Galinda and Elphaba looking at themselves in the mirror, Galinda leaning on Elphaba, in Wicked
A little over a year ago, I sat in the Gershwin Theatre here in New York City, dressed in green, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Wicked. It was only my second time seeing it live, though considering all the times I've run through the soundtrack in my head, the number could almost be much higher. To say I love this musical is an understatement, so I had some very, very high expectations for the long-awaited movie adaptation, finally brought to the big screen by director Jon M. Chu .
Cynthia Erivo Is Perfect As Wicked's Elphaba And The Movie Sticks Close To The Musical ✕ Remove Ads To begin with, it's important to remind everyone of an important detail most of the marketing has left out: Wicked, as it releases this Friday, is actually Wicked: Part One. Clocking in at two hours and 40 minutes, it is only five minutes shorter than the entire stage production, yet only comprises the events and songs of Act I.
Related Gladiator II Review: Ridley Scott's Epic Sequel Has An Absolutely Wild Denzel Washington Performance Gladiator II is one of 2024's best blockbusters, but at times, it falters under the pressure of the standards set by its predecessor. Elphaba & Glinda's Relationship Is Wicked's Biggest Strength It Outshines Any Weaker Elements That Arise Close ✕ Remove Ads Elphaba has magic and the sheer depth of her power attracts the attention of Shiz's Madame Morrible , who swiftly takes the new student under her wing with promises of one day meeting the infamous Wizard of Oz .
✕ Remove Ads That relationship is Wicked's beating heart, and Erivo and Grande bring it to life with a palpable chemistry that courses through the whole film. This is best shown in the key moment during the standout musical sequence"Dancing Through Life." With the Shiz student body gathered for a dance instigated by charming newcomer Fiyero , Elphaba arrives in her trademark pointed hat, only to be laughed at by everyone around her.
But never fear: I still found myself feeling like I too could defy gravity by the end of Wicked, so entranced was I by the music, the production design, and the performances.
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