“Wicked (part 1)” is a musical adaptation of a book by the same name written by Gregory Maguire. Composed by Stephen Schwartz, it originally premiered on Broadway in 2004 to overwhelming critical acclaim and audience love and the movie adaptation was put into works almost immediately, but was delayed for two decades.
Being one of the most famous and successful stage productions ever written, and with recent movie musicals such as “Mean Girls” and “The Color Purple”not performing well at the box office and in reviews, hopes were not high for the “Wicked” movie. Nevertheless, I believe this movie is almost perfect. If you enjoy musicals, you will fall in love with it. If you don’t, you can still find parts that you like. Here is why I believe this (spoilers below)…
No One Mourns the Wicked:
The first 10 minutes of the movie might be my favorite. With references to the stage production, and the commanding presence of Ariana Grande, the movie starts off with almost overwhelming power as we are immediately pulled into this pre-existing world.
It is made clear how despised the wicked witch is/was with lyrics such as “She’s dead, good news.” This song sets up the rest of the musical brilliantly as it covers the birth and early childhood of Elphaba while asking, “Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” There is also very subtle foreshadowing of plot points that will happen in the 2nd part as this scene takes place at the end of the storyline.
The entire ensemble’s performance is electrifying, from vocals to choreography to incredible acting. Each of the unnamed solo lines scattered among the song are performed immaculately. It gives us an immediate and accurate sense of the townspeople that stays consistent throughout the movie.
Dear Old Shiz:
The plot then goes back in time to where the rest of the story takes place. “Dear Old Shiz” plays in the background during the transition, allowing this feeling of nostalgia to greet the audience and welcome them into this lighter and more innocent world.
We view Elphaba as an adult, being discriminated against and having people scared of her, but we also see the rebel within her as she fights against it and establishes herself as a powerful character from the get go. We meet a younger Galinda who is loved by everyone and she lives for it. She is coddled by her friends, praised for her voice, but not allowed into the magic class she wants to be in so badly.
The Wizard and I:
Michelle Yeoh’s vocal performance, though not awful, is nowhere near the level of the rest of the cast. Her performance is awkward at best and isn’t confident whatsoever. An unexpected flawed performance that thankfully isn’t repeated by anyone else’s performances.
Elphaba then sings the main section of the song where Cynthia Erivo gives an absolutely breathtaking performance. It’s the first “solo” performance of the movie and it establishes the want of our protagonist perfectly. Not only can we understand what she is thinking through the lyrics she is singing, but we can feel what she is saying through her acting. The micro emotions that flash through her facial expressions are on point and deliver a great visual. The ending, where she is running through a field, foreshadows , and references The Wizard of Oz. The absolutely incredible vocals leave the audience desperately wanting to clap for her performance when it sadly ends.
What is this feeling?:
Ariana Grande embodies the privilege and self-centeredness that defines Galinda flawlessly. With choreography that is affecting even the broadway scene, this number is hilarious in a beautiful combination of funny and dramatic singing. It effectively establishes the relationship between the two girls.. The number makes you want to dance and sing along and won’t leave you unimpressed or bored.
Something Bad:
Then the movie takes a dark transition. We lose the lightheartedness of Elphaba and Galinda and are greeted instead with a more grim reality. The plotline of animals being persecuted and Elphaba trying to help them makes complete sense with the previous characterization. The relationship between Doctor Dillamond the goat and Elphaba establishes a new want for Elphaba. A want that we will later learn is stronger than her want to be with the Wizard. Peter Dinklage’s portal of Doctor Dillamond is captivating.
Dancing Through Life:
The goofiness and lightheartedness returns as we are introduced to a new character. Prince Fiyero Tigelaar, who is played by Johnathan Bailey, perfectly embodies the brainless party-head.. The chemistry between Ariana and Johnathan is palpable and feels real. The vocal performance of Fiyero is extremely good. Making choices that no broadway Fiyero before him has. Johnathan’s ability to seduce everyone in the scene including the audience watching is impressive. Furthermore, his dancing is the main capture of his character. He’s very well defined in his goofy, loverboy, brainless, prince charming role and “dances” through his time on stage beautifully.
We are then greeted by a montage of scenes from Galinda giving Elphaba her black witch-like hat, Boq (the munchkin boy) asking Nessa (Elphaba’s sister) to the dance, and Elphaba talking to Madame Morrible about something important. All of these scenes are great and play off of each other perfectly.
The scene that follows (the dance) is probably the worst scene in the movie. It is not bad at all but it is a very long and drawn out way to show Galinda and Elphaba becoming close. Elphaba gets mocked for dressing like a witch and starts dancing alone to show her rebellion, but Galinda joins her and gets everyone to start liking Elphaba.
Popular:
Directly after “Dancing Through Life” Galinda and Elphaba have a girls night. They share about their lives and then Galinda promises to help Elphaba become popular. Ariana Grande RUNS AWAY with this performance. Arguably the best performance of “Popular” by an actor to date, Ariana Grande is able to stay in character as Galinda while making the entire audience cry from laughter. She encompasses the character brilliantly and portrays her own talent, while still holding true to the charm of the original actress Kristina Chenoworth and the setting stones she laid. It is hysterical, it is charming, it is fun to watch, and sometimes you can’t help but sing along with how catchy the song is. A 10/10 amazing song.
I’m Not That Girl:
Cynthia delivered another amazing vocal performance with “I’m Not That Girl.” Though not vocally impressive, the emotion she’s able to convey throughout this number as her character is struggling with her circumstances and feeling is powerful. It brings in those more dramatic and serious elements that are so very welcome.
One Short Day:
This song feels like it caterers entirely to those who know and love the stage production version. Throughout this song we’re greeted by members of the Emerald city, each of which are played by actors and actresses who were previously on the Broadway production. Even Stephen Schwartz is featured as the man who proclaims “The Wizard will see you now!” And of course the original Elphaba and Galinda, the ones we all grew up listening to, make a feature as storytellers singing beside their respective characters. Idina Menzel sings her iconic riff and Kristin Chenoweth tries to upstage her anytime they’re on camera and it plays perfectly to everyone who loved “Wicked” before. Of course, if this is your first time consuming any amount of “Wicked” content then this scene is just another scene that gives background to who the Wizard of Oz is and that’s fine. The energy is alive throughout this song, and all the citizens of the Emerald City dance and sing with that matching energy.
Sentimental Man:
This song is nothing but deposition and explanation for the Wizard. Jeff Goldblum does a great job being quirky, but he is not a singer by any means. Nothing takes away from the scene but nothing is really being added either, which can make the scene feel like it’s dragging out and is slightly unnecessary. However, the whole song just builds up foreshadowing like nothing before and has much deeper meaning if you fully break it down. But as a viewing experience for someone just watching or listening for fun, it’s just ok.
Defying Gravity:
The song that is most talked about and was the most advertised, “Defying Gravity”, is incredible. An entirely different feeling than the Broadway performance, this one is much more dramatic. It works so perfectly. Cynthia Erivo blows us away with one final high power, emotional, heart wrenching performance. Ariana Grande backs her power so beautifully and adds a slight stab of sorrow to the song as they realize they are following different paths. The ending part where the townspeople seize Galinda and sing a family set of notes as they yell to kill the Wicked Witch of the West. It is visually spectacular and sounds perfect. A decisive way to finish off this movie and leaves you begging to know what happens next.
”Wicked (part one)” is a fantastic movie and is worth every rewatch. It is also the first movie musical to win Best Film at the Nation Board of Review since Moulin Rouge! in 2001. With a budget of $150 million it has grossed almost $500 million. It has been nominated for 4 Oscars so far and in my opinion deserves every one of them. 10/10 would recommend you watch this movie regardless of if you like musicals or not. There’s something for everyone.
