An imaginative prequel to The Wizard of Oz, based on a novel and legendary Broadway adaptation, and directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked Part 1 is a colorful, energetic musical featuring two powerhouse performances and an infectious spirit.
As the people of Oz celebrate the demise of the Wicked Witch, Glinda (Ariana Grande) recalls how the two first met and formed a special, complicated relationship. Glinda befriends Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) who was born green and shunned by her family and society. As Elphaba realizes she has extraordinary powers that could be used to serve The Wizard, dark secrets emerge that could shake the core of Oz and jeopardize the girls’ sisterly bond.
Serving as an origin tale for these characters and others, the film centers on an unusual relationship amid school (not unlike Hogwarts School), potential romance, and a conspiracy that permeates the students and faculty. It’s a lesson in acceptance and love while embracing our differences even as sinister forces threaten to undermine everything.
The
classic songs (Popular, Defying Gravity) are in glorious form as Grande and Erivo
demonstrate euphoric, vocal range. Chu,
who seems to be heir apparent to Rob Marshall (Chicago) in screen musicals, displays a visual flair that does not
abandon its theatrical origins (nor should it.)
The film’s spectacle never shines at the expense of pathos. (There are two wonderful cameos for fans of
the stage version.)
Without
a doubt the film rests on the strength of the two leads, and they excel particularly
in their lovely duets. The film ends on an emotional showstopper
that is the dramatic peak of the film as one chapter closes vividly setting up
characters and events that promise much more in the concluding follow-up film.
We can’t wait.
****1/2 of
***** stars
No comments:
Post a Comment