“Wicked,” the highly-anticipated musical movie remake with a $350 million promotion budget, high-end costume and set designs as well as well-known actors, just hit theaters Nov. 22. “Wicked” delivers a fun yet heartfelt performance and is worth the watch.
The movie is inspired by Greogry Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked,” which develops a completely different perspective on the history of the Wicked Witch of the West and examines the factors that define a person as truly evil.
This book explains how Elphaba-green-skinned, misunderstood, and born from a forbidden relationship-came to represent “evil.” Her narration unveils that she is intelligent, brave and has telekinetic powers, with the struggles of being denied by her official father. At Shiz University, she shares a room with Glinda, but Glinda’s initial popularity and beauty get them off on the wrong foot; over time, though, the bond improves due to the authenticity of Elphaba.
“Wicked”-a movie adaptation of the stage musical inspired by the book opens in two parts. The characters and plot are all preserved in this on-screen adaptation. The movie is nothing less than a triumph: it’s a roaring success with a perfect musical cinematic presentation.
Maguire’s storytelling unpacks Elphaba’s rebellion against fraudulent authorities who suppress critical thinking to maintain their own power and luxury. The narrative, while magical, is deeply relevant and holds deeper complexities within the simple story line, such as misjudgement, prejudice and injustice.
Director Jon M. Chu, known for directing films such as Crazy Rich Asians, makes his mark in “Wicked.” This can be seen by the mesmerizing scenes with very intricate choreography, hundreds of dancers and grand, expansive sets. The editing, sound, cinematography, production design and costumes are all done to the highest order, ensuring a visually and emotionally stunning experience.
Lending equal strength are the two young stars who bring Elphaba and Glinda to life, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Both actresses capture their characters by offering nuanced performances and shining vocally in the musical numbers.
Ariana Grande plays Glinda, the blonde “people’s princess.” Cynthia Erivo brings depth and hope into Elphaba by showing that even someone deemed “strange” by societal standards can hold on to life’s greatest gift: hope.
With a powerhouse cast, great direction and heartfelt story, “Wicked” truly set a new standard for singers and movie adaptations of musicals; it is a must-see cinematic event. The movie reveals a new, authentic side to characters that are considered evil, and ties into a broader theme of friendship and advocacy.
The movie theater Regal sells slushies in pink and green for the promotion of the movie “Wicked.” Although the movie was initially scheduled for Dec. 2019, it faced setbacks due to COVID-19. 13 years before being cast as Glinda, Ariana Grande had manifested the role by posting a tweet expressing her admiration for the character and her dream of playing the part. (Photo/Adiya Mukhitdinov)
