Allan Watched "Wicked"
Enchanting, breathtaking, and captivating, Wicked defied all of the odds against it to become the best musical-turned-movie in over 20 years.
Great, Against All Odds
So much stood in the way of Wicked being a success, including multiple format changes, director changes, work stoppages, and the monumental anticipation of a generational-defining musical reaching the big screen. Despite all the pitfalls, director Jon M. Chu executed the film marvelously, and in someways very simply. He relied on the star power of his two leads and did not stray too far from what worked for the musical to carry this first of two acts to the mantel of one of the great musicals-turned-movies of all time.
Wicked’s spot in history will be tied to the success of it’s second act, Wicked: For Good, which comes out this November. This makes the analysis of it tricky, because it isn’t a full thought. Most movies do not have it’s final scene as the trademark end of all of its trailers, and the film ends very much in the middle of the action. That is a feat on it’s own, to only be half way done with a story after nearly three hours of run time. This isn’t the best movie of the year, and nor is it the greatest movie musical of all time by any means, but it is exhilarating.
My issues with the film are purely knit-picking, as someone who embraced the musical but also had real problems with the story when it was on Broadway. I will put on my theatre-nerd hat and break it down, but I do not want it to take away from my initial reaction when the “To be continued…” appeared on the screen: Wow.
Legitimate Superstars
Wicked does not work without elite talent playing its leads. Idena Menzel and Kristen Chenonweth were icons because of their portrayals as Elphaba and Galinda, and the millennials who love theatre sit at their altar. It was hard to imagine two people doing it justice on film, but then you have Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Legitimately two of the most talented singers in show business, Erivo and Grande do more than their best impersonations of their predecessors, but instead make the characters completely their own. Their voices are perfect for each role, and above of all, you can tell stepping into these shoes mattered to them. Every choice seemed detailed and honest, and their versions of Stephen Schwartz’s iconic songs were satisfying.
I found “The Wizard and I” to be the best of any version I have heard, and the whole scene was magical. Grande’s “Popular” was her own, extremely silly and fun, and executed at such an elite level that it is hard to imagine anyone else on that screen.
Same Story Flaws
Chu seemed to hold the musical in the highest respect, which I can appreciate, but the same issues I have with the stage musical existed here. The story hits the skids once our heroes reach Oz, and all the momentum gets sucked out once they meet the Wizard himself. It does not help that seeing Jeff Goldblum takes you right out of the world that is so delicately created, and him not being able to sing at all is a drag.
Even more so because the full story’s first act ends with a one-year intermission, the slowing to Elphaba’s transformation and then hitting you with the show-stopping and immortal “Defying Gravity” is not a great way to end a movie. Besides it not being a real conclusion to a story, it was dragged out way too long. The last 20 minutes should be five, and so you wobble through the tension of wanting to hear the famed ending of the song for too long. The opening number through them getting on that train is such an exciting ride, but the dizzying ending to the realization there is almost three hours left to go takes the air out of what was a tremendous experience.
Random Thoughts
Erivo deserves more accolades for her performance, but she is handcuffed by two things: Grande’s performance, and that Elphaba is a hard character to love. Maybe it is because we know who she becomes, or that the story doesn’t allow much love into her world, but especially throughout this first film, the character only gives her so much to work with.
Grande is unbelievable. My expectations were high because the people I respect the opinions of most were gushing over her, and she exceeded them. I can’t sit here and say I was a huge fan going in, but I left a fan.
Chu made so many great choices. Expanding outside the doors of Shiz for “The Wizard and I” gave the scene the scale it deserved. I also appreciate that he gave us time to take in the physical quirks of Galinda, which translates easier on stage than on film.
Another mark of the film’s success is that I do not think it requires liking the musical to enjoy it. It is extremely welcoming and easy to watch. Fans will likely love it more, but it is great for everyone.
This film is exactly why the major awards have created the “Box Office Star” awards, and it will likely follow up its Golden Globe with the Oscar for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film. I also loved that it gave Chu the chance to gush over his achievement that he shares with everyone he made the film with, knowing this won’t win any of the major “Best Film” awards.
Grande and Erivo will both get Oscar noms I am sure, but I think Grande has the real shot of the two. Which means Erivo will remain the “O” away from her EGOT.
I can’t believe I got this far without mentioning Jonathan Bailey. Man he is great. Fiyero lends itself to being a broadway cliche of a leading man, but he brings the proper wryness to the part to go along with the tremendous chops.
Now for the other players. Goldblum was a real dud. Michelle Yeoh brings the needed presence and regard to Madame Morrible, but like Goldblum, the role would benefit from someone who can sing. Bowen Yang was unnecessary and I loved it. Peter Dinklage is perfect as Dr. Dillamond. Lastly, Ethan Slater is a delight as the role-expanded Boq, and as wonderful chemistry with Marissa Bode who shines as Nessarose.
I know I said he was a delight but also TikTok told me I am supposed to hate Ethan Slater, so to be safe, I do not like him either.
Andy Nyman is perfectly fine as Governor Thropp, but I think that is only because he was doing a perfect Paul F. Tomkpins impersonation.
There is a part of me that can’t believe they needed almost six hours to do this the right way, but if Wicked: For Good hits the same way, it will be worth it.
Quick Hits
How many times have I seen this movie?
Once, but that will change soon.
Where was I watching it?
The nightcap of a nice dinner and a movie at the theater. I had salad at dinner so I could eat a large popcorn and down a large diet root beer. I am so glad I saw this in theaters and did not stream it for the first watch.
Favorite trivia about the movie
The dancing around copyright infringement of The Wizard of Oz is compelling to read about. All the things they had to allude to without mentioning, including the “Cynthia Green” they invented to not be like the wicked witch, does a great job of making it feel like a prequel when it legally could not be.
Favorite part
The trifecta of “The Wizard and I”, “Dancing Through Life”, and “Popular” all being nailed was all I really wanted.
Least favorite part
I love Jeff Golfblum as much as the next person, but why? It was so lazy.
Would I recommend this movie?
Absolutely, even if you have never heard a note of the musical before watching.
So What Does Allan Give It?
One Gold Thumbs Up! Overall, a score 87. It is a great achievement to take a generational show and turn it into a movie that stands on its own so well. What a delight.
