There are certain film adaptations that you say to yourself “this is was done so well”. You’re smiling every scene. You’re anxiously waiting for “that scene” or “that moment ” to arrive. And it’s awesome.
Which brings us to Wicked. The long waited film adaptation of the Gregory McGuire novel and the 2003 musical. Almost immediately after opening on Broadway, rumors of a film adaptation began. And now, over 20 years later, we have one of the most highly anticipated films of the year.
Wicked has been part of most of my life. I remember being a young teenager. Reading on theatre blogs about a musical coming to Broadway. It was to be the prequel of the wizard of oz. Answering all the questions you never thought of. Why is the cowardly lion so cowardly? The wicked witch wasn’t wicked, she was misunderstood. And not everything is poppy fields and bubbles in OZ. All to a score my Stephen Schwartz. I was intrigued, inquisitive and wanted to know more. And then I saw one photo that changed everything.
October 30, 2003 wicked opened on Broadway. And this photo changed it all for me. I was stunned. “This is Broadway! You can do something so magical and put it onstage” is what I told myself.
And then I bought the soundtrack. I’ll leave that story alone.
Needless to say the musical and story had an impact on me and my generation. The outcasts. The ones who were shunned away or laughed at because they are different. But they’re not different, they’re extraordinary. Wicked went from Broadway hit to a phenomenon. So after years of rumors, development hell, and a pandemic, I speak for the fans of wicked and say “we wanted this done right”.
So what moment arrived by bubble and what can be melted by the ozian guards?
The new orchestrations. Not really new per see, more like an upgrade. It sounds lush and big. There is an overture now! It was one of the first things that made me choke up. I’d suspect if budget and space allowed, this is how the show would sound live every night.
The sets are real. This sounds really stupid. But in an age where almost everything is done on computer. It was amazing to see huge sets and dramatic lighting. They are fully in the world. This makes it a future classic. Unlike now where technology is the forefront just because it “looks cool”
The references to the wizard of oz and the stage show. I’m mentioning it because it was done so well. Blending it into the story and not being cheesy. From new orchestrations that pay tribute to the 1939 film. To various props throughout the film. Even mentions of characters from various Oz books. This is a great tribute to any Oz fan.
The performances. This is just for the cast as a whole. It was cast so well. I had my reservations on some. But all did well in their roles. You can tell this movie is just as special to them. You can feel the emotions in their roles. This goes for the cameos too, wink wink.
Ariana Grande as Galinda/Glinda. Dare I say you almost forget it’s Ariana Grande. There are many moments that she is Galinda. Her comedic timing and sassy attitude really steals every scene that she’s in. But also her emotional moments are raw and real. I love Glinda’s arch in the musical so I’m very excited to see how Ariana continues in the role. Also shoutout to her dancing! I couldn’t get over it!
Johnathan Bailey as Fieryo. I must say he was the biggest surprise for me. I wasn’t prepared for the swag and the sexy energy he has brought to Fieryo. Also the flirtatious factor is on 1000! Not giving anything away, but we’re not just swooning for the ladies.
Jeff goldblum as the wizard of oz. Another person I wasn’t prepared for. He was perfectly cast for this role. There is something about this man that puts everyone in good mood. You fall in love with him and wanna slap him at the same time. Which is the perfect type of character trope for the wizard. Also Jeff can carry a tune! I’m very excited for part two because he gets a full number to do.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. I know many have discussed her singing and how she is a powerhouse. And indeed she is. But I want to point out her acting. Her vulnerability is on full display. Elphaba is in almost every scene, so you really get to know her. By the end you’re cheering for her. She really made a beautiful arch for her interpretation of Elphaba.
The only dislike I have is maybe the film running a little too long. I personally would have cut a line here or there. Mostly the new dialogue. At the same time I understand why it’s there.
So what’s my opinion of Wicked? My 13 year old self is smiling. For any Oz fan or fan of the musical, see it. It was put on good hands and made with so much love and respect to the source material. And that’s all a fan could ever ask for. During the film I said to myself “I should watch the wizard of oz now” it only makes sense right, if you know you know.
WICKED part one is currently in theaters. Part two is scheduled for fall 2025. The stage musical is still currently playing on Broadway, in London’s west end and various tours and international productions.
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