As a long-time musical enthusiast and someone who has seen their fair share of stage productions, I must say that “Wicked” is a visual and auditory feast that truly does justice to the beloved Broadway show. The film’s stunning sets, captivating costumes, and the remarkable performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are nothing short of breathtaking.
In an impressive, captivating reimagining, “Wicked” translates the Broadway sensation into a theatrical extravaganza that will leave both longtime fans and newcomers enchanted. This prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” offers a fresh perspective on the cherished tale, boasting stellar performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera (as credited in the film). Their electrifying camaraderie and powerful vocal performances shine brightly in stunning musical sequences. However, the narrative, though thin at times, is stretched to its limits for a lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes, surpassing even the original stage production and stretching credibility given this film is only the first part of a two-part storyline.
At the start, people in Oz rejoice over the death of the terrifying Wicked Witch of the West. Then, the Benevolent Witch of the North, Glinda (with a grandeur that mirrors her name), adorned in a pretty pink dress and tiara, blonde hair gleaming, enters Munchkinland to cheers. Simultaneously, an effigy of their former adversary gets burned as she lands from her magical bubble. The joyous crowd dances until a munchkin interrupts with an uncomfortable query for Glinda: Aren’t you and the Wicked Witch, who was once your best friend, far too acquainted with such a wretched creature?
In the story that unfolds, we witness a series of events from the past where Elphaba Thropp, later known as the Witch of the West, is born following an intriguing romantic encounter. Frexspar Thropp, the ruler of Munchkinland, reacts with shock and revulsion upon seeing his newborn baby girl’s green skin. As she matures into a young woman, Elphaba faces ridicule, ostracism, and embarrassment due to her unique complexion. However, it becomes evident that she possesses extraordinary magical abilities, particularly when she protects her sister, Nessa, who is confined to a wheelchair.
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande on a Collision Course of Destiny
In time, Elphaba (Erivo) goes with Nessa (Marissa Bode) to their introduction at the prestigious Shiz University. While other new students adore Galinda (Grande), not yet Glinda, and stare at the green teenager and her handicapped sibling, Elphaba doesn’t ignore their ridicule. Her strong reaction catches the eye of Headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). She perceives magical abilities in Elphaba and promptly chooses her as her apprentice, causing distress among Galinda and Nessa.
If you find the first act of “Wicked” reminiscent of a blend between “Mean Girls” and “Harry Potter,” that’s quite accurate. The character Galinda, who draws attention to herself by flipping her golden hair, isn’t pleased about sharing her living space with the odd-looking green girl. As Morrible pays special attention to Elphaba’s magical education, Galinda’s snobbish and self-centered behavior worsens. Elphaba is subjected to increasing ridicule and mistreatment due to her unique appearance. However, when the attractive and charming Prince Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey) arrives at Shiz, he disrupts the social order with his mischievous charm.
A Beautifully Depicted Friendship in Wicked
The main ideas in this movie revolve around acceptance, prejudice, and comprehension. Elphaba isn’t portrayed as a villain at all; instead, she’s been constantly oppressed and misjudged due to her unique skin tone, which mirrors the struggles faced by those affected by racism. Galinda eventually learns this lesson when she observes Elphaba’s numerous acts of kindness. As Elphaba transforms from a nuisance into someone worthy of respect, Galinda’s own self-centeredness and pride become more apparent. In the end, Elphaba and Galinda manage to cross their boundaries and forge a deep bond that blossoms into a heartwarming friendship. Witnessing this beautiful friendship unfold is truly captivating.
The hilarious exchanges between Elphaba and Galinda become more frequent as their bond deepens, leaving the audience in stitches when Galinda helps Elphaba with a new look. Emotions may run high as Galinda comes to understand the mistreatment Elphaba has endured, stirring up both laughter and tears. Ultimately, Elphaba experiences warmth, affection, and acceptance for the first time, and Wicked skillfully captures these poignant moments of emotion and humor.
Director Jon M. Chu skillfully blends the lavish extravagance of the movie with the exceptional vocal and dance abilities of Erivo and Grande. The captivating and unique singing and dancing sequences are a standout reason to watch this film. A mesmerizing scene set in a library with revolving bookshelves is particularly noteworthy. In this scene, both actresses showcase their incredible vocal range, hitting impressive alto octaves, all while gracefully leaping and twirling in high heels. It’s worth noting that they appear to be wearing lifts, making their intricate and challenging choreography even more impressive. Chu ensures the actresses remain at eye-level, allowing the grandeur of the towering backdrops to maintain its awe-inspiring impact.
Wicked’s Plot Is Stretched Longer Than Yellow Brick Road
It seems that the first part of “Wicked” overstays its welcome, as the characters’ friendship dilutes the initial wickedness that Elphaba is portrayed to possess. The narrative that paints Elphaba as the villain and Oz’s most wanted takes an extended period to unfold, making the journey feel laborious. This issue might not be entirely Chu’s fault, as the story likely required additional plot elements to stretch into two movies. It appears that this decision was primarily driven by a desire to maximize box office revenue, resulting in Part One being potentially overly lengthy.
The build-up to the peak point in Wicked, a Universal Pictures and Marc Platt Productions production set for release on November 22nd by Universal Pictures, could benefit from being meatier. While diehard fans will likely be enthralled every step of the way, others might find themselves becoming slightly bored due to its straightforward narrative. However, the acting and music are truly exceptional and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys musicals. As audiences exit the theater, they’ll be eagerly anticipating the next installment. Here’s hoping it’s more concise!
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-19 23:01