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Plot Summary: Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.

Director: Jon M. Chu

Writers: Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox

Runtime: 2 hours 40 mins

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
• Ariana Grande as Galinda / Glinda
• Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
• Ethan Slater as Boq
• Marissa Bode as Nessarose

Review by: Samuel

What I Didn’t Like

We will start with my dislike because they’re minor. It is 2 hours and 40 minutes long. I’m not even complaining for myself, but I think it may be a little too long for small children.

This is a Part 1 as well. That’s not really a bad thing but I don’t think it was marketed enough so just know before you go in that there is going to more story to tell when you leave (but you will look forward to it). 

What I Did Like

I think that this film, directed by Jon M Chu, might actually be the first time I’ve thought a movie served as an equal or even better medium as compared to the stage musical on which it’s based. I think that it primarily because of the scope and VFX you are able to have in a film that just isn’t the same as the stage. In particular with Wicked, a movie about magic and a magical land, the film’s effects elevated the storytelling. The set pieces are large and are practical or mostly practical rather than CGI, which I think may be the biggest reason the movie works so well. There is not an over-reliance on CGI at all and even when there is (e.g., flying monkeys) it’s rendered better than most films recently and I’d say better than any film released this year. But, whether it’s Munchkinland or at Shiz or the Emerald City, your eyes are treated to sprawling REAL structures that make this magical land feel that much more authentic. 

Jon M Chu really knows what he’s doing behind the camera because your eyes are treated to whatever view is best for the current moment. Whether that means a wide shot so you can see the choreography as people dance through a city, close ups for emotional moments, low angle or high angle shots which action is on screen- it’s always working to keep you engaged. And there is A LOT of camera movement. One of the benefits of the stage is that the actors are in the room with you so it feels like you are a part of the show. The way the camera works, always moving around, gives you the same feeling- that you are very much in this world walking around with the characters. I could go on and on about the cinematography and high levels or production but just know there it is a vibrant, colorful, fun experience pretty much the entire run time. 

As for the actual narrative and characters- they are also top notch. I honestly expected what I get form a lot of adaptations. Which is, decent songs and okay acting that are just fine but have no business existing when the original is far superior. No, like Rent back in 2005, Wicked’s film release has earned it’s place as a worthy adaptation. Ariana Grande is someone I knew could act, but she had the task of playing a mean girl while also being likeable, funny, and relatable. She was FANTASTIC. Now I wasn’t able to see the Kristen Chenoweth play the original Glinda (or Galinda), but I can say with certainty that Ariana Grande’s portrayal was better than both Broadway performances I witnessed. I don’t know how much was scripted and directed versus her natural instinct, but the way she walked, her quirky mannerisms, her voice inflections, and her PERFECT comedic timing all made Glinda shine. Equally impressive was Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. He also plays someone who you should not like at first meeting- a pompous and arrogant prince- but he’s so charming that you can’t help but like him, even before his truer nature is revealed. 

However the standout is Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. I knew she was an accomplished actress and I’ve heard her sing- she blew away my expectations so much that I should just say I’ve never seen her perform before because THIS was far from what I thought. Her Elphaba was so good as a character. And by that I mean her mannerisms, her attitude, and stoic nature perfectly encapsulated what you think the Wicked Witch would be. As with Grande with Glinda, this Elphaba is the best I’ve seen with my own eyes. She is strong and steadfast on the outside but she hides a pain and a loneliness inside. It’s a dueling nature that is actually indescribable until you see it for yourself. 

Which leads me to another thing- the themes this narrative tackles- loneliness, isolation, depression, the harsh side of human nature- are very deep. And while they are handled with care so you understand AND FEEL their impact, it’s done in a bubbly fun way that makes it so your not sitting in the theater sad, but if anything crying tears of joy. I really want to emphasize that because too often we see seriousness cut by a lame joke or silly comedy, but here the two work in tandem so that you get the emotion and likely can relate to the hardships but still feel good as you watch. 

Notice I didn’t even mention the singing yet? That’s because its spectacular and doesn’t require much for me to say. There is no song that is adapted badly from the stage. In fact I will say this version of “Dancing Through Life” is now my new favorite. This version of “Popular” is almost as good as the original, and I may change my mind on that after a couple more listens. And THE song “Defying Gravity”- Erivo makes it her own. I think I prefer Idina Menzel’s but it would really be a 1A/1B type of situation. Each has their own strengths.