The wildly anticipated film version of the Broadway musical of the same name, “Wicked,” is in theatres this Friday November 22nd! Both versions are loosely based on a 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire. Our Wicked movie review takes you inside the film.
Fans have been anxiously waiting since the release was first announced back in February 2024. We got an early peak at the film, directed by Jon M. Chu. Folks are in for a wondrous (almost 3 hours) of fantasy filled fun, laughter, and an emotional roller coaster of a ride! The theatre in Times Square, New York was full of die-hard, Wicked supporters, many dressed in majestic costumes and they applauded at every fabulous new scene opening.
Lead characters Elphaba and Glinda are played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande respectively, a magical match – eventually. Early on, Elphaba is an outcast and not even enrolled at Shiz, (the sorcery school located in Northern Oz) but while accompanying her little sister as a chaperone she is noticed by the school’s dean Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh.
Elphaba and Glinda (formally known as Galinda) initially bump heads when they are forced to share a room. It’s a common story of how differences can form misunderstanding. Just like in many real-life scenarios, though, the more they got to know each other and walls were broken down, the more they realized they had more in common than they would ever think.
They teach each other lessons on character along the way and although the movie starts out in a celebration of the death of the wicked witch of the West – hosted by Glinda – she will explain throughout the movie just how they got there.
In one of the many musical scenes, a song about best friends displays the solid partnership the two girls create. When Elphaba gets the chance to meet the great Wiz and be granted all her heart desires, she invites her bestie along. The two go on a journey that tests not only their friendship but their own personal integrity. It’s a story of strength and challenge.
The popular theme of friendship hovers over the film but some more unique and hidden themes such as disability and inclusion rights and even animal cruelty also surface. The film could ironically enough, be referenced when discussing the current United States political climate. it demonstrates the way we can outwardly seem as if we’re on opposing sides when really, behind the scenes we could have started as great friends, now fighting on different sides with different views. Just like in Wicked – no one knows the true story. What really happened? How do we really know who is wicked?
With so many twists and turns, shockers and reveals, you would think this was it but no, there’s more, this is just Part 1! Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
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