By Watching the film “Wicked” on its opening weekend without any knowledge of anything related to it, musical or book, I can confirm that the story is just as touching as other reviews led me to believe it would be.
“Wicked,” the film, is an adaptation of a Broadway musical based on the original novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. The film acts as a prequel to the popular children’s story, “The Wizard of Oz.”
The story centers around two characters, Elphaba and Glinda, later known as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch, as they experience their first year at Shiz University.
This is not the story you knew as a child.
“Wicked” is directed by Jon M. Chu, who has brought us other musicals, including “In The Heights”, “Step Up 2”, and “Step Up 3D”. Along with other popularly received films such as “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Now You See Me 2”.
The film begins at the scene where L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” ends with the death of the Wicked Witch of the West.
From the start, audiences are hit with the voice of Ariana Grande as Glinda singing the operatic “No One Mourns the Wicked.”
This song was delivered wonderfully, leaving me with high expectations for the rest of the film’s musical numbers, which did not disappoint.
From Jonathan Bailey’s “Dancing Through Life” to Cynthia Erivo’s “Defying Gravity,” all actors delivered incredible vocals and dance numbers.
Jonathan Bailey’s performance was especially eye-catching. His delivery of the character Fiyero, the Prince of Winkie Country, charmed most people in the theater, with some even sitting up in their seats whenever he appeared on screen.
“Wicked” also delivered comedic performances from each of the actors, most notably from Grande, whose portrayal of Glinda left many moviegoers in fits of giggles.
The film has been split into two parts, and the second is expected to be released on Nov. 21 of next year.
This first installment of the film has a run time of two hours and forty-five minutes, thirty minutes longer than the entire original Broadway musical, which sits at two hours and 15 minutes.
Although stellar in its delivery, the film’s extended run time can be felt at specific points. The nearly eight-minute “Defying Gravity” performance was longer than needed, dragging out the movie’s finale.
However, the film also takes note of some important themes and messages. The emotional impact it has had on audiences is understandable, considering the powerful messages the film delivers through its story.
The budding female friendship between Elphaba and Glinda plays a significant role in showcasing the growth between the two characters respectively.
The growth of Glinda’s character, who comes from a privileged background, consists of learning to care more for others and shedding her apathetic ways.
Elphaba’s character develops through her friendship with Glinda as she learns to let others into her life and becomes more confident within her own skin.
Within Elphaba’s journey, audiences witness an individual being treated differently because of her green skin. The film even includes a passing comment of “I don’t see color” to discreetly call attention to commonly used defenses for racism.
The grandeur of the sets behind each of the scenes and well-written characters helps audiences immerse themselves in the film, creating a more encompassing movie-going experience.
