ClockworkKing’s review published on Letterboxd:
Universal Pictures Presents:
Wicked (Part 1)
Directed By:
John M Chu
Elphaba a witch with a curse enters a new school named Shiz University where she meets her only friend Glinda who they share a bonding friendship and explores a tragic tale of the two bonding friendships before they hate each other.
Based on the Wicked Musical and The Frank Baum book series titled The Wizard Of Oz which soon after was adapted into a movie by the same name in 1939 and arguably became a Hollywood classics. Other notable works including the one that was made previously directed by Sam Raimi and some straight to dvd and VOD ones that not a lot of people remembered. John M Chu director of the highly acclaimed Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights, cemented him into one of the best modern Asian directors as well as one of the most popular filmmakers very known for his love for musicals.
Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda which was casted 2 years ago. Not a lot was hyped for the trailers but early buzz calling it one of the best blockbuster marvels of the year so I was a bit excited. I saw it today a bit early since I have an Amazon Prime Subscription which allows me to see it to give my review so here is my thoughts.
The trailers arguably didn’t do this justice and I feel that once you see the movie. John M Chu crafted an homage of all of Frank Baums franchise by storm combining both Hollywood classic and modern take on Wicked.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are outstanding as both leads that are both incredibly talented singer and actresses that really has huge chance to be nominated for some awards and win on Grande’s part.
The musical here especially the score really resembles references to the Classic Hollywood tone as well with the 1939 MGM Orchestral soundtrack of the 1939 film. Defying Gravity and Popular are one of the best in the tracks and really crafted colorful musical sequences.
My main issues is as Part 1 some side stories really felt bleak and abrupt of the 2 hour and 40 minute runtime and thought it needed much more vibrant lighting in this one.
Wicked Part 1 is a marvelous time at the movies, not perfect as a part 1 but our lead stars does arguably the best performances of the year as well with Chu’s most acclaimed movie to date and maybe his best film since Crazy Rich Asians. It’s the best Oz film since The Wizard of Oz and has a lot of nostalgic references that leads a comfortable escapism that 100% will make its run for its money in one of the most delightful projects of the year.
Enjoy the 2nd double feature of Glicked when it comes to theaters on November 22nd so enjoy my fellow Ozians!
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