This was...a unique experience. I'm someone who doesn't really like musicals and hasn't seen the original Wizard of Oz. I went in with some expectations though, due to the immense positive reviews.

I'm happy to say it's actually good. I loved the characters and their interactions, particularly Glenda and Elphaba. The over the top theatrics of some characters just worked well here, I felt. Set designs and casting were the best parts. The scenary is gorgeous. So much rich detail and colour. Everyone in the cast is great. Not one weak link. Even Ariana Grande, who I always thought was a brilliant singer but a poor actress. But nope. She gives a fabulous performance here. Both singing and acting. Her chemistry with Cynthia Erivo is amazing.

At first, I didn't like that this was a two parter, but the pacing is pretty good here. Also, I heard the original play this is based off of felt quite rushed so I imagine giving this two parts allows more time for some story elements to be fleshed out more. I honestly don't have any major issues except for a personal one. All these praises aside, it's still a musical. The main songs are wonderful. But some of the smaller singing moments kind of annoyed me. A scene could be going really well dramatically and then someone will just sing a few words but not transition into a full song and it just takes me out of the moment.

This could be a moot criticism if I see part two or even the original movie but this film did a good job at humanizing Elphaba, who goes on to become the wicked witch. It does a bit too good of a job to the point where I don't see how she's the villian. I was rooting for her the whole time. Again, maybe she's really evil in the original movie so this all could be just a dumb nitpick. I guess we'll see where they take her character in part two. Or I could just watch the original.

I still enjoyed the film. Those personal gripes aren't enough to knock the entire movie down. But if you're big musical hater, I don't think even the positive elements here will be enough to win you over. I myself still don't love musicals after this now. But this is one of the better ones I've seen.