When the news broke that the renowned Broadway show "Wicked" was set to become a movie, a mix of anticipation and excitement filled the air. "Wicked" holds a special place in my heart as it served as my gateway into the enchanting world of musical theater. I vividly recall listening to the Broadway cast recording during my early years while traveling in the car. And let's be honest, although I hold a deep affection for movie musicals, there are instances when the transition from stage to screen doesn't quite meet our expectations (take, for example, the recent adaptation of "Mean Girls"). However, "Wicked" stands as the epitome of how a musical adaptation should be done right.

If You Haven't Seen It, Spoilers Ahead!

If you haven't had the pleasure of watching this movie and wish to avoid spoilers, it's time to stop reading. Just understand that this film has surpassed all expectations in every aspect, and you simply must make it a point to see it.

The Story and Its Origins

For those unfamiliar with "Wicked," it's the prequel to "The Wizard of Oz." It delves into the lives of Glinda, the Good Witch, and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before the events of the classic tale. Originally a book by Gregory Maguire, it was adapted into a Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon. The musical premiered in June 2003 and continues to thrive on Broadway today, captivating millions around the world. This is what fueled the excitement leading up to the release of the film.

The Casting: Bringing the Characters to Life

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Galinda were nothing short of extraordinary. When they were first cast, there were concerns about Grande's ability to separate her popstar persona from the character. But she proved everyone wrong with her hilarious portrayal of Galinda. Her renditions of "The Wizard and I," "I'm Not That Girl," and "Defying Gravity" were truly moving, bringing tears to our eyes. Erivo, on the other hand, had the vocal prowess to handle the role and added depth and humor to Elphaba. Their chemistry on screen was palpable.Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero was a casting choice that was met with unanimous approval. His singing and dancing skills were exceptional, and "Dancing Through Life" became one of the film's standout sequences. He brought a certain charm and charisma to the role that made him a fan favorite.Ethan Slater as Boq and Marissa Bode as NessaRose also made excellent casting decisions. Bode's portrayal as the first actual wheelchair user in the role added a layer of authenticity to the film. She is incredibly talented and we look forward to seeing more of her in the upcoming Part 2.

The Visuals and Special Effects

Everything about this movie was a visual delight. From the meticulously crafted sets to the stunning special effects, every detail was perfect. The decision to construct the sets instead of relying solely on CGI was a brilliant one. Thousands of flowers were planted outside Munchkinland, the Emerald City was brought to life, and even a train was re-constructed for "One Short Day." While there was some CGI used, such as for the flying monkeys and talking goats, it was used sparingly and added to the overall magic of the film.

The Music and Score

One of the things I loved most about this film was its treatment of the original songs. It stayed true to the essence of the music while allowing the actors to infuse their own personalities into it. In contrast to the "Mean Girls" movie musical, where the orchestrations were changed and the songs suffered, "Wicked" maintained the beauty of the original music. We could hear little motifs from future songs in Part 2, such as "For Good," and also catch echoes of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from the original "Wizard of Oz" film. The music and score enhanced the story and gave us goosebumps on multiple occasions.

The Production Design and Costumes

The production design and costumes in this movie were truly remarkable. Every detail was carefully thought out, from the grandeur of the Emerald City to the whimsical costumes of the characters. It was evident that a great deal of thought and effort went into creating this world on screen. And the fact that they stayed true to the original musical by including much of the dialogue from the Broadway show added an extra layer of joy.Whoever decided to entrust Jon Chu with bringing this story to life deserves all the praise. He captured the essence of "Wicked" on every level and delivered a cinematic experience that will be remembered for years to come. As we eagerly await the release of Part 2 in 363 days, we can't wait to see what these incredible creatives will bring to the screen next.