When I came to the Wicked movie, I had fresh eyes. Never having seen the Broadway production, I was free from expectations and comparisons. Overall a really solid film that is a setup for what is to come (with part 2).
Casting and Visuals: Pure Magic
Director Jon M. Chu has cast a great group of actors. In the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are outstanding. They really do add layers of complexity to these classic characters that I was not expecting. The cast behind it, led by titans such as Peter Dinklage and Jeff Goldblum, is equally formidable.
But the spectacle doesn’t end with the actors. The costume work is on another level. Each costume is masterful, grandiose and creative. So too does the cinematography, with all those wide shots and angles that give the story an even deeper feel. Even the CGI, which tends to be a stumbling block in fantasy movies, is quite good and doesn’t take much effort to make you feel like Oz is a real place.
A Contemporary Musical with Promise for the Future.
The images are certainly gorgeous, but the music is where the film stutters a little bit. As someone who likes musicals, I was kind of bored by some of the contemporary sets. Some songs seemed redundant, and the vocal lines weren’t particularly distinctive. This isn’t to say the music isn’t decent, just a personal preference.
A Promising First Act
Wicked Part One is a solid launch pad for what’s to come. The film effectively prepares the audience for the intrigues that are between Elphaba and Glinda and what will happen to them. The last 30 minutes in particular is gripping and makes you want to jump to the next chapter.
Final Verdict
In total, Wicked Part One is a visually impressive, well-acted film that, even with its musical twang, makes for an interesting watch. It’s a 4 out of 5 for me and a must-watch. 4 out of 5 STARS.
