“Wicked,” Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the beloved stage musical, is the first of a two-part event. For those who’ve seen this story on stage, this film extensively covers the show’s first act, where we learn about the budding friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda (Ariana Grande).
The two are classmates at Shiz University, a school set in the magical land of Oz where sorcery can be learned, and animals serve as the professors. Elphaba was born with an unusual green complexion, making her an outcast among everyone. When an opportunity comes that will lead her to meet the Wizard of Oz, she befriends Galinda, the popular student who will support her amidst peer judgment.
While Hollywood adaptations of stage plays and musicals tend to be a one-off full-length feature, there is surprisingly much to unpack in Part 1 of “Wicked” that its source material passed by swiftly. Surely, the decision to do this comes from a studio mandate, but it works enough to properly flesh out its characters. Without spoiling, the second part of “Wicked” will see its lead characters on an entirely different energy so this alone is a great set-up for what’s to come.
“Wicked” is filled with large set designs, bopping music, and charismatic A-listers that will easily swoon both musical and general audiences alike. The land of Oz looks and feels tangible, where characters roam and dance around. With a limited backdrop, the amusing “Dancing Through Life” and “Popular” sequences might not get their supposed charm and just become a song that the filmmakers need to cross off because it’s in the stage version. But even with a CGI-driven environment in scenes like “Defying Gravity”, “Wicked” was able to effectively incorporate its characters’ emotions and souls without feeling artificial.
Given these, I think the secret ingredient of “Wicked” is its director Jon M. Chu. Chu has a long history of directing dance movies (“Step Up 2”, “Step Up 3D”) and his mastery of capturing movements becomes an advantage. He seems to be the go-to guy to direct these big-budget musical films, coming from “In the Heights” to directing the next “Wicked” installment and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. And deservedly so.
“Wicked” is a testament that musical films will always feel fresh and entertaining as long as it’s done with care. Lavish production, charismatic actors, large musical numbers with choreography – what’s not to love?
“Wicked” is now showing in cinemas.
Featured images from Universal Pictures.
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