Wicked Review
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Wicked
Universal
PG-13
A spoiler alert is never a bad idea but it's not particularly necessary with this new prequel of the classic WIZARD OF OZ, WICKED. It is, of course, centering on some of the characters from the original L Frank Baum novel THE WIZARD OF OZ but none of these events took place within the covers of that novel or the Judy Garland film. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holman are the ones who wrote the Broadway musical of the same name and that's based on the George Maguire 1995 novel of how Elpheba, the Wicked Witch of the West got to be the person, well witch, that we knew from previous versions. Though no one ever knew why but preferred to rely on superstition, why Elpheba (Cynthia Erivo) was born a very strange shade of green. For that reason she was ostracized from the so-called normal Upper Crust of the outskirts to the west of Oz. In the Emerald Palace at the center of the capitol of Oz dwells the mysterious and powerful wizard who rules the kingdom with the help of the administration faculty and staff of Shiz, the Oz Academy of sorcery and the corrupt politicians. Every year or so dozens of candidates from the outer regions send children who may or may not have any natural magical power to be selected for or rejected from that Academy. Among them are a self-centered socialite Galinda who resembles a fairy tale Barbie, and Elpheba, the unpopular girl from the western province. Most of the kids invited to this event have no magical powers whatsoever and a few have a tiny bit. That is, except for our hero who seems to possess powerful but uncontrolled abilities which brings her into the focus of one of the professors and The Wizard himself. Jeff Goldblum's thespian skills may be somewhat limited but when you need the bumbling and boastful charlatan that is the wizard very few tackle that role better. Professor Madam Morrible is the actual antagonist here played skillfully by Michelle Yeoh who won an Oscar for EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME, which I hated.
The political situation in the Land of Oz is a rough one. There are huge problems with issues like animals rights, since animals used to be able to talk and think like humans, civil rights for Munchkins and greedy politicians not unlike the ones in ancient Rome as referenced by Gladiator 2 or Washington DC. (but I digress) beyond that the acting is outstanding among the entire cast and I was especially surprised at the singing acting and dancing chops of Ariana Grande as Galinda. Not to mention the visuals that were such an important part of the success of the original film, here in Wicked they are outstanding even in comparison to the gold standard of special FX in just about every modern-day film. And though I admit the film, on more than one level, exhibits a kind of feminist vibe, but not enough to deep six the film with political correctness. That might all change in part 2 which should be out next year. Wicked is decidedly darker than the original film and apparently promises to get darker yet as the war between the people and the forces of the wizard will be the focus of the next installment.
Aside from all that this is a musical and it's not often I love almost every song in any musical the first time I hear them. This was one of those rare occasions. (Investors might consider buying up stock and companies that make striped socks.)
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WSS
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Interesting!
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Speaking of which thanks to my policy of not reading other people's stuff about movies, until I've seen them and made up my mind,. I had no fucking clue that Wicked sing along is only the original movie with subtitles for the songs. fortunate way for me, no assholes in the audience were singing along at annoyingly me.
WSS
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