Wicked – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Wicked – Defying Gravity in Oz: A Musical of Magic and Wonder

Within the powers of the imagination, anything is possible … especially in film.  Through that creative expression, a world on the big screen can grow before our eyes.  It is in film where the strength of one’s vision can push the bounds of exploration, creating circumstances where moments and characters can be uniquely original.  In this review, I look at the latest fantasy/musical to hit the big screen.  Within a tale of riveting circumstances and powerful songs, we escape into the land of Oz in a different way.  Through a stellar depiction of imagination, Wicked is a musical that shows that … magic is more than words and wonder. 

In a world of wonder and indifference, a young woman will need to fight through all obstacles and show what it means to be truly … one of a kind.  Through moments of circumstance, the aspect of originality becomes prudent to one’s own perspective.  As things are always adaptable, there will be moments that seem unique (even if they are familiar).  For a musical, it is one that becomes a lifting of new things through an adaptation that is reflective of the creative.  With this film, it becomes a combination of influences that pushes into new realms of depth and exploration (of the source material), while creating a distinctively imaginative escape.  In the beginning, we get a prologue that introduces us to the situation (in Oz), before Glinda/Galinda (Ariana Grande) begins to tell the tale of who was the Wicked Witch of the West, who went by the name of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo).  Within that tale of the past, it becomes a layering of circumstance akin to a ‘fish out of water’ story, but against the backdrop of the world of Oz.  Once the foundation is set, the journey moves through a blend of old school movie techniques (staging, cinematography and musical numbers) with the aspect of modern filming (CGI, character creations and characterized sensibilities).  Through it all … as you learn the backstory of Elphaba … you are driven by thematic grips of social angst, prejudice, familial strife and hopeful endearment.  Within humanistic reverie, that emotional core is driven by Elphaba and Galinda (at school), as the standard outcast vs. popular girl motif grows into an endearing tale of humble reflection and true friendship.  Within this growth, it is something that propels through all the subplots of mystery and intrigue … but gives a place where characterization and musical numbers are in tandem.  The power of the journey is more than just an emotional drama, but a harmonious thrust of music in a world of imaginative appeal.

As Elphaba navigates the waters of discrimination, she finds balance in her own skin, complemented by her friendship with Galinda and interactions with Professor Morrible (Michelle Yeoh).  As things begin to turn, she is invited to the Emerald City, where she gets to meet the man himself … The Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum).  Once she meets the Wizard, it becomes a thrust of active conflict, one that leads Elphaba to become a martyr of all things against the ‘norms’ of Oz.  This leads into a third act of scenic moments, strong musical moments and characterization that lifts the source material to new heights.  With the strength of knowing the truth, we head into a powerful musical climax, and an epilogue that has you ready … for Act Two.  Wicked is a musical that pushes the bounds of imagination for an amazing escape.  If you are a fan of the original stage play, musicals or imaginative escapes, this is one for you.  For all that can be said, it is worth the Full Price of admission.     

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)