'Wicked Part 1' is an experience for the history books | Film Review

I know Wicked is a legendary theatre production, but I’ve actually never seen it. So, when I watched the film, the story was totally new to me. I did catch a few connections to The Wizard of Oz, but for the most part, this was like a first impression for me. I also knew the song “Popular,” but who doesn’t, right? Anyway, enough of me rambling. I’m here to review the movie Wicked Part 1. Just to make you aware, there will be spoilers in this review, so keep that in mind if you’re sticking around. But I’m so excited to talk about this film, so let’s get started.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in official 'Wicked' poster | Photo: Universal Pictures

There’s been so much hype around this movie, and for good reason. It’s the film adaptation of one of the highest-grossing theatre musicals ever. Plus, the cast is stacked with names like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum. And it’s directed by Jon M. Chu, who also did Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights. That’s a pretty solid lineup. But I’ve also seen some chatter about the colors looking washed out and some questionable lighting choices. So let’s get started with the visuals of the film.

I got to watch the film in IMAX, and overall, I thought the visuals were good. It’s not super saturated, which I’m sure some people would’ve preferred, but certain colors still pop. I feel like the film is going for more of a pastel, light, and dreamy aesthetic, which works really well to bring this world to life on screen. While I might not totally understand every visual choice, I know those decisions were intentional. Filmmakers are the pros, and they’ve put way more thought into these details than we ever could.

I also thought the sets were really beautiful, and I loved that they built practical sets for Wicked, just like what was done for The Wizard of Oz. Some of my favorites were the rotating library and the massive field of tulips. There’s so much to take in visually that I’d honestly have to rewatch it to catch everything. The sets really blended well with the special effects and visual effects.

I also want to briefly talk about the talking animals. Sometimes CGI animals are a hit or miss for me, but that wasn’t the case here. I thought they looked great in the film. Overall, I really thought the film was visually stunning.

There are so many memorable moments in this film, but let me start with Defying Gravity. Even though it’s near the end, it was the perfect way to close out Part 1. It really is the highest point of tension in the story with such a strong musical number. It was one of the most thrilling parts to me. And even the moments leading up to it, like Madame Morrible being a horrible person and trying to turn everyone against Elphaba. Elphaba and Glinda running to escape The Wizard, Madame Morrible, the guards and flying monkeys. When they almost made it escaping with the hot air balloon, but of course, characters have to endure obstacles. The whole ending sequence is just visually and emotionally stunning, it’s one of those moments that could hook anyone watching.

Another memorable moment is Wicked’s original stars, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, making guest appearances. I may not have seen the original musical, but I recognized them immediately. It was such a sweet way to honor the OG Elphaba and Glinda. The audience in my cinema clapped when they showed up and again after their song. It was such a feel-good moment.

This memorable moment only lasted a second, but seeing Dorothy and her crew heading down the yellow brick road at the beginning was really cool. It was a fun nod, and I loved all the little connections to The Wizard of Oz, like Elphaba giving the monkeys wings to fly, the wizard, Glinda, and Elphaba choosing the color of the brick road, and maybe I’m wrong, but the lion cub in the cage, could he grow up to be the Cowardly Lion?

Now let’s get into the music of the film! And let me start off by saying, those women can SING! This is no shade to the men at all. But Cythia Erivo and Ariana Grande, what talents they are. Everyone knows Ariana can sing. She’s sold millions of records worldwide and is one of the best-selling artists of all time. She brings Glinda’s quirky personality to life while serving up her signature amazing vocal range and whistle notes. Her talent is undeniable.

But I really want to highlight Cynthia Erivo. She might not have the same global pop star status as Ariana, and trust I am not trying to pit two talented women against each other. I’m just trying to say, there’s no denying Cynthia’s talent either. She already has a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy, and honestly, it’s only a matter of time before she wins an Oscar and locks in that EGOT status. People already know she’s incredible, but a movie of this scale putting her even more in the spotlight, and it’s so beautiful to see.

Since this was my first time really experiencing Wicked, I have to say I loved the musical numbers, the singers, and the score. Most of the songs were new to me, but now I’m planning to listen to the soundtrack so I can really feel the full impact of the music next time I watch it. Oh, and one more thing, I loved how the audience clapped after almost every musical number. And thankfully, no one sang along (at least not yet).

To conclude this review, I personally thought Wicked Part 1 was stellar. I didn’t even dive into the takeaways I got from the film yet, but here they are: fight for what you believe in even when the odds are stacked against you, believe in yourself, and there will be people in power, like the Wizard and Madame Morrible, who manipulate others by creating common enemies to maintain control even when said enemy doesn’t deserve it. It’s such a great story, and is a great expansion of its world if all you’ve ever known is The Wizard of Oz.

I really enjoyed the cast, music, overall message, and visuals. I’m so happy I was able to watch this in IMAX and seeing people show up in their Wicked gear, witch hats, green skin, the whole vibe, it was so fun. It’s clear how much the original story means to so many people. As someone new to Wicked, I totally get it now. The audience cheering and clapping at the end was such a wholesome moment.

If I ever get the chance to attend the stage production, I will definitely try to see it. Also, the wizard gotta be Elphaba’s biological dad, right? Cause her mom was out there cheating, and the Wizard’s love for green? I don’t know, it makes too much sense to me. Maybe they’ll confirm it in Part 2 or I could be completely wrong.

Speaking of Part 2, I’m so hyped for it. And before I forget, this review is definitely long enough, but I have to mention two fun things. First, I got free pins with my Fandango order, which was awesome. And second, if you search Wicked, Cynthia, or Ariana, the search results literally start defying gravity! How cool is that?

Check out the magical trailer below: