Wicked is the latest musical adaptation directed by John M Chu whose latest hits include 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians, and In The Heights which was another musical adaptation from him. Having him tackle Wicked was a great choice in my opinion. With great reviews and a sequel already made, I’ll give my honest spoiler-free review…
I went into Wicked thinking it would be a good way to kill a couple of hours but I left the cinema loving it more than I thought I would. It’s a beautifully crafted adaptation that takes the smash hit Broadway show and makes you feel like you're a child watching the Wizard of Oz for the first time again. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch, Wicked tells the story of The Wicked Witch and how she became the villain we know today.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were phenomenal, with Ariana Grande having careers as an actress and more recently a singer, allowing her to show to the world that she still has it as an actress, considering she mostly has made cameos since starting her music career.
Cynthia Erivo gained recognition for her role in the Broadway revival of The Colour Purple in 2015, which won her a Tony for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album and from then on, she has become a bigger name, now starring in her first musical film adaptation for Wicked, which given her experience, made her the perfect person for the role. Given this is her first leading role in a movie, she shines as Elphaba and does not disappoint with her incredible singing and powerful acting. She proves she has what it takes to be the next big thing.
The film does a great job at not rushing itself into being a one-off film. Considering how much lore there is within the Broadway show, it leaves itself open for Part 2 which after watching this one, I am very excited to see. The creation of the cities and characters are so immersive and the film does a great job of honoring The Wizard Of Oz.
Wicked has a powerful underlying message about racism and discrimination that is told through a person of color (green in this instance) is such a powerful and impactful message that it gets across without feeling too forceful with it to discourage the film experience.
Jeff Goldblum plays the iconic Wizard of Oz and although his screen time is limited, he makes sure he is remembered with his terrific performance. Considering the big role he plays, I believe it is safe to assume that he will be back for the sequel, hopefully with more screen time.
It feels like you’re watching a Broadway show with amazing musical numbers and choreographed dancing. You will watch this with a smile on your face the whole time, with songs that you won’t be able to get out of your head for days.
Overall, Wicked is a devilishly fun surprise that will have your heart melting, singing and dancing,
and highly anticipating Part 2 which is set to release in November 2025. I highly recommend watching it and if you do, I recommend going to the all-new Odeon Luxe that just opened for business in Peterborough Queensgate, for its surround sound and Imax screen - you will want to be fully immersed in this film.
5/5 stars!
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