when we first saw him as Viscount Anthony Bridgerton in the popular Netflix series set in the Regency era.
We’re curious about the secret potion he seems to be drinking that makes him grow increasingly attractive every year. Johnny, if you happen to see this message, could you reach out to us and share your secret? Thanks!
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to rephrase it in a first-person perspective: Jeff Goldblum, embodying the enigmatic Wizard of Oz, Michelle Yeoh, portraying the formidable Madame Morrible, the strict headmistress at Shiz University, and Peter Dinklage as the compassionate Dr. Dillamond all collaborate in advancing the narrative alongside Elphaba (Erivo), Glinda (Grande), and Nessarose (Bailey). Moreover, secondary characters like Ethan Slater’s Boq and Bowen Yang’s Pfannee also contribute significantly to moving the musical’s storyline forward.
Marissa Bode should be commended for the exceptional way she played the character of Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister, who uses a wheelchair.
What Works for Wicked
After praising the actors and their performances in the movie previously mentioned, let’s delve right into discussing the exceptional work done by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox on the screenplay. They masterfully transformed a complex, imaginative, and extensive narrative into a 120-minute film that maintains its hold over the audience. Each scene, filled with humor and genuine emotion, engages viewers deeply, particularly the heartwarming friendship between Glinda and Elphaba.
Initially, upon entering the magical realm of Oz, Ariana Grande’s character is introduced as Galinda, her real name. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba showcases a confident debut at Shiz University, defying judgment with wit: “Firstly, no, I’m not seasick. Secondly, I did not eat grass growing up. And thirdly, yes, I have always been green.
Elphaba’s remarkable magical skills swiftly grab Professor Madam Morrible’s (Michelle Yeoh) attention, leading to her enrollment in a special class. Initially, Glinda feels let down by being left out, but Elphaba manages to secure her place as a gesture of thanks for her assistance with Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose.
As Johnny Bailey brings Prince Fiyero to life on stage, I find myself swept away by his effortless humor and camaraderie with Elphaba, as well as his delightful chemistry with Glinda. A fleeting, touching kiss between the two adds an extra layer of emotion to their relationship. Ethan Slater’s portrayal of Boq is equally captivating, offering a fresh perspective that enriches the story. To top it all off, the choreography, particularly Bailey’s stunning footwork during the lengthy Dancing Through Life number, leaves me in awe.
A poignant scene takes place at the Ozdust Ball, where Glinda and Elphaba share a heartfelt dance, symbolizing their acceptance of each other’s uniqueness and strengthening their bond. The heart-wrenching sight of Elphaba weeping, softly wiped away by Glinda, is intensely emotional, highlighting the movie’s main message about female camaraderie. Alongside this theme, it also explores issues like governmental misconduct, power misuse, and the struggle between rebellion and conformity.
The exceptional interaction between the characters drives the film’s enchanting musical soundtrack, co-created by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz, and showcased through lively choreography. Additionally, Paul Tazewell, a Tony and Emmy Award winner with extensive experience on renowned productions like Hamilton and Ain’t Too Proud, deserves praise for his stunning costume designs that beautifully capture the essence of Oz.
Watch Wicked Trailer Here:
What Doesn’t Work for Wicked
Given that the film is based on both a novel and a Broadway play, some viewers may find the storyline overly familiar and less engaging. Additionally, since the movie, set to premiere on November 22nd, is just the first part of a two-part series and concludes with a cliffhanger, this could potentially deter viewers.
By dividing the film into two segments, there’s a chance that the second segment, due out in fall 2025, could face an issue where viewers can guess its ending from the first part they’ve seen.
The color scheme in the cinematography could have been more vibrant, considering the movie’s extravagantly marketed image promised a more immersive visual experience. Though the restrained use of CGI was praiseworthy, employing it more sparingly might have enriched the overall spectrum of colors in the film.
Some audience members might consider the film’s music a little too excessive. Yet, since the creators explicitly mentioned this style, it’s challenging to criticize them for sticking to their word.
Final Verdict:
Director Jon M. Chu breathes life into the renowned musical by crafting breathtaking visuals and an impactful 11-track soundtrack. Boasting a captivating storyline, vivid themes, and nuanced acting (Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are generating Oscar talk for good reason), Wicked: Part One is a theatrical event that should not be missed at your local cinemas.
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2024-11-21 08:08