Wicked Part 1

Synopsis: Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths. 

Movie Review: 

"Wicked Part 1," directed by John M. Chu, is based on the popular Broadway musical of the same name, serving as a prequel to the classic "The Wizard of Oz." This magical experience captivates you from start to finish, making it one of my favorite movies of the year. Chu did an excellent job bringing the colorful world of Oz to life, reigniting the love we all felt for it in the first place. The musical elements and songs are inventive, exciting, and memorable, sticking with you long after the movie ends.

The casting choices were spot on, with Ariana Grande shining as Glinda the Good Witch. Her performance is incredible, showcasing her comedic timing and ability to portray a complex character torn between popularity and kindness. Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, delivers a powerful performance, making her character sympathetic and likable. Her incredible singing voice adds depth to the character, making her songs unforgettable.

Jonathan Bailey as Prince Fiyero adds another layer of depth to the cast, portraying a charming and compelling character who falls in love with Glinda. The supporting cast, including Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Bronwyn James, all contribute with their talented singing voices, adding more great songs to the movie.

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz also deliver strong performances, adding to the overall charm of the film. Yeoh's portrayal of the head of the college and Goldblum's iconic and humorous take on the Wizard of Oz are both delightful surprises.

the movie looks amazing with its massive production that is dynamic, colorful, and breathtaking. However, there were a few visual effects that looked bad, especially the weird-looking animals that appeared too cartoony. My biggest problem with the film was that it was a little too long. Overall, "Wicked Part 1" is not only one of the best films of the year, but also one of the best musicals I have seen in a long time. I would give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Director: John M.Chu 

Cast: Cynthia Ervin, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Peter Dinklage, Aaron Teoh, Colin Michael Carmichael, Andy Nyman, Courtney- Mae Briggs with Michelle Yeah and Jeff Goldblum 

Runtime: 161 Minutes