Story: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the misunderstood green-skinned “witch,” and Glinda (Ariana Grande), the ambitious and vivacious fairy, are brought to life in the first segment of the eagerly awaited big-screen adaptation of the well-loved Broadway musical Wicked. Their entwined destinies set off a series of events that will permanently alter both their lives and the enchanted realm of Oz when their paths collide at Shiz University.
Wicked movie review
Review: The beloved Broadway musical is brought to the big screen in Wicked: Part One. The adaptation (Wicked film adaptation) finds it difficult to strike a balance between coherence and intricacy, even with its excellent production values and outstanding original material. The film, which was written and directed by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox and ambitiously expands the Wicked universe, is burdened by too many unproductive subplots.
With its dramatic opening sequence that depicts (Wicked movie review ) Elphaba’s birth, the movie grabs the audience’s attention right away. But when the plot slows down and becomes bogged down by other unfinished plots, this impetus soon wanes.
Thanks to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s performances, Elphaba and Glinda relationship is the film’s central theme. Wicked Elphaba is portrayed by Erivo with nuance and elegance, emphasizing her resiliency and sensitivity. Grande deviates from her pop star reputation to portray the endearing yet nuanced Glinda with unexpected poise and accuracy. The most captivating parts of the movie come from their interaction. The movie loses focus, though, because it insists on presenting a large array of characters with unfinished plots.
For example, the handsome prince Fiyero Tigelaar (played by Jonathan Bailey) makes a powerful debut, but his storyline quickly turns into a perplexing diversion. The predicament of the talking animals, who are about to be silenced and put in cages, and Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who is wheelchair-bound, also provide intriguing moments but fall short of becoming significant story arcs. Even Michelle Yeoh’s witty and perceptive Madame Morrible is underutilized, leaving viewers wanting more of her.(Wicked movie review2024)
The movie has stunning visuals. Through stunning photography, Alice Brooks transports viewers to the vivid, enchanting world of Oz and the picturesque surroundings of Shiz University. A visual feast is provided by the lavish costumes, complex stage designs, and flawless special effects. The screenplay, which feels bloated and excessively lengthy, unfortunately falls short of this visual grandeur, diminishing the force of the narrative’s urgency and emotional impact.
Wicked is a musical that mostly depends on its songs, yet Stephen Schwartz and John Powell’s tunes don’t make an impact. The songs are an essential component of the narrative, but they are not as memorable as their Broadway equivalents. They frequently feel monotonous and uninspired rather than enhancing the story, which lengthens the film’s already lengthy running length.
Wicked: Part One is ultimately a mixed bag. Its complicated plot and unmemorable music hinder it, even as its breathtaking graphics and powerful lead performances completely immerse viewers in a magical realm. The captivating visuals might entice younger viewers, but the plodding pacing and exaggerated plot could easily divert their focus. Adults, on the other hand, could find the never-ending song sequences and unsolved storylines exhausting, particularly given the annoying “to be continued” conclusion.
Wicked Movie Review: A Tale of Ambition That Falls Just Short
The eagerly anticipated Wicked film adaptation has finally arrived, bringing with it the weight of sky-high expectations. Fans of the beloved musical and book hoped this would be a cinematic spectacle for the ages, a magical retelling of the untold stories of Oz. While the movie dazzles with its grand production values and occasional glimpses of brilliance, it ultimately falls short of delivering the emotional depth and charm it so desperately seeks.
Visually, Wicked is a feast for the eyes. The world of Oz comes alive with stunning set pieces, vibrant costumes, and impressive CGI, ensuring the film captures the magical essence that audiences have come to expect. The performances, too, are strong, with the lead cast bringing their vocal prowess to the iconic score. Moments like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” still resonate powerfully, showcasing the enduring strength of Stephen Schwartz’s music and lyrics.
However, despite these flashes of brilliance, Wicked struggles to reach new heights. The pacing feels uneven, and the screenplay misses opportunities to delve deeper into the complex themes of friendship, identity, and power that made the original story so compelling. The narrative often feels rushed, sacrificing character development for spectacle.
Most disappointingly, Wicked lacks the heart and emotional resonance that set the stage production apart. The chemistry between its protagonists, Elphaba and Glinda, doesn’t fully capture the nuanced bond that makes their story so captivating. Without that emotional core, the film feels more like a glittering showpiece than a transformative journey.
In the end, Wicked shines in moments but lacks the magic necessary to truly enchant. While it will undoubtedly please some fans and introduce a new audience to the world of Oz, it doesn’t quite capture the soul of its source material. For all its potential, Wicked leaves viewers longing for the charm and heart it needed to soar.
In conclusion, Part One of Wicked is a mixed bag. Its complex plot and unmemorable music undercut its promise, even as its breathtaking images and powerful lead performances completely immerse viewers in a magical realm. The captivating visuals might be somewhat appealing to younger audiences, but the plodding rhythm and dense plot could turn them off. Adults, on the other hand, may find the incessant songs and unresolved subplots tedious, particularly given the annoying “to be continued” ending.
Despite all of its dazzling promises, this much awaited adaptation (Wicked movie review ) falls short of its desired enchantment. Wicked sparkles occasionally but eventually lacks the passion and enchantment to really take off. (Wicked movie review) (It Ends with Us)