Visually stunning, Wicked transports you right into the magic of the Land of Oz where fun surprises, grand musical numbers, and two enemies turned friends wait to help you defy gravity.
Wicked Review
In 1995, Gregory Maguire released his novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West named Elphaba, Maguire’s book explored what drove her to being so evil, painting the villain in a more sympathetic light. Then in 2003, it was turned into the Tony award-winning musical Wicked, with songs like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” (arguably the most iconic of the show) becoming instant hits. Now, director Jon M. Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians) is bringing the Broadway classic to the big screen in a 161 minute blockbuster that only covers the first half of the play. Yes, the marketing has shied away from this fact but this is actually only Wicked: Part I.
This would lead many to assume that the split in the story coupled with that long runtime means more of Maguire’s book would be adapted to fill in the gaps. However, they would be wrong. Writers Winnie Holzman (who wrote the musical book) and Dana Fox instead give the story time to breathe, rather than hurtle along to the natural conclusion involving a very dead witch. Sometimes that pacing works, like when it allows Glinda and Elphaba’s enemies-to-friends relationship to blossom other times it brings any momentum built to an almost standstill. Overall though, it is a faithful adaptation of the stage play that shows Chu’s keen eye for staging big musical spectacles.
Wicked is visually stunning, transporting you into the magic of the Land of Oz. There are fun surprises, colorful set pieces, and beautiful costumes, with performances that at times shoot up high into the atmosphere like Oz’s hot air balloon. I was skeptical that Chu and his team would be able to pull off the feeling of seeing the stage show for the first time but he succeeds. There are a few minor issues I took with the film but overall Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo make the parts their own, with a chemistry that really shines when they musically spar. These two will likely become the Glinda and Elphaba for a new generation and fans in general are going to make this one a massive hit.
It all starts when Glinda (Ariana Grande), the good witch of the North, confirms to all the citizens of Oz that the Wicked Witch of the West is truly dead. She seems happy but also a bit wistful. To understand her conflicted feelings, we journey back to the beginning, when a young Elphaba came into the world and was immediately treated harshly thanks to her green skin and innate powers. Once she grows up, Elphaba (Erivo) becomes a student at Shiz University thanks to Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh who learns of those talents. She promises Elphaba a chance to meet the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), the man who could help her fit in. Her roommate? The bubbly, pink-clad Galinda (before she becomes Glinda). As their friendship grows and she attempts to master her powers, Elphaba soon finds out about a darkness that is spreading through Oz, one that affects the land’s talking animals. With a righteous desire to help the helpless, Elphaba must make a choice about what her future will be.
The animal storyline, although important because it fuels Elphaba’s decisions, has never been the strongest on stage and the same holds true with the film. Primarily shown through Doctor Dillamond’s (Peter Dinklage) character, this is one of the moments given the aforementioned more time. It is clear that Elphaba feels a sense of empathy for the animals and can see her own tribulations in their plight. Yet it still manages to be a weak plot point, especially in comparison to her friendship with Glinda or her interest in prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey, a man who could have chemistry with a wall). It also doesn’t help that the animals themselves fall prey to the CGI trap which makes them seem more uncanny valley level than say Planet of the Apes.
For the most part, Wicked sidesteps the pitfalls plagued by the overuse of CGI in today’s big films. The rooms and grounds of Shiz University are alive with details, textures, and physical items that make it feel like a real place. There are rotating bookshelves, impressive dance acrobatics both on and off tables, walls, etc, and the choreography is incredible. And when certain moments hit, like during “Popular” and “Dancing Through Life,” you feel as if you are watching the expertly crafted Broadway show and not a big budget film. Equally eye-popping are Paul Tazewell’s costume designs, with their feathers, tulle, and sparkles. The fabrics, the textiles, the locations all work together to create a sense of whimsy. It all feels magical, and despite the animals and the occasional moments where you wish technicolor was still a viable option for films.
Grande and Erivo have a wonderful chemistry that really crackles with magic when they musically spar. Grande brings her own flavor of quirkiness and flightiness to Glinda. She also fully gives herself over to the ofttimes ridiculous mannerisms and physical comedy Glinda is known for. The hair tossing is done with such an air of seriousness by Grande you can’t help but laugh. She always carries herself in a way that shows just how elegant and superficial Glinda is, yet she can and does make the switch when a more emotional moment is called for. Naturally, she sings her heart out but she never overpowers Erivo and when the two join together in song you can hear and see exactly why they were cast.
Erivo stood out the most to me with her quietly powerful performance. She is reserved, smart, tough yet delicate, a woman used to walking through life with nothing but sneering faces staring back at her. It’s during her solo number, “The Wizard and I,” where Erivo invites us into Elphaba’s thoughts. She is open, raw, and honest with herself and us as she finally speaks out loud her closely guarded secrets. Her “Defying Gravity” is the stunning showstopper we love, the perfect way to end Part I (but we knew that already). This and “Popular” are the two musical numbers that will end up being the most memorable for the average audience member. Although it should be noted that Chu lets this one go on for several beats too long, which threatens to undermine its effectiveness.
Despite everything, I do think this film might divide theater fans. Those of us who are used to stage performances or being up there ourselves know how a broadway style song is supposed to sound. Or how seemingly exaggerated mannerisms are key to conveying the slightest emotions. Grande is a talented performer and singer, but her tendency to be breathy and soft just doesn’t always work for songs that require more sharp enunciation. I sat there thinking my choir teacher would’ve pulled her right off the set and banished her from ever auditioning again. (Respected that woman to the ends of the Earth but she was scary!) Several of the songs just don’t take flight, mainly due to the actors performing them. Nothing against them or their voices, but Goldblum and Yeoh aren’t Broadway performers and for songs such as these that is a requirement. It reminded me of Emma Watson’s singing in Beauty and the Beast. She was wonderful as Belle but her vocals were the weakest link which was obvious when they were put up next to the powerhouse voices of the rest of the cast.
Verdict
Jon M. Chu brings his talents to Oz and delivers a visual, musical feast worthy of the Broadway phenomenon that is Wicked. Despite some short comings, the film overall is magical and whimsical, an adaptation that feels both fresh and familiar. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo make the parts of Glinda and Elphaba their own, with a dynamic chemistry that ensures heartstrings will be pulled during the final number. I don’t think this film will win over the musical hating crowd but I do believe fans are going to ultimately fall in love with it.
Wicked releases in theaters November 22. It is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive material with a runtime of 161 minutes.
