Wicked

With the raving reviews surrounding this movie, there was an expectation for so much more. I absolutely adore musicals and I had high hopes for this one. Throughout the progression of the film, I kept waiting for the moment when the movie became an instant classic in my books. Unfortunately, it never did. With a 2-hour and 40-minute run-time, Wicked left me feeling drained. The vocals of the leads were immaculate, the props were grand, but it still felt incomplete.

In terms of casting, Cynthia Erivo proved to be a wonderful pick for Elphaba, in both acting and singing. She also garnered much sympathy for the plight of her character and the challenges she faced due to her skin-color. Ariana Grande held her own as Glinda bringing various quirks and a unique comedy to her character, especially with her and Erivo's chemistry. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero was surprising and fresh, though it felt as if we never received a deeper understanding of his character. Most of the supporting characters seemed more superficial, and not as easy to connect to. The motivation for the villains seemed incomplete especially when centered around the subplot regarding animals. Every set-up in the movie seemed to lend itself to a set up for another song or "you'll find out in part II."

There were moments in the film where it felt rushed, and times that seemed to be drag. Toward the final act, I loathed the idea of hearing another song. The plot seemed increasingly thin and unable to hold my attention. For a musical, most of the songs were forgettable, minus the finishing number 'Defying Gravity.' Admittedly, not all musicals need to have memorable songs if the plot is strong enough to carry it (e.g. Newsies), but the plot itself seemed just as forgettable. The run-time of the film should have produced a better understanding of the characters and a stronger plot. However, it merely presented a song-fest, with a weak plot and many choreographed dances.

Overall, it is still a watchable movie despite its few flaws and bloated run-time. But there are many others who do believe it is the best piece of cinema ever seen so maybe it's just me?

Okay, my bona fides first. Saw a touring production of this show and really enjoyed it. Have listened to the Original Cast cd many a time. So was primed to enjoy this movie. But OMG was it slow. Which illustrates, to me anyway, that it did not to be in two parts. What's more, that putting it into two parts was a cynical cash grab.

In addition, it was frenetic. Stomping-style choreography in nearly every number, and quick cut edits that ruined songs like Popular and Dancing through Life.

Plus, the Emerald City didn't look much different from Munchkinland.

The two singers were fine, except I found it hard to understand Ariana G. When she sang high.

I have a feeling the rating will go lower as more people see this.

The stage play is far more enjoyable; pacing of the storyline and characters you really care about more than in this film. This movie definitely did not need to be a two-parter if the stage play can offer all the storyline and less time. I hope that there is a better cut of this film released when the second half comes out with the whole storyline, not exceeding 2 1/2 hours. These characters in this film seem so superficial. I'm not sure how you can compare this to the stage play. I feel that everything feels so fake in this movie compared to the stage play there could've been better use of all this extended time with more storyline..

I found myself bored while watching the first 3/4 of the movie. The runtime was too long, the movie had too many dramatic moments that dragged on. The characters talked more and more and throughout half of the movie I was wishing something interesting would just finally happen?? It just wasn't...fun. The story didn't suck me in.

I found Elphaba to be most enjoyable. Glinda on the other hand I found less charismatic, just because her development was unmotivated at times...The background characters are just drones with no minds of their own and I didn't find them memorable.

As a musical this movie did fine. I enjoyed the singing and choreography, although I don't remember most of the songs.

Visually, the sets, the costume design and the make up design was absolutely stunning....so WHY did they make the movie look so desaturated and unwatchable? There is a constant streak of bright daylight in my face! Can this movie switch to maybe the evening..? Or morning light?

I know everything's disaturated intentionally, cause they wanted to make it ''realistic''...But It's a FANTASY?! The animals talk and there is magic? And you desaturate it...? Other movie musicals which take place in the real world are more colourful than this movie, and it ''looking realistic'' doesn't add anything to the viewer, only frustration.

I found the last 40 minutes to be the most enjoyable part of the movie. There was no daylight, there were no uninteresting background characters and the plot was finally moving somewhere.

Overall, I gave it a chance and was left disappointed.

The acting's great, the sets and choreography are spectacular, vibrant and full of colour and there are some great songs (in between them belting out notes for no reason), but it's hard to recommend when so much of it is left unfinished. The light plot fells drawn out, mainly focusing on the relationship between the two leads, with other characters barely used and other plot points never really explained. There's some good humour and attempts at defying traditional expectations but I never felt in awe or amazed at the magical world of Oz and the ending, whilst dramatic, felt rushed.

Overall = 6/10.