It’s really simple. To make a great movie adaptation of a Broadway musical, give us the spirit of the musical and do the songs justice. Few have succeeded, whereas many have failed. As a fan of movie musicals, I’m pretty sensitive to what works and what doesn’t. So what’s the verdict on Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked: Part 1?
The film covers the first act of the Broadway musical, which tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West. After a torrid affair with a mysterious man and a pot, Elphaba’s (Cynthia Erivo) mother gives birth to an illegitimate, green-skinned child. Much to the derision of her father, Frexpar Thropp (Andy Nyman), he agrees to raise Elphaba and her sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), her father’s favorite. Did I mention that Elphaba can make things levitate when she gets angry?
Years later, Nessarose has been accepted to the prestigious Shiz University, with Elphaba ordered to keep an eye on her. After a bullying incident with the insufferable and spoiled Galinda (Arianna Grande), Elphaba’s power is unleashed and witnessed by the school’s matron witch, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Morrible takes an interest in Elphaba, enrolls her at Shiz, and forces Galinda to take Elphaba in as her roommate. The two gel like oil and water. They both can’t stand each other, and Galinda makes rooming with her a nightmare. But when a boy, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), arrives, Elphaba and Galinda’s cold relationship starts to warm up.
“[Elphaba and Galinda] gel like oil and water.”
I’ll just start by saying Wicked: Part 1 is pretty great. I was incredibly skeptical going in, having seen very mediocre trailers and a few unfortunate interviews with the cast. But what ultimately counts is what’s put up on the screen. To me, this is spectacular and a solid adaptation of the stage play.
Having said that, if you hate musicals, Wicked is not going to change your mind. Skip it unless you’re trying to impress your partner. If you love Wicked the play, I think you’ll love Wicked the movie. The movie has added story material and all of the songs from the musical, plus one more that will make fans scream in delight.
Wicked: Part 1 delves into Frexpar’s hatred for his daughter and hits the emotional story of the prejudice between humans and animals. Peter Dinklage plays the goat professor, Dr. Dillamond, and how they broaden his story raises the stakes, particularly motivating Elphaba to rebel at school. At the same time, the added story extends the length of time between songs. Maybe there’s an added 45 minutes to the film, which could have been cut in half.
"…spectacular and a solid adaptation of the stage play."
