The 2024 film is the adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” and has enchanted audiences worldwide, translating the magical tale of Elphaba and Glinda from stage to screen with remarkable success. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, both delivering performances that have been widely praised for their depth and vocal prowess.
Critics have liked the film’s faithfulness to the original material, with Kyle Smith of The Wall Street Journal calling it “the most entertaining film of the year and the most dazzling live-action Hollywood musical since Chicago.” Jazz Tangcay of Variety described it as “a musical masterpiece that is much more than we could have ever expected,” highlighting Chu’s direction and the film’s impressive sets and costumes.
This is the case, but with a couple of restrictions from me, and it’s nothing you don’t know, the songs in this piece are the same as the Broadway show but in this format be warned, you have to be viewing and more importantly listening on better than average equipment to hear allot of the high notes. My first viewing was on a standard TV and that’s a mistake there was no way for a cheap speaker to handle the well mixed audio, it’s passable but to get proper enjoyment bear in mind your better off with headphones or a good setup.
Overall the story was easy to follow the acting was a little cringe worthy in places, but in the tradition of musicals this is how it should be all in all this movie is well worth the watch and l, despite the follow up interviews and train wreck that the actors have caused it should be seen.
The film has not been without controversy. the drector Adam McKay sparked debate by suggesting that “Wicked” could face potential bans in the U.S. within the next five years due to its “radical” themes addressing careerism, fascism, and propaganda. McKay’s comments have been met with both agreement and skepticism, reflecting the film’s engagement with contemporary societal issues.
On social media, the film’s promotional activities have generated significant buzz. A particular interview clip featuring Erivo and Grande reacting emotionally to a journalist’s comment about “holding space” for the song “Defying Gravity” went viral, leading to widespread discussion and memes. The actresses later addressed the incident, with Grande admitting she was initially confused by the comment, while Erivo expressed surprise at the audience’s deep connection to the song.
Additionally, the film’s marketing materials have faced scrutiny. A fan-edited poster aiming to resemble the original Broadway imagery drew criticism from stat Cynthia Erivo, who for some reason only known to herself found the alterations offensive. Apparently altering the poster to hide her eyes removed something from its meaning, deapite that being the layout of the original broadway show. This incident sparked discussions about artistic interpretation and respect for original designs.
Despite these controversies, “Wicked” has achieved substantial box office success, grossing over $300 million domestically. The film’s choreography, particularly for the song “What Is This Feeling?”, has inspired viral trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, further cementing its cultural impact.
In conclusion, “Wicked” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of its source material, skillfully adapted for the big screen. While it has navigated its share of controversies and social media debates, the film’s artistic achievements and audience reception underscore its significance in contemporary cinema.
