Wicked: Part 1 Review

I saw Wicked: Part 1 on November 23, 2024! I have always been fascinated by the world of Oz. My mother was the one who introduced me and my brothers to this incredible world with the 1939 MGM Classic, and I never lost my fondness for it and anything Oz related. When I found out there was a musical called Wicked coming out on Broadway, I was excited as it was going to be based on the incredible book by Gregory Maguire, which is a favorite of mine. My favorite character of all time is the Wicked Witch of the West, and, naturally, much like the book, this musical was going to focus on her side of the story, and how misunderstood she's always been. I remember the first time seeing it enamored with the creative storytelling and perspective that created an even more immersive world to enjoy. There is so much narrative storytelling throughout along with one of the best musical soundtracks you'll find. This movie adaptation was adept at bringing the book and the stage to the screen in such a spectacular manner that allowed the audience to feel everything. Jon M. Chu did a remarkable job capturing every nook and cranny of what makes this such a special piece of pop culture. Oz is a world that bonds generations both young and old, and I think Chu's presentation of this remarkable musical really builds that to a crescendo throughout here.

Essentially, much like the musical, Wicked is split into two acts, or parts. Act 1 is covered in this installment, and we look at the backstory of Elphaba, growing up being ostracized by everybody around her simply because of what she looked like. Nobody bothered to learn about the great person she is underneath. I think Cynthia Erivo is superb as Elphaba! She captured the vulnerability, clever wit, and underlying confidence inside her so brilliantly. She nailed the mood and tone of each moment of her movements and dialogue. The green tone used blended so well on screen with the rest of Chu's interpretation of Oz, as well as the darker wardrobe choices. Her black dress and boots have a subtle hint of dark purple in them, which said a lot. It says that while she is put in a figurative bubble by everybody around her, causing her to appear as the black sheep so to speak, there is a light beaming within her that will fuel her to greatness. Erivo conveys that emotional pain and anguish into each lyric of her songs. Her voice was exceptional as it matched so well with the initial composition of the notes. Her ability to bring that emotion to Elphaba on the big screen was astounding to witness. Elphaba is the heart of Oz, and everything considered bad about it is thrust upon her, but the audience knows the truth, and she will fight to protect Oz, her friends, and her family. She might be wicked, but she's certainly not evil! 

Green looks great, but it looks even better when it's paired with pink. Yes, Elphaba is the main focus of the story, but it wouldn't be complete without Galinda/Glinda. Her bubbly, vibrant personality is such a great contrast to Elphaba. Her bright, pink attire is beautiful, and apropos for Glinda's sunny disposition. I thought Ariana Grande was magnificent as Glinda. She was such an exceptional casting choice for this role. I've been a big fan of her ever since she was Cat Valentine on Victorious, and I always thought if they ever made a Wicked movie, she'd be great in the role, and here we are, and she completely took the ball and ran with it. She conveyed everything about what and who Glinda in such vivid detail, while also adding more likability to her as well throughout the movie. Her apparent love for everything about Wicked was felt in everything she did. Grande was highly entertaining in every scene she was in, whether it was the delivery of her dialogue, or her physical comedy moments. Her hair flip was legitimately funny, and it was all about the timing in all of it whether she's bond with Elphaba, flirting with Fiyero, or just being the social butterfly she is.

There are so many incredible scenes in Act 1, but I think the scene that had me feeling the most emotionally was the Ozdust Ball. In the stage musical, the scene is very good, but I think the movie added so much to it. Elphaba dancing by herself being mocked and ridiculed by those around her, only for Glinda to join her and match her Dancing Through Life movements forming an unbreakable bond hit me. There was something so beautiful about it. Erivo's tears and Grande's eyes and genuine smile sold the whole scene so well. Chu's direction captured everything that this musical truly is about at it's core through this scene. It's a movie about friendship and acceptance above all else, and everything came together in this moment. The Defying Gravity finale was brilliant as well. Defying Gravity is one of my all time favorite songs, and everything this song means even beyond Oz is presented in such brilliant detail through each lyric. 

Along with the performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the movie boasts great supporting performances from Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Marissa Bode as NessaRose, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, brilliant set designs of Shiz University and the Emerald City, beautiful colorful tulip landscapes, practical effects and sets that added a more personal element to the story, excellent make-up, costumes, fun cameos from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, and of course the incredible soundtrack. Everything about this movie delivered, and is a great example of why Wicked is so beloved!