Wicked Review: One of 2024’s Most Entertaining Blockbusters

As someone who has grown up with “The Wizard of Oz” as a staple in my life, I must say that “Wicked” has taken the Yellow Brick Road and given it a thrilling twist. After twenty years in development, the wait was more than worth it. This movie is not just a spectacle, but a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema.

It’s been twenty long years since the stage musical “Wicked” found its way onto the big screen. While there might be numerous theories circulating about the reasons behind this delay, the first installment of this two-part adaptation demonstrates that the wait was absolutely worth it. Amidst various tales based on or related to “The Wizard of Oz” that have emerged and then faded away, “Wicked” takes flight with a brave attitude and a high level of technical finesse that seems increasingly scarce in Hollywood nowadays. This year, “Wicked” isn’t just one of the most enjoyable blockbusters; it stands out as one of the most self-assured.

Exploring the past of the Wicked Witch of the West in the land of Oz, the musical “Wicked” delves into the shared history of Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande), tracing their early days at Shiz University. Elphaba is swiftly admitted to Shiz when Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) recognizes her abilities, while Galinda endeavors to master magic despite facing rejection from her professor. Initially assigned as roommates, Elphaba and Galinda eventually forge a connection, their lives becoming entwined with a deeper plot that lies at the heart of Oz itself.

In the movie “Wicked,” both Erivo and Grande share top billing and credit, yet it’s undeniably Erivo’s captivating portrayal of Elphaba that largely contributes to the film’s success. From her very first steps on screen, there’s an air of conviction about Erivo as Elphaba, even before her ambitions become evident. She instantly brings a fully-fleshed character to life, yet manages to develop Elphaba throughout the movie as she herself evolves within the film. Her performance is both spirited and dynamic, showcasing Erivo’s versatility and acting prowess.

In the movie, Grande truly shines when she puts her unique spin on the character of Galinda instead of just copying Kristin Chenoweth’s original portrayal from Broadway. However, at times it seems like she overdoes some of the iconic characteristics, which can feel less effective compared to the original. Thankfully, these moments are not frequent, and Grande performs exceptionally well when she leans into her own humor and finds ways to deliver impactful dramatic scenes.

In the case of the movie “Wicked”, some members of the cast may not fully live up to their potential compared to the stage production. Among these, Jonathan Bailey stands out as Fiyero, the Winkie prince who leaves an impression on Shiz after his enrollment. Bailey brings a charisma and humor to the role that many other supporting characters seem to lack, and he also embodies an infectious energy. Ethan Slater and Marissa Bode do well in their limited scenes as Boq and Nessarose respectively, but their characters don’t have much depth at this point in the story. Even Michelle Yeoh, who has a commanding presence, feels underused, as does Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz. This is where the two-part structure of the story becomes apparent, with some characters receiving less attention as they wait to be further developed in the sequel.

Jon M. Chu, the director of Wicked, skillfully employs two techniques that significantly enhance the narrative and create a cinematic experience. Firstly, he cleverly plays with audience expectations by twisting familiar elements from the musical. Instead of following the predicted sequence of events or transitions between songs, he extends these moments with pauses, keeping viewers on their toes. This unpredictability leaves audiences intrigued, not only because they’re surprised by the lack of expected progression in the musical itself, but also because they don’t know when this unexpected pause will end.

This strategy is the second major feat achieved by Chu: he skillfully employs those captivating pauses to delve into intricate details of a personal story’s sequence. On stage, the actors in “Wicked” need to be large to ensure their emotional cues are visible even from the back; on screen, Chu grants performers the liberty to convey feelings that aren’t always perceptible from every seat in a Broadway theater and transforms it into something solely observable.

It’s important to acknowledge the outstanding cinematography in the movie “Wicked,” skillfully crafted by Alice Brooks, who often collaborates with the filmmaker. The camera work in this film has a grand, sweeping feel. Brooks effectively amplifies emotional moments by strategically positioning the camera in ways that a stage production can’t match. On a larger scale, she meticulously highlights every dollar spent on set, as the sets are massive and filled with energy, not just through moving parts but also through choreography itself. She presents it all in a way that keeps viewers engaged throughout.

Fans of The Wizard of Oz might find a few contrived links in the storyline of Wicked, as certain prequel aspects can seem like answers to questions we didn’t really need. However, despite this minor drawback, the skill and care put into bringing this story to life is evident. The film adaptation of Wicked doesn’t diminish the stage show; on the contrary, director Chu’s film elevates the original musical in almost every aspect.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Wicked lands in theaters on November 22nd.

2024-11-20 01:11

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