{"id":77192,"date":"2025-01-30T06:00:27","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T19:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fernbyfilms.com\/?p=77192"},"modified":"2025-01-27T22:58:28","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T12:28:28","slug":"movie-review-wicked-part-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fernbyfilms.com\/2025\/01\/30\/movie-review-wicked-part-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Movie Review – Wicked: Part One"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Principal Cast : <\/strong>Cynthia Orivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Young, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Bronwyn James, Andy Nyman, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Keala Settle, Aaron Teoh.
\nSynopsis:<\/strong> Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.<\/h5>\n

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It\u2019s hard to believe it\u2019s taken two decades to bring Wicked<\/em>, the enormously successful Broadway stage show based on Gregory Maguire\u2019s 1995 novel (itself a revisionist take on L. Frank Baum\u2019s Oz books), to the big screen. While Baum\u2019s literary series has proven tricky for filmmakers to adapt\u2014beyond the classic 1939 Judy Garland musical The Wizard of Oz<\/em> and darker takes like Return to Oz<\/em> (1985) and Sam Raimi\u2019s frenetic Oz the Great and Powerful<\/em> (2013)\u2014the 2003 Broadway stage show has endured as a global theatre phenomenon. Its consistent success at the box office clearly caught Hollywood\u2019s attention, though attempts to adapt it into a film were stalled for years. Early efforts included a proposed television version in 2011, produced by Salma Hayek, which ultimately never materialised. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande cast in the central roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, and Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians<\/em>) replacing original director Stephen Daldry, Wicked: Part One<\/em> finally arrives as the first instalment of a two-film adaptation. The second part is set to release in December 2025, further building on the legacy of this cultural juggernaut.<\/p>\n

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The story of Wicked: Part One<\/em> reimagines the land of Oz from the perspective of its iconic witches, focusing on the relationship between Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North, played by Ariana Grande). Beginning with Elphaba\u2019s arrival at Shiz University, the narrative explores her struggles as a misunderstood, green-skinned outcast and her unexpected friendship with the ambitious, bubbly Glinda. This bond is tested by personal rivalries, romantic entanglements, and the corrupt politics of Oz, embodied by the manipulative Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and his enforcer, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Elphaba\u2019s growing magical powers and her increasing awareness of the injustices in Oz ultimately lead her to take a stand against tyranny, transforming her into the misunderstood figure feared by many.<\/p>\n

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Simply put, Wicked: Part One<\/em> is a triumph. The film is a magical spectacle, from its stellar production design and an adapted screenplay brimming with emotional depth to the outstanding performances and the unforgettable soundtrack. It masterfully balances the whimsy and joy of the original 1939 film with the darker, edgier tone modern audiences expect. Jon M. Chu and his creative team have crafted an engaging cinematic experience that blends fantasy and humanity with finesse, akin to the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling. The visual palette of Wicked<\/em> feels like a mix of the Chris Columbus-directed Harry Potter<\/em> films and Disney\u2019s The Chronicles of Narnia<\/em>, creating a world of talking animals, magic, and grandiose settings, all grounded by a story rich in subtext.<\/p>\n

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Screenwriters Winnie Holzman (who wrote the original stage book) and Dana Fox have done a commendable job adapting the material, seamlessly integrating elements from Maguire\u2019s novel and the stage show\u2019s beloved script. They also expand on key subplots, particularly the dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University. The emotional resonance of Elphaba\u2019s journey\u2014a green-skinned \u201cfreak\u201d ostracised by society\u2014and Glinda\u2019s transformation from a narcissistic socialite into a more complex character is pivotal to the film\u2019s success. Both Chu\u2019s direction and the remarkable performances of Erivo and Grande elevate this relationship into a powerful centrepiece for the film.<\/p>\n

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Cynthia Erivo delivers a deeply moving portrayal of Elphaba, imbuing the character with vulnerability and strength. Her journey from a hesitant young woman to the defiant, powerful Witch of the West is a slow burn that pays off spectacularly by the film\u2019s climax. Ariana Grande, meanwhile, is a revelation as Glinda, capturing the character\u2019s effervescent charm and underlying insecurity. Grande\u2019s portrayal\u2014a delightful blend of Cher from Clueless<\/em> and Elle Woods from Legally Blonde<\/em>\u2014brings a buoyant energy to the screen. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, grounding the film\u2019s fantastical elements in a deeply human story. Supporting players like Jonathan Bailey as the princely Fiyero Tigelaar and Marissa Bode as Elphaba\u2019s paraplegic sister Nessarose also leave strong impressions, while Michelle Yeoh\u2019s Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum\u2019s Wizard add intrigue and gravitas, even if their arcs feel like they\u2019re being held back for Part Two.<\/p>\n

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One of the film\u2019s standout achievements is its seamless integration of music into the narrative. Musical numbers often risk stalling a film\u2019s momentum, but Wicked<\/em> avoids this pitfall by ensuring each song drives the story forward. Iconic numbers like \u201cNo One Mourns the Wicked\u201d, \u201cThe Wizard and I\u201d, and \u201cPopular\u201d are presented with dazzling flair, while the show-stopping \u201cDefying Gravity\u201d closes the film on a soaring high note. Chu\u2019s decision to maintain the song\u2019s placement as the Act One finale honours the stage show\u2019s structure, and the visual spectacle of Elphaba taking flight is nothing short of breathtaking. Both Erivo and Grande deliver extraordinary vocal performances, backed by a superb ensemble cast. While Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum\u2019s singing abilities may not be as strong, their interpretations of the material are serviceable and well-matched to their characters.<\/p>\n

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The production value of Wicked: Part One<\/em> is nothing short of extraordinary. The sets, costumes, and practical effects transport viewers to the vibrant world of Oz with remarkable detail and imagination. Shiz University\u2019s ornate library, with its spiralling cylindrical shelving, and the sprawling splendour of the Emerald City are visual highlights. Costume design is equally impressive, with Elphaba\u2019s evolving wardrobe and Glinda\u2019s opulent gowns standing out among the film\u2019s colourful ensembles. The film\u2019s visual effects, sound design, and audio mix are all of the highest calibre, while Alice Brooks\u2019 cinematography captures the rich textures and vibrant colours of Oz in stunning detail. Myron Kerstein\u2019s editing ensures the narrative flows smoothly, balancing the musical numbers with the quieter, character-driven moments.<\/p>\n

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Ultimately, Wicked: Part One<\/em> succeeds because of its two central performances. Erivo and Grande carry the emotional weight of the story with aplomb, creating characters that feel authentic and relatable despite their fantastical surroundings. Erivo\u2019s nuanced portrayal of Elphaba anchors the film, while Grande\u2019s radiant charm as Glinda provides the perfect foil. Together, they make the audience care deeply about their friendship and the challenges they face, ensuring the film\u2019s emotional beats land with maximum impact.<\/p>\n

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Wicked: Part One<\/em> is an operatic, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant film that stands as a landmark in modern musical cinema. By respecting its stage origins while embracing the possibilities of film, it achieves a rare balance of spectacle and substance. Fans of the stage production, musicals, and the Oz mythology will find much to love here, and even sceptics may be won over by the film\u2019s sheer ambition and execution. While it remains to be seen whether Part Two can stick the landing, this first instalment is a resounding success and an instant classic that will enchant audiences for generations to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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