2 days ago
Let me start by saying—WOW! The visuals in Wicked are absolutely breathtaking. The land of Oz? Never looked so good. From the glistening Emerald City to the sweeping, magical landscapes, the filmmakers clearly put their hearts into crafting this world. Every single shot feels like a piece of art. You’ll find yourself lost in the colors, the costumes, and the elaborate set designs. It’s the kind of movie that pulls you in with its beauty, and you’re glued to the screen, marveling at how stunning everything is.
But here’s the thing—I can’t help but feel that underneath all that glitter, something is missing. The heart of Wicked, the emotional core that made us fall in love with it on stage, just doesn’t hit as hard in the movie. The dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda, their friendship, their rivalry, their heartbreaking moments—those are the things that make Wicked so unforgettable. And yet, in this film, something feels... off. Take the animal subplot, for example. On stage, this storyline has real weight. It adds urgency, depth, and gives us a reason to care about the characters' struggles. But in the movie? It barely gets touched upon. It’s like they gave it a quick mention and moved on. There’s so much potential here that could have elevated the emotional stakes, but instead, it gets pushed aside in favor of more showy musical numbers. That’s a missed opportunity, and I can’t help but feel let down.
Now, don’t get me wrong—Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo absolutely slay in their roles. Ariana’s Glinda is everything we want—playful, bubbly, and full of charm. Cynthia’s Elphaba? A total powerhouse. She brings the kind of vocal performance you’d hope for, especially in “Defying Gravity.” Both of them shine individually, and together, they have some magical moments on screen. But even their stellar performances can’t quite save the pacing issues that make the movie feel a bit rushed. There’s a lot of potential for emotional depth here, but instead, the characters feel like they’re just scratching the surface. We get flashes of their growth, but the emotional moments don’t land as strongly as they should. It’s like they’re trying to fit too much into too little time, leaving us with characters that feel incomplete.
On the flip side, if you’re a fan of the music (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Wicked will definitely satisfy. The musical numbers are every bit as grand and polished as you’d expect. “Popular” is as catchy and fun as ever, and “For Good” still tugs at the heartstrings. But while these moments are pure magic, there’s a lingering feeling that something’s missing. The emotional connection, that deep, raw feeling that makes you care about the characters, is just not quite there. Sure, the songs are beautiful, but they don’t hit you in the gut like they do when you’re seeing them live on stage.
And that’s really the issue with this film—Wicked is trying so hard to impress that it forgets what made the story so magical in the first place. The movie is loud, ambitious, and visually spectacular, but where’s the intimacy? Where’s the emotional connection between Elphaba and Glinda? For a story all about breaking stereotypes, fighting against the odds, and forging an unlikely bond, the movie never quite makes us feel that deep, emotional pull. Instead, it feels like it’s all about the spectacle—flashy sets, dazzling costumes, and huge musical numbers. It’s beautiful, no doubt, but it doesn’t give you that gut punch of emotion that Wicked should.
If you’re a long-time fan, you’ll enjoy it. There are plenty of moments that will make you smile and give you that warm, nostalgic feeling. But if you’re coming into this film hoping for the emotional depth that made the original musical so special, proceed with caution. It’s a visual feast, sure, but it doesn’t quite capture the heart of the story.
In the end, Wicked is a beautiful, larger-than-life spectacle—but it’s missing that crucial emotional depth that could have made it truly unforgettable. Here’s hoping part two will strike a better balance between the dazzling visuals and the powerful emotional journey that fans have come to love. Because at the heart of Wicked, it’s not just about the flashy costumes or the big numbers—it’s about the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, and that’s where the real magic lies.
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