‘Wicked’ is a perfect broadway adaptation (Movie Review)

Wicked

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — “Wicked” is the new musical from the Broadway musical adaptation of the bestselling book “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”. It centers around two characters from “The Wizard of Oz”, The Wicked Witch of the West, known here as “Elphaba” (played by Cynthia Erivo), and Glinda the Good Witch (played by Ariana Grande).

Elphaba comes from a family that sees her as a curse, being the only member with green skin. While dropping off her sister on her first day of witch training at the prestigious “Shiz University”, Elphaba catches the attention of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), and Glinda, who is eyeing a chance to succeed at Shiz.

Elphaba and Glinda are forced to be roommates, and it seems they couldn’t be less compatible. But will their time together lead to a blossoming friendship or an early warning of things to come in the Land of Oz?

I’ve never seen “Wicked” the broadway show, but I am familiar with the top songs and the incredible lead performances of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. I’m a sucker for musicals, and even as someone with a soft spot for the genre, I have to say that “Wicked” might be the best adaptation I’ve ever seen and one that demands to be shown on the biggest screen possible.

First, I commend Director Jon M. Chu for bringing this to life in the grandest way possible. You are immediately immersed in the world of Oz as the camera soars over (real) fields of tulips. The “In The Heights” and “Crazy Rich Asians” director took a grand-scale approach to bringing the show to life with practical effects, enormous and beautifully crafted sets, and two leads that inhabit Elphaba and Glinda.

Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have big shoes to fill, and they do so with poise, strength, and gravitas that you can feel from the minute they are on screen. Their chemistry is explosive and dynamic, maybe even giving Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman a run for their money for best on-screen duo.

Cynthia Erivo is such an incredible singer. She was not only belting out and defying gravity live on set but also doing her own stunts, flying and flipping through the air while performing. This sounds like an impossible task, but Cynthia completely nailed it. I love the complexities Elphaba has, she almost takes on a Hermione Granger role, particularly in how she feels and works toward helping the animals of Shiz University.

Ariana Grande gives an awards-worthy performance as Glinda, who is both sweet and simple, but also intelligent and has a lot under the surface. My favorite moment is when Elphaba and Glinda connect at a school dance. It was beautifully performed, beautifully choreographed, just perfect.

“Wicked” pays tribute to the broadway show, but is doing something cinematic that audiences will be surprised by. If you love the music, you’ll love this. If you love musicals, this will be your favorite of the year. The way Director Jon M. Chu brings this story and these characters to life will be celebrated by theater kids everywhere, and I can already see a revitalization of the music and the love for “Wicked” that will be shared by audiences worldwide.

Another thing worth noting, this film is part one of two parts. It clocks in at nearly three hours long, so I can only assume the next installment will be shorter.

Please go see “Wicked” in theaters. It was made to be seen on the biggest screen, with the best sound, and with a group of people who can share in this wonderful experience. This is absolutely a see-it and is one of my favorite films of the year.

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