SPOILER FREE REVIEW: Wicked – 9.5/10
I had missed ever seeing Wicked the stage musical for so long, and honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’d heard whispers over the years, but watching this as a cinematic piece first was probably the best way to experience it. And wow, did it deliver. It had the potential for a perfect 10 rating at times, but I think it’s more of a 9.5, as selfishly I wanted some story elements to land differently, although that's nothing to do with anyone but me.
The opening sequence was mesmerising, an amazing concept that at times felt unnerving and uncomfortable in a good way. The storyline works brilliantly, with impressive creativity. It’s a big switch for the light-hearted fans, and that’s what makes it so exciting. The inclusivity and diversity in this production are remarkable, and I absolutely loved that. As for Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda, (Ariana Grande) both actors were perfect for their roles, bringing the characters to life with depth and layers.
Their moments of transformation were gripping and totally captivating. The entire cast was exceptional. What a fantastic project, where each actor has their moment to shine. The chemistry between Elphaba and Glinda was electric, and their interactions brought so much fun and energy to the screen. I’d heard a few of the songs before, but seeing them in context was a revelation. Honestly, I loved it all. This is a review I’m struggling to write because it’s overwhelmingly positive!
The music was spectacular, and it truly enhanced the moral story elements. The songs drive home powerful messages that teach us something valuable. The visual effects were breath-taking, and I especially loved the burning of the witch at the opening as a practical effect, although I was left not sure. The rich use of many effects throughout really brought the fantastical world to life. And let’s be honest, sometimes fans develop a lore better than the original creators, and in this case, the expanded lore was truly impressive. I was particularly taken with the origin of the flying monkeys, it added such depth to the world. I’m already thinking about my own yellow brick road!
There are so many important themes here: diversity, accessibility, inclusion, equality, power, corruption, magic, and allegory. The musical didn’t shy away from complex issues, and it’s impossible not to be drawn in by its social relevance. The pacing was perfect. It kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. This show is clearly a significant moment in musical and cinema history, and it felt like a true milestone. Though I’m not familiar with the book or original Broadway musical, I felt this film really honoured the original Wizard of Oz movie, and that’s all that mattered to me as a cinema fan. It felt like a continuation of a magical legacy.
Would I recommend Wicked? 100%. This is a must-watch for fans of magical realism, movies, musicals, and great storytelling. If you’ve seen The Wizard of Oz but haven’t seen Wicked yet, put it on your to-do list. You won’t regret it. It keeps the story alive in ways other attempts have failed.
#magick #wicked #musicals
I had missed ever seeing Wicked the stage musical for so long, and honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’d heard whispers over the years, but watching this as a cinematic piece first was probably the best way to experience it. And wow, did it deliver. It had the potential for a perfect 10 rating at times, but I think it’s more of a 9.5, as selfishly I wanted some story elements to land differently, although that's nothing to do with anyone but me.
The opening sequence was mesmerising, an amazing concept that at times felt unnerving and uncomfortable in a good way. The storyline works brilliantly, with impressive creativity. It’s a big switch for the light-hearted fans, and that’s what makes it so exciting. The inclusivity and diversity in this production are remarkable, and I absolutely loved that. As for Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda, (Ariana Grande) both actors were perfect for their roles, bringing the characters to life with depth and layers.
Their moments of transformation were gripping and totally captivating. The entire cast was exceptional. What a fantastic project, where each actor has their moment to shine. The chemistry between Elphaba and Glinda was electric, and their interactions brought so much fun and energy to the screen. I’d heard a few of the songs before, but seeing them in context was a revelation. Honestly, I loved it all. This is a review I’m struggling to write because it’s overwhelmingly positive!
The music was spectacular, and it truly enhanced the moral story elements. The songs drive home powerful messages that teach us something valuable. The visual effects were breath-taking, and I especially loved the burning of the witch at the opening as a practical effect, although I was left not sure. The rich use of many effects throughout really brought the fantastical world to life. And let’s be honest, sometimes fans develop a lore better than the original creators, and in this case, the expanded lore was truly impressive. I was particularly taken with the origin of the flying monkeys, it added such depth to the world. I’m already thinking about my own yellow brick road!
There are so many important themes here: diversity, accessibility, inclusion, equality, power, corruption, magic, and allegory. The musical didn’t shy away from complex issues, and it’s impossible not to be drawn in by its social relevance. The pacing was perfect. It kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. This show is clearly a significant moment in musical and cinema history, and it felt like a true milestone. Though I’m not familiar with the book or original Broadway musical, I felt this film really honoured the original Wizard of Oz movie, and that’s all that mattered to me as a cinema fan. It felt like a continuation of a magical legacy.
Would I recommend Wicked? 100%. This is a must-watch for fans of magical realism, movies, musicals, and great storytelling. If you’ve seen The Wizard of Oz but haven’t seen Wicked yet, put it on your to-do list. You won’t regret it. It keeps the story alive in ways other attempts have failed.
#magick #wicked #musicals
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