Wicked

I have been very excited to watch Wicked, as someone who watched the West End version 10 years ago and has been a big fan of the musical ever since - flaws and all.  This Wicked adaptation will be loved by all fans of the musical and general audiences. It is so much fun and the 3 hours you’ll spend at the cinema will go flying by.  Whilst I didn’t cry, I can’t say I’m surprised that many people within my audience did. My personal favourite cry moment being the musical theatre kids sitting beside me crying through I’m Not That Girl - it really enhanced the experience.  Jon. M Chu knows exactly what he’s doing, having gotten a lot of experience from his preceding film In The Heights (please watch it’s criminally underrated). His vision is clear and masterfully adapts this beloved musical.  It adds a lot of necessary depth to the animal story arc by adding little changes such as Elphaba being raised by a bear, further strengthening her cause.  I had no doubts about Cynthia Erivo, who is such a broadway star. I loved her takes on The Wizard and I & Defying Gravity. I thought she melted right into this film and gave such a strong performance. I am counting down the days until I can hear No Good Deed.  However, it is Ariana Grande who is undoubtedly the standout of the film. There has been a lot of Oscar buzz going around - which I’m still questioning - but she was hilarious and easily gave my favourite performance. Her physical comedy was top notch and very unexpected but she really nailed everything. You can tell how much this role, music and film means to her and I can’t say I’m surprised to see her crying in every single interview.  When Jonathan Bailey is on screen there is nothing else you can focus on. Fiyero is magnetic, charming and so loveable - he has all girls and boys swooning. Dancing Through Life is a joy and you can just feel how much fun Jonathan Bailey is having. I cannot wait to hear him in As Long As You’re Mine.  The remainder of the cast is fine. Jeff Goldblum is just himself but I did enjoy A Sentimental Man. I loved Michelle Yeoh whenever she was on screen. I was surprised by the little they showed of Nessarose and Boq given how important they are in Act 2 but that’s something hindsight will help me judge better.   Whilst the film never overstayed its welcome, I can’t say I’m fully convinced that this adaptation needed to split into 2 films - it still feels as though it was to cash in more sales. In addition, I definitely made the mistake in getting wrapped in on other people’s thoughts - setting an expectation this film had no chance of surpassing. It is a very good film, but it would be an insult to films such as West Side Story (2021) and Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021) to say that this is the best musical film since Chicago.  I’m very curious to see how Act 2 will be adapted, which is notoriously known for not being as good as Act 1. Hopefully with the two new songs and added context to the political undertones, the film will improve upon it’s source material but I can’t say I’m holding onto much hope.  Still, whilst it believe it’s a little overrated it is a very enjoyable experience on the big screen. Pay no attention if you see me listening to the OST on repeat for the next week. [Jonathan Bailey please call me we can make this work]