Wicked Film: Oz-Prequel Review

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Post on Nov 22, 2024

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Wicked: A Whimsical Journey Back to Oz – A Film Review

Hey everyone! So, I finally saw "Wicked," the movie everyone's been buzzing about, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. I'll admit, I went in with pretty high expectations. I loved the Broadway musical, and I was curious to see how they'd translate that epic story to the big screen. Spoiler alert: It's a mixed bag. But hey, that's what makes for a good ol' fashioned review, right?

A Sparkling Cast, a Few Glittering Gaps

First off, the casting is amazing. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo absolutely killed it as Galinda and Elphaba, respectively. Their chemistry was electric; you could feel the tension and the friendship between them. The supporting cast was solid too, although some characters felt a bit underutilized – perhaps a consequence of cramming so much story into one film. I mean, the original Broadway show was like, three hours long! This movie is definitely more concise. But did they cut too much? Hmmm, maybe.

The Magic (and the Missing Pieces)

Visually, "Wicked" is stunning. The costumes, the sets, the CGI – it was all top-notch. Seriously, the flying monkeys scene? Jaw-dropping. However, I did find that some of the musical numbers, while beautifully performed, lacked the emotional punch of their stage counterparts. It might have been a pacing issue – maybe they tried to fit too much into the runtime. It felt rushed in places. I felt a disconnect between the magical world they built and the pacing of the film. It was almost like they spent so much time on the look of the film that the heart of the story got lost somewhere.

Elphaba's Journey: A Heartfelt, Yet Familiar Tale

The movie does a decent job of capturing Elphaba's transformation from misunderstood outcast to powerful leader. But, honestly, I've seen this kind of character arc before. While the story is undeniably engaging, there isn't much that feels radically new or innovative. That said, Erivo's performance is captivating enough to carry you through – honestly, she’s incredible.

Comparing Apples and Oranges (Broadway vs. Big Screen)

One thing I struggled with was comparing this movie to the Broadway musical. It's like comparing apples and oranges, really. They're both great, but they cater to different audiences and have different strengths. The stage production allowed for a more intimate experience, while the film provided a grander, more visually spectacular one. In the end, they're both worth experiencing, even if one left me wanting a bit more.

The Verdict: A Solid Watch, Not a Perfect Oz

So, would I recommend "Wicked"? Absolutely. It's a visually stunning, well-acted film with some amazing musical numbers. However, it's not without its flaws. If you go in expecting a perfect translation of the Broadway hit, you might be slightly disappointed. But if you're open to experiencing a slightly different, still fantastic adaptation, you'll probably enjoy it. Don't go in expecting to find something completely new, this film plays it safe.

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