Review- Wicked: Part 1

Fellow Ozians, many years I have waiting for a gift like this to appear. While the wait was long… it was worth it because this film defied my expectations.

“Wicked” is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz.” This retelling explores the evolving friendship between Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West as they attend Shiz University. The heartwarming story emphasizes female empowerment, the beauty of being different, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Broadway fans have been eager for a movie adaptation of the beloved musical since its inception. For years, there were rumors, but the project kept falling through. Now that it has finally come to life, I understand why it took so long. We needed to wait 20 years for Jon M. Chu to direct this film. Not only does he have a genuine love for the source material, but he also has a clear vision for the movie. The time and care he invested in every moment on screen is evident. He fully developed the world of Oz beyond our imaginations. Chu not only perfected the visual aspects of “Wicked” but also focused on how it would feel to watch it. He skillfully builds tension between the songs and dialogue, leaving the audience in awe.

You can truly feel the love from everyone involved in the making of this film. I had no doubt that Cynthia Erivo would be fantastic; she is arguably one of the most extraordinary talents of our time. The character she brought to life, the beloved Elphaba, reached new heights thanks to her performance.

A surprising addition to this film is Ariana Grande as Glinda. There’s no question about her voice—she can obviously sing. However, it was her performance that completely blew me away. The Nickelodeon star we once knew has transformed into a future Oscar nominee. Her subtle comedic choices, along with her bold and loud moments, were stunning to witness. Grande convincingly portrayed a callous, popular girl who ultimately grew a heart of gold.

The music in this film is exceptional. The updated orchestration enhances the compositions created by Stephen Schwartz, making the experience truly spectacular. When you watch this in the movie theater, it feels as though you are listening to a live, hundred-piece orchestra. Ariana Grande’s operatic voice resembles that of a nightingale. At the same time, Cynthia Erivo’s rich tone and effortless vocal runs will leave you eager to cheer and give a standing ovation after each song.

This is part one of two for this film. Many have wondered why it must be split, but this is the best decision. As a fan, I want every song included, which has been lacking in many recent musical movie adaptations. The film follows the same structure as the play and ends at the conclusion of Act 1. This might throw some people off, especially since we’ll have to wait another year for part two, but it’s worth it if we get the full “Wicked” experience, complete with fully developed characters and a complete soundtrack.

This film adaptation of “Wicked” elevates the original stage production to new heights. The sweeping score and stunning imagery draw you into this enchanting world, while every performance will leave you breathless. If you are a fan of the show, it will exceed your expectations. If you are new to this version of Oz, prepare for a magical and fantastical journey. And for those curious about whether the original Green Girl will appear alongside Glinda, let’s just say there’s a scene that will be very, very ‘Popular’ among fans.