Experience the Magic and Drama of Wicked on the Big Screen
Origin of the Wicked Witch
In this first part of the story, we witness how the Wicked Witch of the West acquired her broomstick, flying monkeys, and hat. The wizard of Oz meticulously crafted the yellow brick road, taking away some of the mysteries that were best left unanswered in The Wizard of Oz. It's a journey that stretches the runtime, leaving us both intrigued and somewhat cheated, much like Across the Spider-Verse did. The source material, the 2003 Broadway theatre play, adds more color and depth to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Glinda the Good arrives at the Munchkin village, confirming their hopes that the Wicked Witch is dead. But there's more to her than meets the eye; they were once friends. This sets the stage for Glinda's perspective, although the narrative is mainly told from Elphaba's point of view.Elphaba, an ostracized but defiant girl with green skin, is brought to life by Erivo. She shares incredible chemistry with Ariana Grande, who portrays Galinda with a perfect balance of vanity and believability. Grande uses her natural fame as a popstar to deliver a crowd-pleasing, lavish performance, showing her gift for physical comedy. Her acting talents deserve all the praise as she holds her own against Erivo.
The songs by Stephen Shwartz are earnest and rousing, with "Defying Gravity" being the big showpiece moment. However, its deployment doesn't quite land with the intended sense of liberation. It aims for big ideas, such as bullying and populism, which are surface-level but timely themes.
The Supporting Cast
The supporting cast is truly remarkable. Jonathan Bailey brings an Elvis Presley-like charm as a rogue boy wonder, introducing music to a town that can't dance. A love triangle seems inevitable but feels forced and awkward. Michelle Yeoh is excellent as a lecturer who sees potential in Elphaba. Jeff Goldblum, as always, gives his signature performance and adds a touch of humor to the film.Even the editing choices present challenges. The color grading is stilted and lacks the vibrancy of The Wizard of Oz. The Emerald City doesn't look worthy of its name. But the film succeeds in turning a stage play into a screen adaptation, with added features like Shiz University.
The sole animal professor, a goat, talks about the importance of teaching the past. It's a testament to Wicked that it feels so timely, even with its flaws.
The Big Screen Experience
Watching Wicked on the big screen has a full effect. It's giddy and infectious, drawing applause from the audience. Grande's performance is a highlight, despite the film's length and over-indulgence. The set-pieces are lavish and exciting, showing reverence for the stage musical and The Wizard of Oz.However, the dance sequences feel rushed, and the otherworldly nature of Oz doesn't feel fantastical enough. There's a lack of visual creativity, and the stakes often feel forced and empty. The oppression of the talking animals is a key plot point that is not fully explored.
Ultimately, Wicked is a film that has its moments of magic and drama. It sets up a sequel with a sense of consequence, but as a standalone movie, it leaves us wanting more. The musical numbers are certified bops, providing enough entertainment to keep us engaged.