Wicked Review: Das Oz Prequel

CP

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Nov 20, 2024

29 visitor like this post

Share

Wicked Review: Das Oz Prequel – A Whimsical Journey, But Did It Soar?

Okay, folks, let's talk Wicked. I'm not gonna lie, I went into this movie with HUGE expectations. I mean, Wicked, the musical? It's a freaking legend. So, adapting that behemoth to the big screen? That's a massive undertaking. And, yeah, maybe I had some serious expectations.

My Pre-Movie Jitters (And Why You Shouldn't Overthink It)

Before I even saw the first trailer, I’d already read a bunch of articles and reviews. I was getting all worked up, analyzing casting choices, comparing the musical score to the film score, the whole shebang. I even had a mini-meltdown because my local theater didn't have the special Wicked-themed popcorn buckets I'd been eyeing on Instagram! (I know, I know… total first-world problem).

The point is: don't do that. Seriously. Go in with an open mind. Let the movie wash over you. I learned that the hard way. Going into the film, I was already prepped for disappointment. I had analyzed it to death. It's like preparing for a test by only reading the introduction and the conclusion; you'll only end up freaking yourself out.

The Good: Visual Spectacle and Stellar Performances

But okay, let’s get to the actual movie. The visuals? Absolutely stunning. The costumes, the sets, the CGI... it's all top-notch. Seriously, Wicked is a visual feast. I mean, they really nailed the whole whimsical, fantastical Oz vibe. They even managed to make the flying monkeys look almost…cute. Almost.

The performances were also killer. Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba? She owned that role. Her voice? Unbelievable. Ariana Grande, as Galinda, brought a fresh, feisty energy. Their chemistry together was electric. The supporting cast was fantastic as well. They kept the energy up, and they didn't miss a beat.

The Not-So-Good: A Few Tweaks I Wasn't Crazy About

However, and this is a big however, the film deviated quite a bit from the musical. Some changes worked – some added emotional depth. Others? Not so much. I'm still processing some of the plot choices. My friends and I spent an hour discussing one specific change. I don't want to spoil it for you, but suffice it to say, some of the alterations felt a little rushed.

One thing that really bothered me was pacing. Certain scenes felt too short, leaving me wanting more. They had so much material to work with, and some elements got lost in the shuffle. It felt like they tried to cram everything in, sacrificing some nuance in the process.

Final Verdict: A Must-See, With Caveats

Look, I’m not saying Wicked is a perfect adaptation. It's not a carbon copy of the musical. It definitely makes its own choices. There are moments that might leave some musical purists scratching their heads. However, as a film in its own right? It’s a genuinely enjoyable experience.

If you're a fan of fantasy, musicals, or just great visual storytelling, you should definitely see it. Go in with an open mind, and prepare to be swept away. The experience has some flaws, but overall, it is a fantastic visual feast with an amazing performance by Cynthia Erivo. Just maybe leave those ridiculously high expectations at the door. You'll enjoy it so much better that way. Trust me on this one.