Wickedly Breathtaking!
Chu, Erivo & Grande create a modern musical masterpiece
FILM REVIEW
Wicked
4 out of 4 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
Wicked
4 out of 4 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
From the first scene of this movie to the final shot, Wicked is absolute perfection in every meaning of the word. It's been stated in interviews and promotions over the past few weeks that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were born to play these roles and it's 100% true. The sets, the costumes, the special effects, the music, the acting, the comedy and the experience are better than I could have ever anticipated.
I’m also saying the above statements as someone who saw the musical and loved it, but I would not refer to myself as a superfan of the story. In fact, when the two part film was announced, I wondered why this couldn’t have been accomplished in one feature length film. Now, I see the visionary masterpiece that Director Jon M. Chu has given us, and would not change a single thing. Especially in recent years, we’ve seen hit musicals become movies that don’t meet the expectations of fans. This film - I promise - will exceed all expectations and will set a new standard for bringing stage productions to the big screen.
Wicked is based on the 1995 book that inspired the 2003 musical that became a Broadway, West End and touring sensation. In the story, we get to see the backstory of Glinda and Elphaba who were one time friends and then sworn enemies. Chu brings us this ambitious story in two parts. The first part is out this week and the second part will hit theaters next holiday season.
photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
Like the Broadway show, the film explores the extremely complex friendship between Galinda (Ariana Grande), who will become Glinda the Good Witch, and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Ariana Grande plays Glinda, Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) as well as the all-star cast of Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michele Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Ethan Slater (Boq), Jeff Goldblum(The Wizard) and Marissa Bode (Nessarose).
We first meet the two main characters at the fictional Shiz University. Galinda is the epitome of popularity and beauty, giving off the vibes of Cher in Clueless and Regina George in Mean Girls. Ariana Grande takes on this role with poise, an incredible amount of comedic timing and a stellar voice. The fact that Ariana Grande is having so much fun with the character, but still gives it 110% is what makes her the perfect actress for this role. Cynthia Erivo is absolutely incredible in this role and the audience feels every emotion along her journey of her misunderstood superpowers.
The supporting cast is equally superb. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero brings the right amount of appeal to both his male and female fans in this role. I’m also such a big fan of Michele Yeoh and she is perfect when it comes to all the traits that make up Madame Morrible. Bowen Yang is wonderful comic relief in the movie, and knowing that Ariana Grande specifically asked for him to be in the film, makes their chemistry all the more genuine. Speaking of chemistry, this is also the set where Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande first met and we can see the chemistry between Glinda and Boq.
We first meet the two main characters at the fictional Shiz University. Galinda is the epitome of popularity and beauty, giving off the vibes of Cher in Clueless and Regina George in Mean Girls. Ariana Grande takes on this role with poise, an incredible amount of comedic timing and a stellar voice. The fact that Ariana Grande is having so much fun with the character, but still gives it 110% is what makes her the perfect actress for this role. Cynthia Erivo is absolutely incredible in this role and the audience feels every emotion along her journey of her misunderstood superpowers.
The supporting cast is equally superb. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero brings the right amount of appeal to both his male and female fans in this role. I’m also such a big fan of Michele Yeoh and she is perfect when it comes to all the traits that make up Madame Morrible. Bowen Yang is wonderful comic relief in the movie, and knowing that Ariana Grande specifically asked for him to be in the film, makes their chemistry all the more genuine. Speaking of chemistry, this is also the set where Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande first met and we can see the chemistry between Glinda and Boq.
photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
I’ll be honest, I love musicals, but I was never a Wicked fan. This film changed everything. It was more visually stunning and incredible than I ever could have imagined and I cannot wait to see it again. My only advice is this message: I know many theater chains are selling collector merchandise for popcorn and drinks. Buy them if you want, but don’t let a single loud crunch or urge to use the restroom after a large soft drink get in the way of experiencing every morsel of this film.
At a running time of 2:40, I was skeptical on what could be added or changed since the first part of the stage version is shorter, but I'll say the time to develop the scenes and songs is time well spent. Wicked: Part Two is coming to us next year around the same time. In the second part, we wrap up this part of the Elphaba & Glinda story, but also get to see how certain characters and storylines weave themselves into The Wizard of Oz. I cannot wait!
The 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved movies of all time, and almost 100 years later, this film adaptation deserves a spot right up there for future generations to experience the wonders in the land of Oz!
At a running time of 2:40, I was skeptical on what could be added or changed since the first part of the stage version is shorter, but I'll say the time to develop the scenes and songs is time well spent. Wicked: Part Two is coming to us next year around the same time. In the second part, we wrap up this part of the Elphaba & Glinda story, but also get to see how certain characters and storylines weave themselves into The Wizard of Oz. I cannot wait!
The 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved movies of all time, and almost 100 years later, this film adaptation deserves a spot right up there for future generations to experience the wonders in the land of Oz!
Wicked
opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, November 22
opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, November 22