Wicked Part One – A Detailed Review
In a world where green isn’t always easy, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, faces the struggles of living with a different skin tone. This film adaptation of the blockbuster musical ‘Wicked’ shows her transformation from a loner bullied at wizard school to a brave activist with a broomstick. However, the movie, already a hit in Anglo-Saxon regions, appears so polished and manic that it seems like Hollywood let AI take over.
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and the hit musical by Stephen Schwartz, ‘Wicked’ delves into themes of identity and discrimination. Yet, the execution comes off as preachy and childish, making you want to rebel by donning a MAGA hat. Directed by Jon M. Chu, every aspect of social urgency is drowned in an aesthetic that turns the Eurovision Song Contest into a symbol of Spartan simplicity.
Oz is portrayed as a theme park land where everything shimmers and shouts but lacks true emotion. It’s a series of overloaded CGI scenes that feel as lifeless as screensavers on speed, with actors appearing like avatars. The film fails to capture the psychedelic Technicolor madness or the dreamlike texture of the timeless characters from the 1939 classic, leaving viewers yearning for something more authentic.
The main issue with ‘Wicked: Part 1’ is its prefab feel. Dramatic songs from the musical are interrupted by generic action scenes or messy choreography, stripping away the momentum built in the original production. Even the iconic ‘Defying Gravity’ loses its impact amid the chaos surrounding it.
Thankfully, Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) breathe life into the film, preventing it from becoming completely monotonous. Erivo brings vulnerability to the green outcast, almost breaking through with her teary performance. Grande transforms Glinda into a diva with Barbie-like qualities and dry humor. Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard is a pompous dictator, lacking any sense of wonder, except for his peculiar intonation. The subplot of suppressing talking animals feels like a bizarre addition from a drug-induced brainstorming session.
The lesson of ‘Wicked’ seems to be that being different doesn’t make you inherently wicked, but rather it’s a journey through a CGI tornado into a soulless musical that sings without heart and shines without brilliance. In comparison to ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘Wicked’ is more like Kemmelberg to Mont Blanc.
FAQs
1. What is the main theme of ‘Wicked: Part 1’?
The film explores themes of identity and discrimination, showcasing the transformation of the Wicked Witch of the West from a bullied loner to a courageous activist.
2. Who are the standout performers in the movie?
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda bring depth and humor to their respective roles, adding life to an otherwise lackluster film.
3. What is the visual style of ‘Wicked: Part 1’?
The movie is criticized for its overuse of CGI and a polished aesthetic that detracts from the emotional depth of the story, making it feel more like a theme park than a heartfelt musical.
4. How does the film compare to ‘The Wizard of Oz’?
‘Wicked’ lacks the authenticity and charm of the 1939 classic, leaving viewers nostalgic for the original characters and storytelling.
5. What are the main criticisms of ‘Wicked: Part 1’?
The film is criticized for its preachy tone, generic action sequences, and a lack of emotional depth, overshadowing the powerful themes it attempts to address.
6. Who directed ‘Wicked: Part 1’?
The film was directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his work on ‘In the Heights,’ but received mixed reviews for its aesthetic choices and storytelling.
7. What is the box office success of ‘Wicked: Part 1’?
Despite being a hit in Anglo-Saxon regions, the film has faced criticism for its visual style and lack of emotional depth, raising questions about its overall impact on audiences.
8. How do the actors portray their characters in the film?
Cynthia Erivo brings vulnerability to Elphaba, while Ariana Grande adds humor and diva-like qualities to Glinda, creating a dynamic between the two characters.
9. What is the significance of the talking animals subplot in the movie?
The subplot of suppressing talking animals seems out of place and detracts from the main themes of identity and discrimination, adding a bizarre element to the storyline.
10. Is ‘Wicked: Part 1’ recommended for fans of the original musical?
While the film has its moments, it may not fully satisfy fans of the original musical due to its visual style and pacing issues, making it a divisive adaptation.