Rafael "Mister Movie" Jovine’s review published on Letterboxd:
Starring - Female 4 Front: The Ultimate Kick Ass Warrior Michelle Yeoh
As a lot of 90s children who were not theater kids but consumed a lot of media growing up, we probably only knew of Wicked as this really popular Broadway show who reinvented the Wizard of Oz story, seeing the whole thing from Elphie’s perspective. You may have heard the adage, "Everyone's a hero in their own story, and the hero tends to be the villain." And I guess, starting with that, I really love that they readjust the lore in a way that feels cohesive with what we got. Spoiler alert for an almost century-old movie classic, but by the end we learn that Oz Guy was a complete fraud. BSter of the tallest order. Well, kind of like in Sam Raimi’s prequel—if I remember correctly—picks a lot of it to tell how our Wicked Witch of the West became who she is. Though instead of love, here we got other more nefarious things I’d not spoil. However, I found it incredibly interesting, and I left the movie eagerly anticipating how everything else would unfold.
And to be honest, if you asked me even a few hours, minutes, seconds before the movie started that I would be as delighted and enchanted (pun intended) by this film, I’d call you out on your bs. I mean, there’s a reason why this musical has lasted so long. But so does In the Heights (also directed by Chu), and honestly, that didn’t do anything for me. And there’s plenty of other plays and musicals that have been taken to the big screen that are unable to archive what this has done. John brought the magic, the charm, the whimsy, the beauty (apparently a lot of the film's production design and stunningly beautiful flower landscapes were legit, like they got millions of actual flowers), the joy... and the politics? Like, I didn’t expect all the social commentary, but I thought it was done in a way that didn’t feel that heavy handed. And it actually added to the intrigue. Indeed, the entire film was breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly immersive. For its almost 3hrs runtime (which I agree with some; it could have easily been trimmed), I didn’t feel as if I was seeing yet another movie on the big screen but being transported into this world. Tho I agree with some of you that a few scenes and sequences could have been dimmed a little, plus with so much practical work, whenever they go to certain CGI stuff like locations, it does stick out a bit too much... but overall I also really liked the cinematography.
The music was great. This is one of those musicals that is so popular, yet I don’t think (or so I thought) that I would be familiar with the songs, yet a few do ring a bell. The “Popular” one, I think I’ve heard it before on some commercials (maybe for Progressive? ... or some diapers? Purina? Lowe's? One of those meds that will help you cure your cold but among the countless second effects is turning people into chickens), and there was another one. The chorus of “Defying Gravity” also sounded familiar. Despite the fact that many of the songs had already faded from my memory by the time they concluded, I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to most of them. Even the weakest one at least had these incredible numbers with fantastic production design and wonderful and amusing choreography that just lifted my spirit. The dancers should all be proud; they deliver and so do the choreographer and Chu for shooting the heck out of them. The one in the library was great. “Loathe” was fun. “Popular” was delightful. The one with those big cameos had me cheering up and was cute. But of course, as I type this, it has passed like almost an hour since I left the screening, and I still have goosebumps just thinking about those final minutes of “Gravity” as Elphie SPOILER(?) flies away in her flying broom as Henry Cavill in Man of Steel (bruh, they even got the booming effect). It gave me the good chills.
Last but not least, the cast. Man, the cast was tremendous. Erivo has demonstrated her talent as an actress, particularly in this role, where she excels not only in her vocal performance but also in her dramatic delivery. She beautifully conveyed every emotion; she really makes you root for and feel for Elphaba. I found her performance to be very compelling and nuanced. As someone who has been following Grande from back in the days in Victorious as Cat Valentine, it’s been great to see her evolve into the megastar she has become. Her work here is fantastic. She skillfully captures the shallow, clueless, bimbo nature of the character in a way that evokes both Cat Valentine and the infectious, manic energy I associate with Chenoweth's work. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was on purpose and she tried to mesh the two together to create something that feels familiar but never intends to come off as a copy of a copy; also, there's something subtly nuanced or something in her performance that you can see she wasn’t simply phoning it in or playing herself. I think the French would say she has a je ne se quais. The two bounce off incredibly well, and by the end, you truly believe in their friendship. She also manages to portray Galinda/Glinda as both an antagonist and also someone who isn’t entirely evil or anything like that. I totally forgot Yeoh was in this, and I guess as I have a ranking list for her here I very well bring her up. She’s great. It’s a small role she has done in the past, yet, where normally she will fall into the side, she brings it on with the little screen time she has and I like the direction and significance her character has in the story. I won't delve into further details as they could potentially reveal spoilers. And Goldblum was Goldblumstatic (see, I can also make up stupid words).
All in all, probably the biggest surprise of the year for me. Last week I mentioned how my audience applauded at the end of Gladiator II and I was this very close to that being me. I was also ready to get off my seat and start singing Gravity, and I mean, technically we didn’t get any Goldblum warning, but nor was my audience that hyped up, and I lack the confidence to pull up a number. Maybe if any of them had joined me, but the room didn't read that way. But I do agree with a couple that got out when they say I was expecting this to be good, but not that good. Again, the second act and the whole school thing were okay but could have been shortened. You should definitely watch it on a large screen.
Starring - Female 4 Front: The Ultimate Kick Ass Warrior Michelle Yeoh
TODAY SCHEDULE
Aurora's Sunrise
Yatterman
Hara Kiri: Death of a Samurai
Wicked Pt. 1
