Wicked
Review by Sam
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jon M Chu’s eagerly anticipated adaptation of the hit musical does more than just defy gravity as Part 1 is finally unleashed onto the big screen.
Since the announcement in 2012, fans have been patiently waiting for the musical to debut in cinemas, and it’s safe to say that the wait was more than worth it. Wicked is the definition of how to adapt a musical to screen perfectly. It’s packed with stunning visuals, breathtaking choreography, and countless cameos that will fill every musical theatre fan with utter joy from the opening notes.
Chu has already successfully translated a musical to the screen with 2021’s In The Heights, but with Wicked he has taken directing to NEW Heights, cementing his place as one of the legendary musical filmmakers of his generation. Achieving the unthinkable, Chu perfectly honours the stage show and its legacy whilst managing to make the film larger than life to fill the screen in a truly mesmerising way. The entire ensemble have all been cast perfectly to bring these characters to life, however it’s the central performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande which remain the beating heart of this film.
Erivo takes on the iconic role of Elphaba, grabbing the broom with both hands and delivering a career defining performance full of passionate, ground-breaking vocals. Her performance left me crying on countless occasions as she gives a viscerally raw performance baring all. By comparison Grande was the perfect Glinda, showing incredible talent for comic timing, dance and jaw dropping vocals. Individually both shine brightly, but when on screen together the pair have magnetic chemistry which most directors could only dream of.
Wicked is a cinematic musical masterpiece that easily takes the crown of best stage-to-screen adaptation of the century. It is a tribute and love letter to both the stage show and to musical theatre as a whole from beginning to end. The entire creative team are fans who have nothing but love and admiration for the material, and have translated the story beautifully whilst simultaneously scaling it up for the big screen to make it Pop-You-Lar