Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Jonathan Bailey
Wicked is based on the Tony-award winning musical depicting the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz. It is astounding that, at a bloated 2 hours, 40 minutes, Wicked is only part one of this tale. If I sat any longer in my seat, I was going to request to have my mail forwarded there.
Despite its absurd length, Wicked boasts superior production values and keen performances with depth and passion. As far as the songs, I couldn't hum any even only hours after seeing them. Some of these are actual songs, while others are characters singing the dialogue. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are great singers and it's a pity to waste their voices on such forgettable tripe. Erivo plays the green Elphaba, with the expressive Grande playing Galinda (later Glinda). Elphaba is the unwanted daughter of an Oz governor, while Galinda is the spoiled rich girl, with both attending Shiz University, the training ground for future witches.
Galinda and Elphaba are roomed together, but don't like each other. They sing about loathing each other (I do recall that even if I can't recall the song). Soon, they become friends, with Elphaba showing actual sorcery gifts under the tutelage of the esteemed Madame Morrible, the dean of Shiz University. Soon, both Elphaba and Glinda meet the Wizard (Goldblum), who is revealed to be part showman/part fraud early in the game. The issue I have with Wicked is how long is takes to tell this story. There isn't enough to span nearly 180 minutes and we still have an entire sequel to go. I may have to start paying rent on my seat watching the next installment, since I can't imagine the next movie clocking in at under two hours.
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