Wicked Movie Review: Drawn-Out & Self-Important

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Post on Nov 23, 2024

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Wicked Movie Review: Drawn-Out & Self-Important

The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway smash hit, Wicked, finally graced our screens, promising a dazzling spectacle and a deeper dive into the beloved story of Elphaba and Galinda. While visually stunning and boasting strong performances, the film ultimately falls short, succumbing to a bloated runtime and a self-importance that overshadows its emotional core.

A Visual Feast, But a Narrative Famine?

Let's be clear: Wicked is a visually breathtaking achievement. The costumes are exquisite, the sets are grand, and the CGI is seamlessly integrated, creating a vibrant and immersive Oz. The production design is undeniably a triumph, perfectly capturing the fantastical world and the contrasting personalities of Elphaba and Galinda. This visual splendor is arguably the film's strongest asset and a significant draw for audiences. However, impressive visuals alone cannot salvage a weak narrative.

Elphaba and Galinda: A Complicated Friendship, a Drawn-Out Plot

The performances of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Galinda are generally well-received, though some might argue they lack the raw emotional depth that made the stage production so compelling. Erivo captures Elphaba's intelligence and fierce independence, while Grande brings a playful energy to Galinda's transformation. However, their chemistry, while present, sometimes feels underdeveloped, particularly compared to the stage production's dynamic interplay. This is likely due in part to the film's pacing. The story feels stretched thin, with subplots lingering far longer than necessary. The runtime, exceeding two and a half hours, significantly detracts from the overall viewing experience, leaving the audience feeling bogged down rather than emotionally invested.

The Weight of Expectation and the Burden of Detail

The film attempts to expand upon the stage musical's narrative, adding layers of detail and backstory. While this approach is understandable, it often feels unnecessary and even detrimental. The added scenes and plot points often disrupt the flow of the story, distracting from the core themes of friendship, prejudice, and finding your place in the world. The sheer volume of information presented, coupled with a somewhat uneven pacing, prevents the audience from fully connecting with the characters and their emotional journeys. The weight of expectation – to replicate or surpass the success of the Broadway show – seems to have hampered the film's ability to tell a concise and impactful story.

Missed Opportunities & Unfulfilled Potential

Wicked had the potential to be a cinematic masterpiece, a truly captivating adaptation of a beloved musical. Yet, it falls short due to its overly long runtime, its uneven pacing, and its tendency to get bogged down in unnecessary detail. While the visual spectacle is undeniable, the film fails to fully capture the emotional resonance and narrative tightness of its source material. The ambition to expand upon the original story ultimately backfires, resulting in a film that feels self-important and ultimately less satisfying than it could have been.

Conclusion: A Visually Stunning, Narratively Flawed Adaptation

Ultimately, Wicked is a mixed bag. The visual splendor and strong performances offer moments of brilliance, but the film's bloated runtime, uneven pacing, and overwhelming focus on detail overshadow its emotional core. While fans of the musical might find enjoyment in the visual feast, those expecting a faithful and compelling cinematic adaptation might be left feeling disappointed. The film ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing spectacle over substance. The ambitious attempt to expand upon the original story, in this case, proved to be its undoing.

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