“Wicked: Part I” is a cinematic spectacle that gives a new perspective on the infamous world of The Wizard of Oz.
While the film undoubtedly captures the magic and heart of the world and its characters, it also offers a unique cinematic experience that expands upon the source material.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its stunning visual aesthetic. The vibrant colors, intricate costumes, and imaginative set designs transport viewers to a fantastical world. The filmmakers have masterfully created iconic, memorable moments with visual flourishes that enhance the storytelling.
The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the grandeur of Oz and the intimacy of its characters. The dance choreography, on the other hand, is a disaster. Everything feels out of rhythm and all over the place.
The film boasts an exceptional cast that brings their A-game to their roles. Cynthia Erivo delivers a powerhouse performance as Elphaba, capturing the character’s complexity and vulnerability with incredible nuance.
Her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence are simply mesmerizing. Jonathan Bailey, as Fiyero, delivers a charismatic and nuanced performance. His chemistry with Erivo is palpable, and he brings a much-needed dose of romantic intrigue to the story.
Ethan Slater’s portrayal of Boq is both heartwarming and hilarious. His comedic timing and physical comedy are spot on. Michelle Yeoh is captivating as Madame Morrible, bringing a sinister edge to the role. Her powerful presence and commanding performance elevate every scene she’s in. The only performance I felt was quite underwhelming was Ariana Grande, who felt like a forgettable side character like Glinda.
“Wicked” takes some creative liberties to expand the world and delve deeper into the characters’ backstories. The filmmakers have skillfully balanced the familiar and the new, creating a film that honors the original while standing on its own.
While there are a lot of aspects I loved experiencing on the big screen, the students in the film might be some of the most irritating creatures ever written, so much so that they make Netflix-wannabe teenagers look cool. But, hey, at least there’s an exploration of political themes here, which I really loved!
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to delve deeper into the world of Oz. The filmmakers have expanded upon the backstory of the core characters, exploring their motivations and relationships in greater detail. This added depth enriches the storytelling and makes the characters even more compelling. The film also raises thought-provoking questions about power, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil.
One peculiar part about the direction is that there are quite a few instances in the film, one of them being catching the broom (you’ll know it when you watch it), that couldn’t have been possible without a strong sense of imagination. Jon M. Chu deserves that extra bit of appreciation.
The best part about the film is its overly long runtime, which actually helps the character arcs breathe and lets the story sync in. You get to feel the irritation of being in that world surrounded by such wannabe people and get to sync in as to how opinions and perspectives are shaped. So that’s definitely a plus point.
The film isn’t the best, but it also doesn’t get lost among the classic adaptations, as it really gives the time and emotion required to grasp the storyline. The plot is highly predictable but fun. I am not in complete agreement as to why Oz is merely a powerless villain, but maybe the entire story can be fleshed out in part 2.
For all its awesomeness, “Wicked” is an enchanting film that feels slow at the start but then makes you wanna thank the filmmakers for making it so long as the second half really picks up with the plot. If you’re a fan of the world, you would definitely be interested in this fresh perspective.
