Wicked
The rule is, if the wife loves it, it gets bumped up.
I had Wicked Part 1 at 4.5/5 stars, but my wife is getting ready for bed and still belting the songs. So we’re gonna go ahead and give it that extra .5
Man oh man. What a sweeping, beautiful, moving story being told in the wonderfully wicked world of Oz.
I’ll get my only complaint out of the way. Seeing as this is part 1 of 2, I do feel as if we stayed in some scenes a little longer than we needed to. That 2.5 hour run time felt long, but that could also be due to getting off of work and immediately going to the theater.
That’s pretty much it as far as complaints.
Cynthia Erivo is a titan in this movie, wearing every emotion for all to see on the sleeves of that iconic black robe. She is charming, funny, genuine, and every bit justified as an anti-hero could possibly be. Ariana Grande-Butera plays the mean girl turned best friend flawlessly. I need not explain the musical chops in this movie. I heard “Defying Gravity” before seeing the movie, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the chill bumps at the end of the song. This expands on the world of Oz in a fun, refreshing way that makes you want to stay in that world. Also MICHELLE YEOH AND JEFF GOLDBLUM STOLE EVERY SCENE THEY WERE IN.
The scenery was outstanding and vibrant and the side characters added to the friendliness and excess of the Emerald City.
One of my favorite things about this movie is the simple notion that regardless of upbringing, color, physical ability, or home life, you are valuable, worth it, and loved. I cannot wait to see what Part 2 has in store for us next year.