toncincin

I absolutely love this show. I started watching last year - found it in a fluke. I wasn't sure until after two episodes ... and then I was hooked. The friendships. The self esteem issues. The sibling relationship. AND THOSE FRIENDSHIPS! The finale had me laughing one minute ... and crying the next. The acting was spot-on. The relationship between the sister blossoms in the end. The scene where they are talking about their deceased sister was absolutely amazing. The emotions just pouring out. I fully plan on rewatching the series from the beginning - because I'm sure I missed so much. AND so happy Sam and Iceland found each other. A strange pairing that really works. AGAIN - I hate that it's over...

We're supposed to believe this woman 1) gets on a ship; 2) doesn't get caught for 8 days; 3) gets on the Antarctica research base - no questions asked; 4) goes off on her own to find her dad; 5) researcher helps her with all this. I mean ... most Hallmark movies are a "fairy tale" but this one is utterly ridiculous. Come on Hallmark - stop treating us like we're stupid. AND she's walking around in just earmuffs? Please stop making movies that insult our intelligence. I have a couple of friends who actually were stationed in the Antarctica. The Hallmark depiction is just plain stupid. From the internet: "To go outside in Antarctica, you must wear multiple layers of specialized clothing designed for extreme cold, including waterproof outerwear, thermal base layers, and protective gear like gloves, hats, and goggles, and always go with a partner, following safety protocols like checking in with the station before leaving and carrying a radio, as the harsh conditions pose a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia if not properly prepared."

I hope these people aren't dead ... because they certainly should be based on Hallmark ...

Let me first say - NO ONE IS PAYING ME FOR MY REVIEW!

Secondly - I have seen the musical play THREE times on a professional stage. Unfortunately - not on the Broadway stage - but at The Buell in Denver.

Is the movie perfect? NO. That's why I am giving it a 9. It is a little long; but after seeing the play - I am not sure what they could have cut out. The play runs close to three hours WITH an intermission. There are no special effects in the play - you must use your imagination (which is one of the reasons why a play is fun). NOW ON TO THE MOVIE!

They did a wonderful job of taking a highly successful play to the big screen. The special effects are really good and enhance the telling. They did not spend too much time on any aspect of the story. The music. The acting. The singers. All really good. No - not all singers are great singers! I loved Michelle Yeoh singing. She's not a singer - but she did a great job. Same with Jeff Goldblum.

For the record - this is not the Judy Garland Wizard of Oz. This story is based on a book by Gregory Maguire. It tells the story of how the Wicked Witch and Glinda came to be the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North. It has no Dorothy. No cowardly lion. No tin man. And NO scarecrow (stay tuned for part 2 ... that's another story). The witch Dorothy's house falls on is in part 1 - but that won't be explained until part 2.

I was quite concerned with the casting chosen for Elphaba and Glinda - but was very pleasantly surprised. They both were wonderful. Ariana Grande shows just the right amount of innocence, self-importance, conceit, selfishness needed for Glinda. Cynthia Erivo shows Elphaba's lack of confidence, lack of self-esteem, wallflower personality. Fiyero's lack of caring, mindlessness et al was perfectly portrayed by Jonathan Bailey. Again - stay tuned for part 2 to learn more.

This movie is fantastic! Go see it - but DO NOT expect The Wizard of Oz. It's not THAT story. If you go expecting it - you will be disappointed. If you go expecting to be entertained ... you will love it. Pay close attention ... the original Elphaba and Glinda from Broadway gave cameos. It was a nice touch and tribute to the two who first made the characters come to life!