After more than a decade of development, the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked has finally made its way to the big screen with filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) at the helm.
The heartfelt production, starring pop star Ariana Grande and British thespian Cynthia Erivo, tells a delightful story about the complexities of sisterhood and public perception, tied together with riveting musical numbers that bring out the best of the two performers. With Chu’s movie adaptation being split into two parts, the lengthy 2-hour-and-40-minute runtime of this first half can be especially felt during the second act. But when it picks up the pace in the final stretch, Wicked compensates with an incredibly emotional cliffhanger.
Plot Summary
Wicked centers on Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo), a magic-wielding introvert who’s shunned in the fantastical land of Oz due to her green skin, and her evolving relationship with Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande), an aspiring sorceress from “Shiz University” who’s notably self-centered. Although Elphaba was never meant to be enrolled in the prestigious school for Oz’s young adults, a series of chaotic incidents make her presence known to the powerful Headmistress, Madame Morrible (Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh).
Character Performances
Ever since Universal Pictures announced that Ariana Grande would be playing Galinda, it seems like her casting has been all the general public has been talking about. However, it’s Cynthia Erivo who truly steals the show with her powerful performance. Musical numbers such as “The Wizard and I” and “I’m Not That Girl” showcase Erivo’s talent and intensity, making her portrayal of Elphaba truly captivating.
Musical Numbers and Set Design
Musical numbers like “What Is This Feeling?” and “Dancing Through Life” feature whimsical set pieces that enhance the heart of Galinda and Elphaba’s relationship. The extended runtime allows for these grand musical numbers to shine, with iconic songs like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” making an impact.
Supporting Cast and Production
The supporting cast, including Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh, delivers strong performances that add depth to the story. Despite some shortcomings in lighting and color grading, director Jon M. Chu excels in musical choreography and staging, bringing the world of Oz to life in a visually stunning way.
Conclusion
With deeply emotional performances, immersive musical numbers, and a faithful adaptation of the stage show, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is set to be a standout film of the holiday season. Audiences can expect a cinematic triumph that sets the stage for the highly anticipated Wicked Part 2.
FAQs
Q: When is Wicked hitting theaters?
A: Wicked is set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024.
Q: Who are the main cast members of Wicked?
A: The main cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and more.
Q: What is the runtime of Wicked?
A: The movie has a runtime of 160 minutes and is rated PG.
Credit: discussingfilm.net
