Wicked Review

As I went into the packed cinema screen for my showing of 'Wicked', I was not only worried but also I was very pleased to see a busy cinema full of people excited to see what this big-screen adaptation of this beloved musical had to offer. However, I was mostly filled with nerves coming from a girl whose love for musical theatre came from seeing Wicked and who has now seen the show ten times - I wanted to see if they delivered a picture-perfect adaption to the screen and I can proudly say - they have done it. 

When the title card came on, displaying Wicked: Part One and the soundtrack was booming through the speakers, the opening track 'No One Mourns the Wicked' - I was in, and the goosebumps started to appear on my skin and didn't leave until the screen is populated with the words to be continued after Elphaba delivers her war cry in Defying Gravity and audiences are eager to see part two. 

This film delivers in every aspect, which is a big feat, as it has taken twenty-one years for this musical to reach the big screen, with the delay being because they never had the perfect adaptation - until now. John M Chu directs, and he is known for his lavish productions with Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights - another well-known musical. He directs these incredible set pieces, which are all mostly practical creating The Emerald City and Shiz University both nostalgic with the sets from the original Broadway production. 

The main aspect which needed to be perfect was casting, as many have portrayed the two main characters, but film is forever, and these roles will be cemented in people's minds. Elphaba and Glinda are played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both well-known singers who have also displayed dramatic chops, which are needed for these complex roles, particularly in Part 2 for those who have seen the musical - where the character arc really becomes complete. Both are perfect in these roles, but a special mention has to go to Grande, who defies all odds here and delivers a performance that is funny and nuanced and is worthy of award conversation. She plays Glinda with such care and respect as she is a big fan of the musical and, in particular, the original Broadway cast, and her character displays the same mannerisms as Kristen Chenoweth who played the original Glinda. 

This film has almost contradicted the whole premise of my blog, which is enjoying solo cinema and how the best way to watch a film is by yourself, where you can fully immerse yourself. However, seeing this film in a packed cinema added to this experience in the best way as it was full of people who were excited to witness this on the big screen and acknowledged every nod to the original musical - particularly some cameo's from a certain paring. 

Overall, this film delivered in every way and then some and has become a big box office hit, which has geared up excitement for part 2. It also has surprisingly become an awards contender and is fully part of the conversation for areas such as costume design, production design and even Best Picture. It is a brilliant musical adaptation to the big screen and satisfies not only novices to the musical but die-hard fans like me, and the tears streaming down my face throughout the final scene is a testament to how perfect this film is.