When I entered the theater to see Wicked: Part OneI wasn’t really sure what to expect. As a longtime fan of the Broadway musical, I had some reservations about how it would translate to the big screen.
Plus, I wasn’t exactly thrilled when I went to the casting Arianna Grande like Glinda and Cinzia Erivo as Elphaba was first announced. I didn’t know much about Erivo’s work, and Grande’s previous work never resonated with me.
But, I’ll be honest, I was completely blown away by the film and their performances. Grande and Erivo are absolutely phenomenal in this film. Their portrayals of Glinda and Elphaba were deeply emotional and layered, capturing the spirit of these beloved characters in a way that exceeded my expectations.
Both actresses effortlessly embodied these characters and performed those iconic songs with exceptional skill. I have to give credit where credit is due.
The images inside Evil they are a feast for the eyes. Director Jon M. Chu brought the Land of Oz to life with stunning sets and meticulous attention to detail. From the glittering spiers of the Emerald City to the enchanting school of Shiz, every frame felt like a love letter to the magical world of Oz.
Although I wish the film had leaned more into the vibrant Technicolor palette of the original Wizard of Oz movie, I understand Chu’s vision to ground the fantasy world a little more and make it feel real. However, leaning into the style of the original film could have made for a more interesting viewing experience.
The story, adapted from the three-time Tony Award-winning musical (itself based on Gregory Maguire’s novel), remains largely true to its Broadway roots.
Explore how Elphaba, misunderstood and ostracized because of her green skin, becomes the Wicked Witch of the West and how Glinda, driven by ambition and privilege, evolves into the Good Witch.
Their friendship is at the heart of the story and the film captures this beautifully, showing how their bond is tested and transformed by the politics and power struggles of Oz. The emotional journey of these characters is profound and I found myself genuinely moved by their story arcs.
The supporting cast is equally wonderful. Michelle Yeoh shines as the regal but cunning Madame Morrible, and Jonathan BaileyThe portrayal of the charming Fiyero is entertaining. Ethan Slater like Boq and Marissa Bode as Nessarose brings heartfelt performances, while Jeff Goldblum adds his characteristic charisma and eccentricity to the role of the Wizard.
Watching the film in a packed house, full of fans, was an experience in itself. The audience was completely engaged, laughing, crying and erupting in cheers and applause at key moments. The film has the ability to capture the spirit of the musical and convey it to both old fans and newcomers.
If you are a fan of Evil musical, this film is a must see. Jon M. Chu has crafted a faithful adaptation that retains the heart and soul of the stage production.
While there are moments where I wish the film would have taken more risks or embraced its fantastical elements with a little more boldness, these are minor criticisms in what is otherwise a spectacular production.
Evil it’s an enchanting and emotional journey, full of great music and impressive performances. It’s a movie worth seeing on the big screen!
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
