I probably don’t like “Wicked” as much as everyone else does, but it was fun.
As readers may know, I’m not the biggest fan of musicals. When there’s despair and disdain in the world, I don’t want singing and dancing shoved down my gullet like a child.
“Wicked,” though, is a very engaging movie all around. Music is not my wheelhouse, however. I just don’t like musicals, period.
I took one for the team, settling in to watch the big-screen version of this Broadway sensation. I didn’t want to be involved, but I got suckered in because of all the hoopla and ballyhoo.
I was pleasantly surprised that I had a good time. I was smiling while enjoying the big budget fairy tale that’s a sure Oscar contender.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the green witch, and Ariana Grande as Galinda or Glinda, the good witch, have tremendous screen chemistry. This reminds me of the “Harry Potter” universe, where the audiences are immersed into the fantasy and its cultures.
The villains in this pop musical are Elphaba, who starts as a good person but does a complete 180-degree turn around into a green-faced duplicitous jerk. I’m pretty sure Erivo (“Harriet,” “Bad Times at the El Royale”)will get an Academy Award nomination for her outstanding performance. Her vocal performance is a highlight.
Grande’s shenanigans put a smile on my face as well. Glinda’s naivete maintains throughout the wild proceedings, thanks to Grande, the popular singer-actress (“Don’t Look Up”).
Jeff Goldblum (“Jurassic Park,” “The Fly”) as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is sort of the spoke in the wheel that keeps “Wicked” rolling along.
The big money needed to bring the beloved musical to the big screen is well spent. The film’s color palette is simply amazing.
I’m still not all-in on musicals in general, but “Wicked” softened me up a bit to experience the genre all together, especially when they’re this good.
Grade: A-
