Bruno🎄’s review published on Letterboxd:
“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”
I wasn’t expecting a Wicked adaptation to be one of the best films of the year but here we are, life surely does have its own ways of surprising you and this film does exactly that. My expectations were high but somehow the final product surpassed them and delivered above and beyond. In a year of dull musicals from Joker 2, Moana 2 and Emilia Perez, we finally have something worthy, a magical film in many ways, one that’ll settle itself as one of the best musicals of this decade, I’m baffled. Everything and everyone in here is spectacular, the performances, the visual effects, the songs alongside the singing, the comedy, it’s all expertly crafted and only a man capable of such talents would be able to deliver a fluid and smooth film like this one. This film is on par with the quality of The Wizard of Oz, both are insanely well made with stunning direction and I wouldn’t be able to tell you which one is better. This is the awards worthy film it deserves to be and one heck of an unforgettable experience in theaters.
“Elphaba Thropp, listen to me. You can do this. You can do anything.”
We might be witnessing perfect casting choices here, Ariana Grande is performing like rent is due, I didn’t know she had it in her to deliver such a comedic and yet personal performance filled with joy and love. Her portrayal of Glinda, a character that sees herself as someone who’s above and better than everyone else, is simply fascinating and one of my favorites of the year. Her voice and her ability to sing at the highest level also elevates this even further, resulting in something exceptional. Cynthia Erivo is also perfect as Elphaba, the wicked witch, and her emotional beats as well as her wickedness allow for a special performance. Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard is hilarious, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible is fun and Jonathan Bailey is quite charming as Fiyero. The whole cast knew exactly what they were doing and delivered.
“I’m not afraid. It’s the Wizard who should be afraid of me.”
Jon M. Chu is that guy, the man directs this insanely well, the direction flows through this and creates an experience unlike any other. The world building and the fantasy elements are well implemented and look stunning, the musical numbers are choreographed down to the notch and performed brilliantly. Every scene is impactful and makes for a 160 minute runtime seem like a breeze to get through. He casually creates one of the best broadway adaptations I’ve ever laid my eyes on, the screenplay is immersive and the writing blends humor and drama really well. Songs like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” are still roaming around my head as I sing them out of nowhere days after watching the film, Jon Chu delivers said songs with so much love and expertly crafted musical scenes that leaves you wanting more. My only problem with this film is the lighting, it makes the overall look of it lose some color and I would’ve loved for it to seem much more alive and less bland but otherwise a phenomenal film in every department.
“I’m the one you want! I’m the one you want! It’s MEEEE!”
Watching this after watching The Wizard of Oz really hits you in the feels as you get to witness who Elphaba was before she’s mistreated by everyone, therefore her only outcome is to be a wicked witch and look for revenge. The finale is my favorite scene in the film, it perfectly sets up Part 2 and I can’t wait in a years time to witness it all unfold as a film. Jon M. Chu, Ariana and Cynthia, I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we will be there to witness the continuation of this remarkable adaptation. I’m lost for words, I can’t recommend this enough, a film that embraces its very own identity.
“Okay, let's get this over with: no, I'm not seasick; no, I didn't eat grass as a child; and yes, I've always been green.”
