Movie Reviews from the Dark

Greetings again from the darkness. Who is the good witch and who is the bad one? For those of us whose obsession with the classic 1939 film version of L Frank Baum’s 1900 novel has lasted from childhood through adulthood, it has always been crystal clear that the Wicked Witch of the West was bad and Glinda the Good Witch was so-named for obvious reasons. Then along came Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”, and the subsequent 20+ year Broadway run of the stage musical, which generated many new fans. And now we have a film adaptation of the stage production is directed by the talented Jon M Chu (CRAZY RICH ASIANS, 2018) with a screenplay co-written by Dana Fox (CRUELLA, 2021) and Winnie Holzman (who wrote the musical book for the stage musical). Could it be that the line between good and evil is not so clear? Or even that others have manipulated the situation to ensure a villain exists? I’m so excited for Oz fans to watch this.

Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba Thropp, the misunderstood, green-skinned outcast, and Ariana Grande Butera co-stars as Galinda/Glinda Upland, the rich, spoiled, popular kid. These two Grammy winners both deliver incredible performances with singing voices that leave us in awe. Ariana hits notes that seem otherworldly and Erivo is truly dynamic. It’s staggering to think much of their singing was performed “live” while acting. There is no way I’m going to spoil any of this, especially for those who have not seen the stage musical. Director Chu opted to keep the characters and songs from the musical, while adding even more detail to this film version.

Whether you prefer to label this a prequel or origin story, you should know going in that the complete story has been divided into two movies. The second part will be released in November 2025. This part one opens with Glinda gliding into Munchkinland to confirm the latest big news. She’s then persuaded to tell the backstory, which we watch in flashback form. We see the cutest ever newborn baby with green skin, and witness how Elphaba is mistreated in her own home in favor of her wheelchair bound sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), to whom their father demands she offer protection as they head off to Shiz University in the Land of Oz.

Judging her strictly by her ‘different’ appearance, everyone’s favorite classmate, Galinda, immediately treats Elphaba as a misfit, leading others to do the same. When Madam Morrible (Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh) spots some hidden powers in Elphaba, she arranges for the two rivals to share a dorm suite. This initially causes the rift to grow, right up until things thaw and a friendship forms. During some of these scenes, Ms. Grande flashes true comedic timing with giggles, patented hair flips, and some real zingers embedded in her self-serving compliments. Along the way, Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey, “Bridgerton”), a charming and carefree Prince, crosses paths with the girls, creating conflicting emotions.

Of course, this is a musical, and the familiar songs are not only sung beautifully, but most feature some intricate choreography and acting as well. Erivo and Grande each get their standout numbers with “Defying Gravity” and “Popular”, respectively. We see Elphaba turn to activism and a quest for kindness and justice in a sequence involving Dr. Dillabond (voiced by Peter Dinklage), one of the last remaining teaching animals at Shiz. The tone shifts quickly once Elphaba and (now) Glinda head to Emerald City to meet the Wizard, played by a surprisingly reserved Jeff Goldblum. We are also struck by Elphaba’s quiet dignity on her path to transforming into her more famous role.

There are countless life lessons to be taken from this fantastical world filled with colorful characters, and it’s interesting to see political strategy play out in a way to create the villain we are told is necessary to unite Oz’s citizenry behind the cause. We are also reminded that there are two sides to every story, and even Glinda realizes this as she and her new friend come to a fork in the road – or a broom on the balcony – that will determine their future. It’s quite a journey for these two, and along the way we see the fabulous Oz train, the Wizard’s for-show mechanics, the Grimmerie (Elphaba’s magic book), and of course, the fabulous flying monkeys (responsible for so many nightmares since 1939). We even get appearances from Kristen Chenowith and Idina Menzel from the original stage production.

The film looks absolutely marvelous, and much of that is thanks to the incredible sets created for the film … so much better than the heavy dose of green screen effects we’ve become accustomed to. Production Designer Nathan Crowley deserves mention, as does Paul Tazewell for the brilliant costume designs. The music is courtesy of John Powell and Stephen Schwartz (songs from the musical), and the choreography is from Christopher Scott. Oscar winner Frances Hannon delivers superb Hair and Makeup, while Director of Photography Alice Brooks and Visual Effects Director Pablo Helma give the film its remarkable look. We may have to wait a year for Part 2, where hopefully we discover how Glinda becomes sincerely good, but there’s little doubt this first part is memorable and worthy of multiple viewings.

Opens wide on November 22, 2024

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