As a lifelong resident of Broadway, I’ve seen my fair share of musicals, but none have quite captured my heart like Wicked. Growing up just a stone’s throw away from the Gershwin Theatre, I’ve witnessed the magical transformation of Oz through the eyes of Elphaba and Galinda for the past two decades. So, it was with great anticipation that I settled into my seat for the film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu.
Don’t be offended by my frank analysis: Wicked is the best movie musical of 2024.
Ever since I was young, I’ve resided just a short distance from the Gershwin Theatre. Over the past two decades, this theatre has been the residence of Wicked, an innovative reimagining of The Wizard of Oz with fresh, remarkable tunes. Now, under the direction of Jon M. Chu, a cinematic version is making its grand entrance onto the big screen. In this film, Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba and Ariana Grande-Butera plays Galinda, guiding us back along the yellow brick road for a fresh narrative that primarily unfolds before Dorothy Gale’s arrival in Oz with the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow.
Wicked is an unmissable cinematic spectacle, a musical theatre enthusiast’s dream long awaited. Director Chu, who has already shown his prowess with In the Heights, skillfully guides Stephen Schwartz’s music. His direction ensures a harmonious blend of captivating dance sequences and just the right amount of camera work and editing to fully exploit the cinematic experience.
In this movie, a striking scene unfolds during a party. This sequence sends shivers down your spine as you observe the dynamic transformation in the characters’ relationships through their dance moves. As spectators, we catch glimpses of each character’s vulnerabilities and discover that they all harbor hidden depths. Both Erivo and Grande deliver exceptional performances during this scene, with Erivo particularly captivating as the main character. She is a relatable figure who faces prejudice due to her skin color. The film deftly incorporates themes of racial bias, which resonates deeply within these characters’ stories.
In my opinion, Ariana Grande as Elphaba in “Wicked” is an outstanding casting decision. I was initially worried that her star persona might overshadow the role, but that’s far from the truth. It’s evident how deeply she connects with Galinda and prioritizes serving the character over herself. She truly shines in this movie. From her early displays of powerful vocals to her portrayal of Galinda brimming with charm, Ariana delivers a captivating performance that I can’t get enough of.
Galinda, as a character, isn’t always easy to warm up to. She clashes with Elphaba from the start, revealing herself to be superficial and self-centered. However, they eventually develop a strong connection, despite their contrasting personalities remaining distinct. Initially, they harbor intense dislike for each other, but over time, they form an unbreakable bond. Grande-Butera’s humor in the film is spot-on, providing a delightful counterpoint to Erivo’s endearing yet multifaceted, emotional portrayal. Both actresses excel in their vocal performances, infusing depth and emotion into their powerful singing voices.
Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum are equally great additions to the cast. Yeoh’s presence is captivating, able to convey warmth, authority, and fear in equal measure. Chu teams up with her again after “Crazy Rich Asians,” and their on-screen partnership is effective. Although their musical performances leave something to be desired, as they are not quite on par with Erivo and Grande vocally, Jonathan Bailey shines in his musical number, “Dancing Through Life.” He also has a charming screen presence, playing the charismatic Fiyero who is both flirtatious and entertaining.
Regrettably, one of the less impressive aspects of the movie is its camera work. Despite having a massive $145 million budget and intricately designed sets, Alice Brooks’ cinematography sometimes feels unpleasant to watch. When compared to our visit to Oz in 1939, it’s like day and night. The Wizard of Oz was richly colored, vivid, and lively. In contrast, although Wicked boasts vibrant acting (especially by Bowen Yang), its color scheme is dull and understated. While backlighting can often improve movie shots, it unfortunately detracts from certain scenes in this film due to the overexposure of the backgrounds.
Despite some visually appealing sequences in Wicked, the lighting sometimes fails to create depth, rendering each frame monotonous. Musical pieces such as “The Wizard and I” contain amusing instances, but they conclude in an uninteresting open field devoid of texture. However, the film’s most memorable musical number is undoubtedly “Defying Gravity.” The climax of Wicked is impactful, particularly due to its exploration of Elphaba’s desires. The tension, action, and peril escalate substantially in the final act, making it an exhilarating experience. Chu and Stephen Schwartz skillfully enhance the songs for a fitting conclusion while leaving us eager for more.
The musical “Wicked” is an unforgettable spectacle that will undoubtedly delight anyone who loves music. It significantly enhances the theatrical experience by developing characters in depth and provoking both laughter and tears.
SCORE: 8/10
According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 is equivalent to “Great.” Although it has a handful of minor flaws, this score signifies that the artwork accomplishes its purpose effectively and leaves an indelible impression.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Wicked review.
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2024-11-19 23:11