Wicked Film Review: Oz Prequel

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Post on Nov 20, 2024

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Wicked Film Review: A Prequel That Doesn't Quite Hit the Mark

Okay, so, Wicked. I've been waiting for this movie forever. Seriously, like, since I was a kid listening to the soundtrack on repeat. And the hype? Off the charts. So, did it live up to the, well, wicked expectations? Let's dive in, shall we?

The Good: Visual Spectacle and Stellar Performances

First off, the visuals were insane. The costume design? Phenomenal. Seriously, the creativity and detail put into those outfits were breathtaking. I mean, the color palettes alone were worth the price of admission. They really captured the whimsical, fantastical world of Oz in a way that felt both familiar and fresh. Plus, the set design was equally impressive, creating a truly immersive experience. I felt like I was in Oz.

And the acting? Mostly fantastic. Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba? Incredible. She absolutely owned the role. Her powerful vocals and emotional depth were captivating. Ariana Grande as Galinda? She brought a charming vulnerability to the character, nailing the comedic timing and emotional range. Both actresses brought depth and nuance to their roles, making them feel relatable and fully realized despite their over-the-top personalities.

The Not-So-Good: A Rushed Narrative and Some Missing Magic

But here's where things get a little tricky. While the performances and visuals were top-notch, the narrative felt, dare I say, a little rushed? It crammed so much into one movie, and some important character development felt kinda lost in the shuffle. I felt like they tried to do too much, sacrificing depth for spectacle. The pacing felt uneven at times, and there were moments where I wished we could have spent more time exploring certain relationships or plot points.

For example, the complexities of Elphaba's relationship with her father deserved more screen time. It felt slightly underdeveloped, which impacted the emotional weight of certain key scenes. Plus, some of the musical numbers, which are legendary in the stage production, felt a little less impactful on screen. I know it's hard to translate the magic of live theatre to film, but I think some of the musical arrangements could have been better integrated into the narrative.

A Few Specific Gripes (Because I'm a Critic, Obviously)

• The pacing: Like I said, they really needed to spread things out a bit more.
• Certain plot points: Some felt a little convenient or underdeveloped.
• The CGI: While mostly excellent, there were a few moments where it felt a little too… CGI-y. You know what I mean?

The Verdict: Worth Seeing, But Not Perfect

Despite my minor quibbles, Wicked is still a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. The performances alone make it worth watching. The soundtrack is iconic, and you will probably be humming those tunes for days afterwards. It's a movie that'll stay with you, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of the stage production in every aspect. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It certainly isn't a flop, but it could have been even more wickedly amazing with a few tweaks.

So, go see it! But maybe manage your expectations. Just saying. It's definitely a good time at the movies, but it's not quite the perfect Oz prequel I'd hoped for. I mean, maybe they should've made it a two-parter? Just a thought.