Wicked – Movie Review
First Reaction – Wicked delivers a spectacular ending.
Where to Watch Wicked
a JustWatch
Director: Jon M Chu
Writer: Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox (Screenplay)
Writer: Gregory Maguire (Novel)
Cast
- Cynthia Erivo (Widows)
- Ariana Grande (Don’t Look Up)
- Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton)
- Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park)
- Kristin Chenoweth (Bros)
Plot: Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.
Runtime: 2 Hour 40 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Wicked starts when Elphaba (Erivo) joins her sister Nessarose (Bode) at Shiz University. Her unique green appearance and magical abilities grab the attention of Madame Morrible (Yeoh) who wants to teach her. However, her roommate Galinda (Grande) struggles to adapt to her being around.
When the two slowly put aside their differences they face other challenges. They travel to the Emerald City to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Goldblum).
Verdict on Wicked
Recap
The first chapter of the Wicked saga follows the unlikely friends Elphaba and Galinda as they adapt to university together. Once they put things aside they get invited to meet the Wizard of Oz and learn what he has been planning for the land.
Best Parts
We must start with the best part of the movie, the production design is flawless and everything looks amazing. The last 20 minutes are spectacular, and the performances are wonderful throughout. Defying Gravity is breath taking to watch performed and easily the highlight of the movie.
Worst Parts
The problems come from someone who has never seen the stage show. I don’t get why they don’t like Elphaba just because she is green, nothing is explained in any way. Outside of Defying Gravity the rest of the songs are largely forgettable too. It felt more like a Mean Girls movie than anything else, where too much time is spent dealing with high school dramas and social positioning, we don’t get to what is the more interesting story, what is happening in Oz.
Final Thoughts – Wicked looks amazing but felt empty on the story front.
