REVIEW: WICKED. A solid adaption with 95% perfect casting and mind-blowing cinematography.

Wicked. Stephen Schwartz’s 2003 smash Broadway hit starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. With twenty-one years of performances, it has become a fan and critic favorite. And as of November 22nd, 2024–the long awaited film has hit theaters. November 18th for Amazon Prime members, respectively.

 

When the trailer first came out, there were mixed reactions to the casting and vocals. But in all honesty, if you are just going by the soundtrack alone, Broadway fans might be eagle eyed (and eared) to notice some key changes, breathy runs and pop singing and a rocky end to Defying Gravity (performed by Cynthia Erivo who portrays the movie’s Elphaba Thropp.)

THE VOCAL WORK IS NOTHING SHORT OF POP RUNS, BREATHY PORTIONS AND KEY CHANGES.

The first thing I clocked was Ariana Grande’s (Galinda/Glinda Upland) monster range. She can hit those high notes with precision not many pop stars can do. Unfortunately, like she said in a behind the scenes video, it was hard for her to switch to Broadway after so many years of singing pop music. Grande started out on the stage in 13 the musical.

GOING BACK TO BROADWAY

Unfortunately, there are bits where she belts and you can hear that breathy almost R&B singing in-between some verses. None the less, she nails it as the pink bubble floating good witch, along with taking bits and pieces of Chenoweth’s original portrayal. From some dialogue growls, to various physical mannerisms and tone changes, though she paid an homage, Grande still made it her own.

THE YOUTH OF THE CHARACTER’S.

While both actresses are young, Grande is the only one that can pass a high school/college student. Luckily, writer and lyricist of the original musical Winnie Holzman throws in that Elphaba is at the school only to drop off her younger sister. Though vocally nearly flawless (despite Defying Gravity’s ending being a little bit rocky/rough), Erivo just lacks the peppy youth that Menzel brought to the character. Her facial features unfortunately are more mature, as well as her mannerisms and the tone of her voice. It just was super distracting, honestly.

The character requires a higher tone, as well as there were some key changes, most notably ‘I’m not that Girl’ because she could not hit the lower notes like the original. This might be a little nit picky, as I did enjoy the film–but listening to the soundtrack first before seeing it in action was a huge no no.

Menzel and Chenoweth have a small cameo as two storyteller singers within the Emerald City where they perform their famous vocals from the show, as well as the ending to Defying Gravity to which Idina belts to perfection.

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY IN SHOW BUSINESS.

Erivo isn’t without her controversies in real life either, most notably causing a stir on Instagram because of a fan made poster paying homage to the musical poster and hiding her eyes. And then again during an interview, she mentioned how the other actresses she auditioned with for Glinda were not up to par with Grande.

We’ve all been there. The tea. The gossip, it can’t be avoided and many of us have gotten in hot water about it before, but saying it to press or in public is just a little snotty.

While that is sweet to say about a friend, such things are usually kept to themselves, especially auditions. Just because of that comment, she definitely ruined two women’s self-esteem in secret. Actors need to lift each other up, not tear each other down. There is already enough razor-sharp competition in the audition room that we have no control over. This includes casting, other actors and the dreaded nepotism and favoritism.

THE ACTING IS EMOTIONALLY CHARGED.

What Erivo lacks in physicality and charm, she makes up for with her acting. You believe everything the character says in the dialogue.

STANDOUTS.

A breath of fresh air is cast by the spellbinding English actor, Jonathan Bailey who portrays prince Fiyero. Bailey is no stranger to film and screen, starting out as little Gavroche in the West End’s production of Les Miserables, among garnering many awards and credits under his belt.

He was perfectly cast and has a charm and dance break reminiscent of Luke Evans as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.

Another standout is Ethan Slater as Boq.

Also no stranger to the stage, starring as Spongebob Squarepants in the Spongebob musical. (One of my friends has been gunning for this part since we were eighteen years old, hang in there! You’ll get him someday!) Slater is just the perfect mix of whimsy and awkwardness to fit this part, and it’s unfortunate that the character later turns into The Tin Man, leading into The Wizard of Oz.

THAT’S IT KIDS, IT’S A BRIGHTLY COLORED AND BEAUTIFULLY SHOT MOVIE WITH FAIRYTALE-LIKE SETS AND BIG MUSICAL NUMBERS, DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS REVIEW?

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About the author: Katie Harden is a professionally repped New York-based/bi-coastal musical theater, entertainment journalist, and indie film actress. She is proudly part of the Actor’s Equity Association and frequently interviews colleagues, friends, and celebrities, along with reviewing television and movies. Find her at the bottom of a can of Arizona sweet tea or in the ocean!

Work: AMC, Tribeca, Showtime, HBO, The Emmy’s, The Walking Dead magazine, MGM, Universal, Sony Screen Gems, 492 Elm, Bloody Disgusting, and more.

INSTAGRAM: @KATIEHARDENOFFICIAL TWITTER: KHardenOfficial