so... is wicked any good? 🔮🫧🌪️ (wicked movie review)

Summary

In this review of the *Wicked* movie, the reviewer discusses its reimagining of the iconic story, praising standout performances from Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, along with the film's visual design and choreography. While the film stays true to the spirit of the source material, there are some critiques, particularly around Michelle Yeoh's portrayal of Madame Morrible. The review highlights the film's blend of humor, emotional depth, and spectacle, concluding with excitement for the sequel and a recommendation to see the movie in theaters.

Takeaways

• 😀 The movie adaptation of 'Wicked' stays true to the core themes of the musical while offering a fresh perspective.
• 😀 Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Alphaba brings a more sensitive and vulnerable side to the character, highlighting her growth and emotional depth.
• 😀 Ariana Grande shines as Glinda, balancing humor and heart, with excellent comedic timing and chemistry with other cast members.
• 😀 Jonathan Bailey’s portrayal of Fiero adds depth to the character, making him more than just a shallow love interest.
• 😀 Michelle Yeoh’s portrayal of Madame Morrible, while elegant, does not fully capture the manipulative nature of the character from the stage musical.
• 😀 The visuals in the movie are stunning, with impressive set designs for locations like Shiz University and the Emerald City.
• 😀 The choreography, led by Christopher Scott, is engaging and energetic, particularly in numbers like 'Dancing Through Life.'
• 😀 Costume designs by Paul Tazwell reflect the characters' personalities and arcs, with standout costumes for both Alphaba and Glinda.
• 😀 Some characters, like Nessa Rose and Bach, feel underdeveloped, missing opportunities to explore their full potential.
• 😀 The film manages to be referential to the stage musical without feeling cheesy, offering a satisfying experience for both new viewers and long-time fans.
• 😀 The sequel to the film is highly anticipated, with the hope that it will build on the success of the first movie.

Q & A

What are the key reasons the reviewer enjoyed the movie *Wicked*?

The reviewer enjoyed *Wicked* due to its great performances, clever world-building, engaging story, and unique characters. They praised the movie for its refreshing take on familiar themes and its ability to blend emotional depth with fantasy elements.

How does the reviewer feel about the performances of the main characters?

The reviewer highlights the standout performances of the main characters, particularly pointing out how the actors effectively portray complex emotional arcs, with a special mention of the chemistry between the leads. They seem to appreciate how the performances added depth to the story.

What are some of the positive aspects of the movie's visual design?

The movie's visual design is praised for its stunning cinematography, attention to detail, and world-building. The reviewer specifically mentions the use of vibrant color palettes to reflect characters' personalities, noting how this visual style contributes to the overall tone of the film.

How does the movie handle references to other works, according to the reviewer?

The movie is lauded for being referential without becoming cheesy. The reviewer points out that it successfully nods to familiar ideas while still maintaining originality and not relying on overly obvious or heavy-handed references.

What does the reviewer think about the pacing of the film?

The reviewer believes the pacing of *Wicked* is well-managed, with the movie maintaining a good balance between action, character development, and emotional beats, making it engaging without feeling rushed.

Did the reviewer mention any weaknesses or shortcomings of the movie?

Yes, the reviewer briefly mentions that while the movie is mostly strong, some elements, such as the occasionally predictable plot or moments that could have been more emotionally impactful, could have been improved. However, these were minor flaws in an otherwise great film.

How does the reviewer feel about the sequel to *Wicked*?

The reviewer expresses excitement for the sequel, mentioning that it is set to be released in November. They hope that the sequel will live up to the first movie, even if it's only half as good, and are optimistic about its potential.

What role does character design play in conveying personality in *Wicked*?

Character design plays a crucial role in conveying personality, with the reviewer noting how the costumes and color choices for characters like Elphaba and Glinda reflect their inner traits. Elphaba's green skin represents her outcast status, while Glinda's pink and purple attire highlights her feminine and charming nature.

What kind of Easter eggs does the reviewer mention, and why are they significant?

The reviewer hints at some Easter eggs in the movie but chooses not to reveal them, allowing viewers to discover them for themselves. These Easter eggs add layers to the movie, enriching the viewing experience for those who catch them.

What overall recommendation does the reviewer give to the audience?

The reviewer strongly recommends watching *Wicked* in theaters, describing it as a must-see movie. They believe it offers an engaging and unique cinematic experience that should not be missed, especially for fans of fantasy and musicals.