Wicked is a perfect combination of the book and the musical to create something special. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are enchanting together.
It should come as no surprise that Wicked is easily one of the best films of the year. Not only is this movie absolutely gorgeous, it has two leads that ooze chemistry together – and a supporting cast that is the icing on the cake.
Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) are completely enchanting together. Of course, they both have incredible singing voices and deliver performances that will give everyone watching chills (and yes, sometimes even bring you to tears). But it is so much more than that.
The relationship between these two characters is what makes Wicked what it is. It is integral to the story, and if their friendship is not believable, the messaging falls flat. Erivo and Grande capture the same essence that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth did, bringing these beloved characters to life once again.
Neither pair is better than the other, they are, all four, untouchable.
The Book Is A Lot Darker Than The Musical… The Film Combines Them
If I am being perfectly honest, I went into Wicked cautiously optimistic. I love the book series, but because of that, I have some issues with the musical. The first book, which the stage play is based on, is dark and political. And it does not have a happy ending. The musical removed a lot of that in the adaptation.
Now, I understand that certain things need to be adjusted due to timing constraints, but the ending did not need to be changed. Since the film is only part one of the story, I do not know which ending Part Two is going to choose to bring to the screen (although I have a sinking feeling they will go with the happier version). That said, so far, I am very pleased with the combination of the two source materials that Jon M. Chu has come up with.
Everything About This Movie Is Perfect
This might sound unbelievable, but there is nothing bad to say about Wicked. There is nothing even mediocre about this movie. It is easily one of the best films of the year, if not the best film of the year. Even for those who are not musical fans, I cannot fathom someone not enjoying themselves watching it.
Wicked is big, bold, and expressive. The leads are phenomenal, as I already discussed, but the supporting cast is nothing short of exceptional as well. The musical numbers are going to leave viewers with their jaws on the floor.
From the dancers who are front and center, to the ones that are difficult to spot in the back – everyone, and I mean everyone, has brought their A-game.
The story itself is captivating. As mentioned earlier, the length of this movie allows the political aspects to expand and add more meaning and impact to the story seen in the stage play. Things get dark.
This is a heavy subject matter that includes the rights of a ceratin demographic being ripped away. It is a hard watch. Especially right now. But it is also beautiful and exciting at times.
Overall Thoughts On Wicked
Wicked might be a perfect movie, but it is hard to judge it knowing that it is only half the story. Could it all fall apart in the end? Sure. But I would be completely shocked if that is the outcome. It is clear that everyone who had a hand in this film gave it their all – and then some.
Even though it clocks in at nearly three hours, it never slows down or drags. There is not one moment where viewers will be checking their watches wondering when it is going to wrap up, or how much time is left.
Wicked is something truly special. From the hair and makeup, to the costumes and set design, to the performances and epic musical numbers. It has to potential to take home multiple awards this season, and, to be honest, I will be shocked if it doesn’t.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are charming and enchanting. Both prove that they are powerhouse singers and fantastic actors. Jonathan Bailey could have chemistry with an inanimate object. That man absolutely shines in the role of Fiyero.
Marissa Bode is the perfect Nessarose, and is easy to fall in love with from the moment we first see her. Ethan Slater is adorable as Boq, Jeff Goldblum is the perfect Wizard of Oz, and Michelle Yeoh? Of course she is incredible as Madame Morrible.
Even though I do not expect it to happen – my fingers are crossed for the book ending versus the musical ending. The bar is set very high for Wicked Part Two, but I cannot imagine it losing any of the magic that this one delivers.
See Wicked on the biggest screen possible, you will not regret it.
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About Wicked
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.
Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked comes to theaters everywhere on November 22nd.
Wicked is a perfect combination of the book and the musical to create something special. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are enchanting together.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.