so... is wicked any good? 🔮🫧🌪️ (wicked movie review)

[@ModernGurlz]

one thing i forgot to mention in this review is the pacing, which i do think is a bit off! one of the sequences i’d probably cut is the hot air balloon escape in the emerald city, they could’ve wound up in the attic without all that fuss and cut the runtime by a solid 10 minutes~

[@LoveWallis]

Dancing through life went on way too long. The cub part? I think they should have gone to save the goat instead. I know it wasn't the story but I wanted more of Dinkage

[@rafaelaveralugo7626]

That scene where they were first escaping Why did this movie have jumpscares? It's good dramatic tension, don't get me wrong, but I would NOT have pegged WICKED to have a jumpscare

[@darthjarjarbinks2480]

@@LoveWallis they are going of the story but yeah they should have done so originaly but if he was saved then elfaba might have started working with the wizard if she did not se him not being able to speak in wonderfull

[@Midknight_Fluff]

Yasss I thought it was just me! 🙌 As a blind watcher, overall the pacing in the first act was fast-fast-fast, very exciting and fresh at first but it also may need for breather or two with (useful) filler scenes/shots to give us a more depthful introduction to the characters (to be able to relate, emphatize or know more about them) and world-building (to give the audiences space to marvel at the production quality- jkjkjk 🤣 or simply be immersed into their version of the Wicked world). Then where the second act could have been faster, was slowed or may feel draggish because longer scenes were not utilized more with (useful) fillers that could say make characters/settings more engaging than just being props to look at. Def wanted to see more of the characters interacting with the environtment~ Then we speed up once again on the third act which was fitting! I think it built up good suspence and tension to the ending's finale; the excitement of visiting OZ, the pressure of meeting the Wizard, the chase scenes and most of all the final duet (not perfect, still had pacing issues e.g. like maybe they could instead of only cutting out the sound to silence the guards banging away at the door, slowly transition the banging sounds to silence/non-dieginic sounds when Glinda and Elphaba are having a moment staring at one another or singing their duet) and I honestly actually liked the jumpscares, it makes the situations more serious and thrilling compared to the characters' times being in the university 🤣🐒🪽 But! Then again this is more looking in the perspective of movie/film as a visual medium, and an adaptation on top of that! And this is just me being an annoying nit-picker and over-analyzer 😆🙏 It was still a top-notch production that had such wondorous efforts from everyone involved. What a wicked musical adaptation! 😭🫶 🧹💚🎀💝

[@GerardoTonella]

@@rafaelaveralugo7626tbh I kinda loved the jump scare 😅

[@dancingdyonysis]

that dance scene had me in tears. it seems like the focus was meant to be less on the dance itself and more on the emotions of the two women - the dance was like the vehicle for their feelings and changing relationship. for that reason I LOVE how they took their time with it and drew it out! It gives the audience so much time to really take in the emotions on their faces and the shift in their feelings for each other

[@RevoluteLLC]

The lady in the video is just be overly critical. That scene was beautiful

[@is.a.bell.a8700]

@dancingdyonysis oh thank god i wasn't the only one who cried during that scene

[@iri02802]

Yes I thought the same. I had tears in my eyes from the moment Elpheba stepped in the room

[@julieroberts5950]

The dance was definitely long, but I loved it because it gave a chance to really feel the awkwardness of the situation and how brave Elphaba was for not giving up on it. I also loved the choreo they used because it was obviously meant to be a duet, so when Elphaba dances it alone, a lot of the moves come off as awkward. But when Galinda joins her, the awkward movements are the ones when they are most connected, and when performed together, they are the most graceful parts of the dance

[@marlynnek6449]

The dance that was too long was the one when they arrived in emerald City. That could have been cut down.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

I loved that part, can people sit still? Waste of a country.

[@asmrauroraaaa]

I agree. To be honest I don't think a single second in this film was wasted. I was intrigued the entire time

[@ecupcakes2735]

i wept so hard during that scene ! it made me feel so seen :')

[@annabelle746]

What I liked about the dance is what happens immediately after, considering Elphaba's characterization in this movie as a Black woman (microbraids, facial features, alway having to explain herself, etc). Once Glinda, a popular and traditionally beautiful white woman performs the same dance, it becomes cool, and everyone in the dominant social group starts doing it. I don't know if it was intentional, but it really stood out to me.

[@r0na]

agree on most points except that I LOVED the dance between Ari and Cynthia! To me it didn’t feel dragged out in a bad way, it created so much space to feel Cynthia’s emotions and I openly WEEEPED for her. She was phenominal in that scene - her acting abilities really shined through!

[@DMovieman]

Agreed! The emotional depth of the scene really hit differently in the film, especially with that beautiful score playing in the background. 🙏🙏🙏

[@kleebaggins]

I’ve never seen anything of Wicked except this movie & didn’t know anything aside from “Defying Gravity” from my theatre friends. Anyways, I genuinely think the dance scene was my favorite part of the film. I cried for the first time in the movie there & found it beautiful.

[@lrgcokewithlemon]

The dance is when I was about to burst into tears. Me along with many of the other men around me were sniffling and crying. I felt it was very raw and hurtful seeing someone so hurt yet trying to be so strong in front of her bullies. Especially her roommate who helped bully her with the hat.

[@trinaq]

Agreed, the chemistry between Cynthia and Ariana was sublime, and you really need amazing chemistry to make Elphaba and Glinda's bond convincing.

[@shippendales8543]

I think the dance was great that's the moment that broke me emotionally personally It was perfect

[@RomansR2]

Elphaba's costumes are the standout to me, because it's hard to differentiate when you're limited to a black palette, also skirts, and full body cover. G(a)linda's designs and the designs of other characters had a lot more variety and shades and tones to play with from the off so it was less of a challenge. That said, this has got to be in contention for the Oscar for best costuming

[@trinaq]

I loved that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth made a cameo appearance in "One Short Day", and I squealed when I spotted them. They're returning to their roots, and passing the baton.

[@miilk.]

bruh the nod to kristins wand never working was GENIUS

[@Nithya-tq4nq]

@@miilk.is that something that happened on stage to her a lot? I don’t know the reference

[@PelafinaLievre]

@@Nithya-tq4nqIt’s a nod to the “ball gown…ball gown…is this thing on?”

[@princess_intell]

The part where they do the Wiz-O-Mania verse feels like a great fan moment. Almost like Idina and Kristen going "y'all know this one, don't act like you don't"

[@shadysorkin9214]

@@Nithya-tq4nq yes it is. its a direct reference to the stage.

[@ten-ze1pq]

I’m just happy the battle cry of Defying Gravity that has been beat to death on social media actually worked within the context of the movie. It feels earned and is an epic ending to both the movie and Elphaba’s arc throughout it.

[@itssskobeebiiiitch]

Yea it made me cryy like i was wondering the whole timr how it was gonna be donee!!

[@ChenilleSagoe-x9h]

True

[@is.a.bell.a8700]

@ten-ze1pq exactlyyyy, i agree sm!! the impact of her note hit HARD for me, seeing it play out in the film! shit made me tear up lmao, that whole sequence was so satisfying

[@marikkelaszlo3355]

I seriously loved Glinda’s outfits in this movie!! I like how it didn’t copy the broadway’s directly but did its own thing 🥰🥰 also some of Glinda’s pink dresses should’ve been Ariel’s outfits in the little mermaid live action tbh 😭that’s how expensive looking they looked.

[@ansri24]

ya the costumes were amazing. im obsessed with the Popular look

[@OMGSOSILLEH]

@@ansri24fr those sleeves are GORGEOUS!!

[@oh.sorry.dont.mind.meeeee]

the costume designer also did Hamilton and In the Heights and other such amazing costumes, they're phenomenal!

[@Erasureeraser]

Paul Tazewell, the guy who did the costumes for Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, The Color Purple, In The Heights, and Hamiton

[@Erasureeraser]

​@@oh.sorry.dont.mind.meeeeePaul Tazewell also did the costumes for Steven Spielberg's adaptation of West Side Story that earned him an Academy Award nomination

[@save_bandit]

i had the HIGHEST expectations for this movie considering all the marketing and the fact that I love the stage musical and somehow, against all odds, they actually surpassed all of them!! definitely my favorite movie of the year and a must to see in theaters

[@charlieflickinger7372]

Thisss. Wicked is my favorite stage show, by far. So I was 100% prepared to be disappointed by the movie, but still like it. I walked out on cloud 11. I never imagined they would take one of my favorite shows and make it somehow better.

[@samf.s.7731]

That's the best thing to hear about a film adaptation of a Broadway musical 😊

[@nickit7655]

I was also skeptical of Cynthia before I watched the movie, because I thought her regular speaking voice in interviews sounded too deep and mature for someone just starting college. However, she did the character very well, and you can hear the "youth" in her voice in songs like "The Wizard and I". I was pleasantly surprised by her versatility as a performer! I am excited for the second film.

[@zkme2734]

same, I was happily surprised that her performance voice was way softer and sweet, didn't see that coming

[@Kinochan28]

I love it, but I was a little bit surprised they cast Michelle Yeoh in a role she´s supposed to sing, even Michelle herself seemed to be nervous about that

[@Mr-tu4cj]

I’m seeing it tonight so I can’t say much yet, but I was really disappointed in her casting. I love her, but she’s so nuanced, and Madame Morrible is the most eccentric character in the stage show. It’s just an odd choice.

[@ten-ze1pq]

⁠@@Mr-tu4cjthe writing for Madame Morrible is very different here in a way I feel Michelle suited because of her performance in Crazy Rich Asians. Definitely not a singer but it’s not like Morrible was a singing role anyways. Her eccentricities are pushed onto another character, as she isn’t even Head Shiztress in this adapation but a revered professor herself

[@Erasureeraser]

​@@Mr-tu4cjMorrible doesn't sing a lot but Michelle was clearly influenced by her Crazy Rich Asians performance that absolutely worked for Morrible

[@growingupwithdisney]

I think Idina Menzel or Kristin Chenoweth would’ve made a fun Madam Morrible

[@RomansR2]

I wonder if they might dub her for part 2 or find a way to dodge the numbers

[@crisholly19985]

I didn’t find the ball dance scene boring at all!! I was entranced by it and brought to tears I loved it

[@cosmicgalaxystudio1539]

Agree. Made me teary eyed a bit.

[@waynehector361]

We had a lot of tears in the theatre during that scene from children and it made me think how many children are going through this lonely feeling right now

[@lrgcokewithlemon]

As someone who never read the book or has seen the musical, but knows the plot, I am obsessed with this movie. I saw it Wednesday night with a friend who loves the musical, and the entire theater was laughing and crying/sniffling together. Even I gasped out loud when Idina and Kristin came out, just because I know how iconic the musical was. 9/10. This beat out Dune 2 for my MOTY.

[@rafaelaveralugo7626]

Fr. I was unsure of that new song that was being sung, but when I heard Idina's voice, I started freaking out and recognized Kristen's as well. It was an awesome homage to the original cast

[@aquariussolaris2492]

If you ever get to read the book..... mentally prepare yourself.

[@lrgcokewithlemon]

@ ive over the last few days watched summaries about the r* and affairs and how dark it is so one day I will read, or at least listen to it. Odd on paper when watching videos on it, maybe it’ll be different once I get word for word story.

[@Tenshii_Artii]

I'm in the exact same boat as you are. All my life I have DEFINITELY heard about Wicked. I've known a couple of theatre kids in my school, and every single one of them knew and loved Wicked. But I never thought I could like it, even though I have seen Wizard Of Oz. So I never seen any plays, nor listened to any songs. A friend invited me to watch the movie two days ago. And even though I accepted to go, I was mentally doubting myself whether this would be bad as the media said it was. From where I live, there was not any crazy big marketing, instead subtle ones like makeup sets and food. But All the talk about the cast members, the odd interviews, the scandals and the Weight drama really started circulating on my KZbin algorithm, and that was what kind of begun to fed in my doubt. But man. I'm telling you that even the very introduction in the film had me hooked. It felt like something at the back of my mind told me that it was okay to throw all doubt away this time. That this was one movie that was going to be GREAT. And that if I loved the Greatest Showman, this would be even Better. Throughout the entire thing I held my breath. I smiled, cringed, laughed and cried. And like you I knew how iconic it was also, so the cameos made me go "Oh shit! It's them!". I love every single song from it now so far. The music was done amazing!

[@AmusedPassport-ec1lv]

If you couldn't score 1200 SAT don't comment on theater. In school we studied french language and history four years, discussed the french book Les Miserables a year, and then went to Paris to see the play. Unless you have put in at least that much just keep your opinions to yourself. Dumb shits should stay quiet rather than open their mouth and remove all doubt. Nothing culturally significant about this pandering crap written by a marketing department. I read the book years ago and it was okay, I couldnt even finish this movie. It's just something to take a dodo bird girl to so she can brag on social media. Anyone with a valid opinion in theater definitely do no have a Facebook or TikTok account

[@LetsBoogy512]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! I share your issues with the backlighting (washed poor Ariana out a good bit of times 😭) but the movie was INSANELY good.

[@ashleymc7959]

I remember seeing a video breaking down dancing through life and they pointed out a dancer juggling books but you could barely see it because of the light. They went overboard in wanting natural looking light

[@lygophilia4127]

I thought it was the blonde hair doing that to her. Not a good shade for her skin tone.

[@dorotheecc8986]

As someone who never saw the musical but is familiar with the premise/plot, I really enjoyed this movie. The acting from both leads was amazing. Ariana’s performance was so good.

[@elizabethgatsby3442]

Fun fact: back when Wicked was originally being developed in San Francisco back in ‘03 Nessa actually did have a meaner streak but they softened her before moving to Broadway to make her more commercial. It was actually one of the decisions that the producers fought over a lot! Also I agree with you for the most part except for the dancing scene. There’s a very difficult to describe painful loneliness in having to pretend like you don’t care what other people think constantly. Elphaba’s not naturally like that- most people aren’t. But what other choice do you have when everyone hates you and you only have yourself? I think taking the time to let her have room for those emotions was the right choice, I was openly crying with her in the theatre. As a black theater nerd from childhood Cynthia’s performance meant so much to me she really knocked it out of the park💚

[@asterlyons8564]

Shame they changed it. It's harder to buy her turning into a tyrannical ruler of munchkinland without it

[@elizabethgatsby3442]

@@asterlyons8564 From what I can tell from clips from that period she was a lot more openly hostile towards Elphaba specifically. My guess is they changed it because caring for Nessa is Elphaba’s main motivation in the first Act so perhaps they thought making Nessa nicer would make that more believable? Idk.

[@karleecraziness9216]

I have to tip to my hat to Ariana Grande's Glinda. Glinda herself is not likable due to how condescending she is and bratty, but Ariana played her in a way that made me believe her niceness. She nailed that performance. Cynthia Erivo was an excellent choice for Elphaba. I mean who better to play a character that gets judged by the color of her skin while having a sister who comes out an "Acceptable skin tone" than a dark skin black woman. The sets were beautiful, and the costumes were fantastic, but the harsh lighting took away from the fantasticness. A part that resonated with me is when Elphaba looks at a doll in her liking saying her skin is green. That made me tear up because that felt like a nod to all the little black girls who played with dolls and rarely saw dolls in their skin tone. Oh, and if my husband comments he will mention I cried a bunch of times. Yeah to reply to your pinned comment the Hot Air Balloon scene while clever could have been cut from the movie

[@liaregulus]

literally thank you for saying that. I've been getting the same vibe from Ari's portrayal of glinda but couldn't quite put my finger on it. I can enjoy the movie even more now and appreciate it as its own take of the musical

[@itssskobeebiiiitch]

Yeees thank you at first i was like this ho pissing me off but by the end i believed her nd i think she lesrned to like her frl frl csnt wait for part 2

[@ChenilleSagoe-x9h]

I couldn’t have explained it better myself thank you for including the bit about Elphaba’s skin tone.....it’s nice to see representation in media and to see a character that resonates with us. Cynthia is a perfect 👌🏾 fit for the role.

[@Flutter_Aeina]

I wanted to be excited for the movie but Ariana as Glinda just… put me off. She just has this mean girl energy to her I can’t quite explain and it soured the whole movie and made me not want to go see it

[@karleecraziness9216]

@ That’s the point. Glinda in Wicked is a bit of a mean girl

[@mayln163]

I loved Cynthia’s singing in “The Wizard and I”

[@kurigaru]

Love how when Ethan came up everyone was snickering in the theater the whole time - we weren’t laughing with you babe 😭

[@shippendales8543]

I think the dance was great that's the moment that broke me emotionally personally It was perfect

[@lvzilu]

7:54 girl no way wonderful is ur favourite song from the ENTIRE musical 😭

[@hyrulecrybabyzelda5174]

LIKEEEE????

[@eld847]

And your point is?

[@mariaantonia-op8qc]

@@eld847 It just isn't a common choice for favorite song lol. I mean it's a good song and I enjoy it, but I haven't met anyone that likes it this much, to each their own of course no shame in having wonderful as your favorite.

[@chimiko13]

Noooo. My favorite scene was the awkward dance scene 🥺🥺🥺 Elfie was dancing like that cos that’s the only dance she knows -she’s mimicking animals so I am thinking she might be taught by her nanny the bear which further gives her character depth and a reason why she cares about animal rights in Oz.

[@ChenilleSagoe-x9h]

That’s sweet 🍬🍬

[@HuntingViolets]

Yes, she wasn't a "well-brought-up young lady" who had dancing lessons. A dancing master would never have been brought in by her father for Elphaba, and there was no reason for him to bring one in for Nessa Rose.

[@MagicLeFay]

Oh you know it’s a good movie when ModernGurlz is pleased😭I’m here for it.

[@rafaelaveralugo7626]

One of my favorite parts of the movie (Other than it being an adaptation of one of THE best mysicals of all time) was that the sets were all practical. All built in real life, minimal CGI. And when we got to the library scene with the rotating shelves SOMEONE, call the set designer, I want those shelves in my home RIGHT NOW

[@lygophilia4127]

Overall, agree! I wish the did the kind of metal Wizard of Oz head from the show though. The CGI of it was really cringey.

[@kbye2321]

​@@lygophilia4127 Really? I thought I heard that the Wizard's animatronics were real life puppetry...

[@trinaq]

Yes, I was hoping that you would review this movie, Tessa, and I wasn't disappointed. Cynthia and Ariana stepped into the shoes of many Glinda and Elphaba's before them, without trying to mimic any particular version, but simply make the character their own.

[@safimusgrove2672]

Trina, I’ve begun to really look forward to your comments (as I see them practically under many of my favorite KZbin channels). Points are always made critically and articulately. J’adore. 🖤

[@Udontknowmi]

I loved the movie, and their acting is great. I never doubted Ariana as I first loved her as Cat from Nickelodean. But just nitpicking here. Speaking as someone in a similar age bracket as the actors, the entire time I couldn't forget that the 2 leads are supposed to be in their early 20s at most. Maybe Ari could pass for a college student because of her small build. But whenever I looked at Cynthia, all I see is a middle-aged professor. She may as well have been Madame Morrible. They could not hide her wrinkles with makeup or CGI? It all feels like "How do you do, fellow kids?" It's one thing to have older actors play younger roles in a stage setting, but movies are shot close up and supposed to be more realistic. I'm sure there are plenty of young actor-singers out there who could've given justice to the role.

[@theshire9173]

@@safimusgrove2672 I'm pretty sure it's a bot. No way anyone could leave 100+ comments on every channel I see them on

[@hikariluanGC]

@@theshire9173 It is a bot and I have to tip my hat to whoever created it since it tends to refer some things that are not so superficial about these channels.

[@KatySC]

the ozdust elphaba scene actually made me incredibly emotional. something about cynthias stoic concentrated expression but holding back fear and sadness, moving slowly and then FAST. I was so moved by it. I thought it really contrasted the vibrant fast paced earlier scenes, showing us how much she wants to be accepted but at the same time has the defiance that allows her to act against the wizard later on. 'I'm through accepting limits' cause someone says they're so"

[@edwardkupec931]

"Disney should take notes!!!" AMEN!

[@laurenj6802]

Even if Disney did this y'all will still complain because it is Disney.

[@edwardkupec931]

@ EXACTLY!

[@notthepretzelshop]

@@laurenj6802you’re not wrong LOL

[@laurenj6802]

@@notthepretzelshop So I wish y'all would just say that instead of finding excuses as to what they could do to make you like it. When it's just trendy to hate on Disney right now

[@chrystianaw8256]

​@@laurenj6802😒😒😒

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

I think the one main thing I wish they added in the play and film is Boq’s friendship with Elphaba because that gradual descent into him feeling betrayed by her and hating her would hit so much more.

[@violagrassi5022]

I’m literally in the theater about to watch it for a second time. I liked it sooooo much!

[@Valentina-ng4hh]

As someone who has seen the musical FOUR times. This movie was as faithful as a musical adaptation could get. Also it helps that Wicked Broadway’s actresses usually have the ability to give different personalities to their versions of the characters (watch Alli mauzey vs Kristen Chenowith’s performance and you’ll see what I mean). Cynthia and Ariana did an amazing job as elphaba and Glinda.

[@baku2461]

It was perfection from start to finish. I have no complaints. Cynthia blew me away as Elphaba in every way possible. Her vocals were other worldy good, and her acting was so real that she absolutely broke my heart and made me laugh. Her nuanced expressions were perfect and she brought the character to life in a way I've never seen before. Ariana surprised me and left any trace of her pop voice behind to do a very good musical theatre performance, and her genuine heart felt scenes were beautiful. The spectacle of the colours, costumes, scenary and choreography were amazing and made the film an experience like non other. I will watch this over and over.

[@macydanzil9911]

I DISAGREE A THOUSAND PERCENT! The Ozdust dance scene was the most captivating scene I've ever watched in a long time. Chu is right to marinate on this scene. It's a major plot point. It had zero music and dialogue but the emotion was so loud. Beautiful!

[@stevewatersofficial]

Very well said.

[@ElectroSocketBlues]

I've seen multiple KZbinrs mention the color grading and/or lighting as an issue, and it's genuinely so mysterious to me because I thought the trailers looked incredibly washed out and poorly lit, but I had zero issues when I watched the film in a theater tonight. I'm really curious if different theaters are getting different prints/versions of the video file with adjustments made to the lighting and coloring.

[@catdragon2584]

I really liked how Marissa Bode updated Nessa’s character. She’s the first wheelchair user who has played the character, and the changes are subtle but meaningful. She doesn’t want people to pity her for her disability, she wants to live her own life and be accepted for all that she is. It’ll be interesting to see what they do with Nessa in the second film

[@iain9757]

This is the third video I’ve seen being surprised that Act 1 was a good movie … How many people really thought Act 1 wouldn’t be? It’s piss easy with the most well known songs, it’s Act 2 which might be the struggle especially for new fans

[@charlieflickinger7372]

The only real thing I'll disagree with was the casting of Yeoh as Madam Morrible. Yeoh brought a very intangible power to Morrible that I think every stage show version forgets about. Morrible IS a sorceress, but her power is limited to affecting/manipulating the weather, and even with her limited powers she is in charge of the largest upper education school (it's very unclear in the book when this schooling takes place, I've seen a lot of discourse that it's supposed to be AFTER college, which I think works so much better than it being a college) in Oz. So she's very clearly charismatic and powerful, even with her limited skill set. And Yeoh played that PERFECTLY. I actually think Yeoh's stoicism works BETTER than the show's over the top portrayals. I will concede that I wish she had been softer with Elphaba, however I don't know if this portrayal would work that way.

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

Honestly, I grew up with the musical so I will always pick that over EVERYTHING. BUT they did a killer job with the movie. It was very well directed. Ariana and Cynthia are both very good but I can't help but compare them to the OGs. Not perfect but a very good attempt. What matters the most is that it evoked the same wonder in me as the musical did when I was a child. I saw kids in the theatre be absolutely entranced and we can't ask for more.

[@aryxn0]

Went to see ot today, i absolutely loved it. I knew ari is going to be amazing already but cynthia’s performance blew me off. Every second she was on screen she looked so magestic. And the ending shot where shes on broom looking at guara on tower rooftop with her cape flowing, that gave me actual chills, beautifully shot! And her vocals especially the defying gravity chant, excellent. Also them giving kristin and idina their flowers too ❤

[@MaidOfPasta]

The Wizard giving heavy Walt Disney vibes was not lost on me, a huge Disney fan who constantly criticizes the company, and I think it was a brilliant choice. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ChenilleSagoe-x9h]

Why do you criticise Disney

[@MaidOfPasta]

@@ChenilleSagoe-x9h it’s mostly the corporate side of things but basically I’m disappointed in some of their dumb decisions in the name of keeping their movies exclusive, like attempting to trademark “day of the dead” when Coco came out, attempting to extend copyright law to keep Mickey to themselves (we all know how that went lmao), whatever the frick Michael Eisner was doing in the 90’s for the theme parks (see: building a Washington DC themed theme park… 5 miles away from Washington DC), the way The Owl House got canceled and how they treated Dana Terrace, THINKING *POCAHONTAS* WAS A BETTER IDEA THAN THE LION KING AND PROMOTING IT MORE, the borderline extortion that is the college program at the parks, the way they show Walt himself as someone who could do no wrong… I’m still a cast member tho and even though I work two jobs I still go to the parks because it’s my happy place and I am very thankful of where I am. I’m not blind, but I also can’t imagine not being able to go whenever I wanted. I take people I like, family and friends and such, and we have fun. There’s a certain line of delulu I have to walk whenever I give them my money, and all those things I mentioned are the unfortunate reality I live in.

[@ChenilleSagoe-x9h]

Hold up you work at Disney correct me if I’m wrong

[@MaidOfPasta]

@@ChenilleSagoe-x9h yes

[@ChenilleSagoe-x9h]

@@MaidOfPasta what is it like working there any cruel disney-bounding dress code rules

[@j.f.fisher5318]

Was a second-hand fan compared to my wife who is a total superfan, but I've been geeking out on it after watching it Thursday. All I remembered from seeing the play a decade ago was the very end so I was really concerned about the part 1 aspect. But I feel like it was much more Empire Strikes Back than Deathly Hallows pt 1. It's cool that they developed the oppression of the animals and coup aspects of the Maguire novel and later Baum novels. Great stuff.

[@lee-annsmith8566]

THE LIGHTING! Thank you so much for saying this! The overexposure and harsh backlighting really stood out to me.

[@mirimarina6387]

To be honest, the one thing i didnt like, was Cynthia's battle cry riff at the end. That and them breaking up the song SO MUCH, it loses momentum at the end, but the visuals make up for it. But seriously, they could have done one or two more vocal takes on that

[@Sophie_Pea]

I love the point mentioned about Idina’s voice. It’s undeniable that she’s a powerhouse and she helped create Elphaba as we know her, but I agree that I preferred a softer voice for Elphaba. Also love the r&b notes Cynthia added to Elphaba’s voice, she really made the songs her own and found a way to bring black culture into the character (same goes for the decision to give Elphaba micro braids)

[@HaHaHannah1369]

Ariana was fine. I knew she would be. But Cynthia Erivo? That woman! THAT WOMAN DID THAT! Her voice. Her acting. I have no words. Pure magic.

[@hannahdavies5502]

I also loved that, as Glinda and Elphaba got closer, their styles matched more. Like yes, Glinda was intentionally changing Elphaba's, but her wardrobe started becoming a bit more academia vibes, too.

[@l.g.2888]

I cannot imagine wanting the dance scene at the Ozdust Ballroom to be shorter. It's such a pivotal moment. It's okay to slow down and let characters and moments breathe and exist! In fact in a film that moves through SO much time so quickly, I'd argue it's absolutely necessary. The film fixed some of the pacing issues of the stage show, but it's still essentially trying to condense a year-long life-changing friendship into a watchable runtime. It was absolutely essential to pick important moments in that friendship to highlight with more focus and time, and that one was Not Optional.

[@siennaplayz3143]

Sorry but the way elpheba and fiyero were so rushed to have their romantic moment annoys me so much. Like their first meet elpheba is very distant, and fiyero did seem to have a sort of connection but then Glinda comes in, he falls for her instead then the forest scene comes out of no where and it’s like “I’m in love with fiyero but he’ll never love me” like I wish they dragged out her romantic interest a bit more.

[@yeojiherrscherofdepression3645]

Wicked Part 2 will address that hopefully

[@malinanelson9054]

I agree about the Ozdust dance! I also think they could’ve set the dance up earlier on - maybe it’s something her nanny taught her? It would’ve made that scene land a lot better imo

[@arex9000]

I was waiting for her to say that because it looked like she would learn it from her

[@theiammike123]

It's a possibility. They might address that in Act Two.

[@melissak8419]

I saw it a few days ago at a pre-screening. It does the stage play musical justice. It had so many Easter eggs from the Wizard of Oz, stage musical, the book, and some surprise cameos, music, dancing sequences, cinematography. The two actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande owned their roles as the witches. Never really followed Ariana Grande as a singer/actress but played Galinda/Glinda well. I have seen Cynthia Erivo in other works and she was phenomenal imo as Elphaba. The whole cast and crew I think did an amazing job. Dance scene was reminiscent of Jenna Ortega's Wednesday dance scene from the series or the old Teen Wolf movie with Michael J. Fox. Will probably see it again with mom, sisters, nieces that want to go.

[@princess_intell]

It's been so gratifying having everyone finally see the two Wicked characters that I saw in the musical all along: Galinda the highly intelligent social strategist and Fiyero the nihilist partier.

[@someoneontheinternet9617]

14:40 I actually thought that was a very old and formal dance from Munchinkland. Like if someone pulled up to the club and started to dance a regency era quadrille (like in bridgerton). It made sense to me since that's probably the only way she'd be taught to dance and, being isolated from other people, she wouldn't know that is not how people actually dance at parties.

[@heyyyitsollie]

The first half of the movie was so fast paced and exciting, then the second half kind of dragged on a bit. It could have easily been a two-hour movie if there weren't so many extra shots/extended shots.

[@ItzZay1]

Nowadays, the first half of all movies are so much better than the rest

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

I had no idea how much i would feel empathy for elphaba - much more than the stage production. I was crying constantly when erivo was singing.

[@ValerieAbena]

I didn’t know what it was about before. Ariana grande having a role is what made me watch and I loved it! Haven’t enjoyed a movie in the cinema like that in a while

[@ValerieAbena]

part 2 spoilers 😕 didn’t think the disclaimer was including that too

[@dora876]

@@ValerieAbenaright, that really annoyed me

[@ValerieAbena]

@@dora876 argh so I’m not the only one

[@kaungsitthan9425]

How did you get those HD clips. Like that’s almost full movie 😭😭😭

[@ModernGurlz]

i spent weeks downloading every single interview/trailer/tv spot they had 🫠

[@SunriseGirl]

​@@ModernGurlz omg thank you for the dedication

[@Lucky-xw1ts]

The Idina Menzel slander will NOT be tolerated !!!

[@growingupwithdisney]

Yeah but her voice sounded TOO OLD for Elsa in Frozen, like a 40 year old woman, not 20s. And her voice is gone for Elphaba in Wicked, I just don’t know, not perfectly casted or who’s I’d tell people to recreate. Now Kristin Chenoweth however is the PERFECT Galinda, nobody can outdo her

[@Lucky-xw1ts]

@growingupwithdisney that's all subjective. For me Jesus himself could do it and I'd say Idina was better. It's all just preference

[@frederalbacon]

@@growingupwithdisney Well...Ariana outdid her. I'm not knocking Kristin in any way shape or form, I will acknowledge that the two different mediums require different acting, but Ariana's portrayal of Glinda *WAS* Kristin......just for the screen. The audience isn't right in your face on broadway, the facial acting is a lot less, but Ariana's portrayal took the Glinda we all know and love, and added depth and emotion to why she is the way she is. Sure, she's kinda just a dumb blonde......but she's also deeply troubled by her perception as that. She wants to be different, just like Elphie does.

[@crisisaverted6360]

Hold on. The characters are adults right? They go to university, they have to either be in their twenties or nearing them right? 11:45

[@musicislifefershur]

In the books, Glinda and Elphaba enter Shiz at 17 years old

[@crisisaverted6360]

@ ​​⁠wow did not know that, thanks for telling me. If they’re meant to be 17 then yeah, not believable in the slightest, unless they wanted them to be older in this version

[@marcusmelancon3426]

I’m holding space for the dance scene because it really allowed the emotion to be shown and we could feel it especially on screen you don’t get that same effect on stage

[@xavierharris6954]

I heard that Sheryl Lee Ralph auditioned for the Madam Morrible and I think she would’ve brought more of the motherly feel to the character. Especially since her and Erivo are both black wommen

[@a.d.rian444]

I truly have pretty much ZERO qualms with this movie, it's quite literally my favorite movie of the year

[@stevencook7156]

The ending was off the chain Epic!!! ❤❤❤ I'm seeing it 2 more time in the Imax theater this weekend. 😊

[@Christina-sc1px]

I can't believe I'm finally watching a review where ModernGurlz LIKED the movie omg

[@hamilcross]

ive been waiting for this movie for the majority of my life, had the highest expectations going into this and not the highest hopes... i'm so so so happy with the outcome. i cried before anyone even showed up on screen and continued to do so until i was a full on weeping mess at the end of the movie. the dancing scene was probably my favorite and i'm getting emotional just thinking about it again. my biggest gripes were with the lighting and, sadly, michelle yeoh's performance. a solid 9/10 for me and i absolutely want to see it in theaters again. so beautiful all around.

[@rebeccasanders2812]

The dance scene was my absolute favorite! I cried throughout that whole scene. Beautiful.

[@JaquaylaH]

Great points and thanks for highlighting the little details like patterns and details in the black costumes because as small as it seems, it made a HUGE difference. The dance scene was cute, but I wasn’t convinced. I wanted to see Galinda really feel bad not only because she was awarded something in return… Also, I think the makeover could’ve been stronger. I didn’t really see the difference and it would’ve been nice to see how badly she wanted to fit in.

[@cye4mouri]

Fantastic review. I would note that the dancing scene was truly emblematic of Elphaba's character. She wants to fit in and be loved, but she ultimately isn't a conformist. She will go to the dance and try to meet everyone at their level yet is unable to betray her core self. She will always stand out, she will always be different and that's not because of her green skin; it's who she is.

[@MrsRen]

I thought Michelle Yeoh was perfect, despite the singing. Like, she's so great acting the role that I can forgive her inability to sing.

[@toxicsugarart2103]

No hate but I'm curious as to who you would have cast as Elsa? I'm not a diehard Idina stan or anything, but I feel like her voice is so iconic to that character that I can't imagine anyone else in the role (in the animation specifically, I know there's the Broadway show where tons of amazing people have played her) 💕

[@ModernGurlz]

maybe megan hilty? 🫣 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmSvgZt3g8ulnZosi=BFVa3U8yGPjjNZlW

[@toxicsugarart2103]

​@@ModernGurlz Ooo cool!!

[@TheKhaliente]

I was going to Megan Hilty too!

[@Cherubb3_systemsOT8]

Ariana did so good that I forgot she was playing a role😭

[@prithwirajchoudhury2460]

I clickeddd soooo fastttt when the notification came

[@kellybaumgardner9122]

I shed some tears during the dance scene. It was raw emotion. I don’t think it was boring, I think it was needed to see the emotional connection forming between the two ladies.

[@sandrasim46]

i'm holding space for defying gravity

[@ansri24]

are you in queer media too?

[@Sohotchic]

i’ve seen it on a couple posts 🤷‍♀️ idk how widespread but ya know

[@rafaelaveralugo7626]

@@ansri24As a Gelphie shipper, this movie nailed it for me

[@2swaggyfrfr]

@@rafaelaveralugo7626Uh that’s your choice im not mad just curious how

[@ChenilleSagoe-x9h]

What does that mean

[@lukeewarm96]

The things that stood out to me the most was the costuming and choreography, it’s honestly the best I’ve seen for a film in recent memory. Dancing through life was so good (minus the lighting… which is a choice). Haven’t felt this way about a musical to film adaptation since Hairspray!

[@Erasureeraser]

At this point, Jon M Chu walked so Tom Hooper could run. Chu might not be the best director in the world but he's easily the director we need right now for musicals having proven himself with In The Heights and Wicked. He's doing what Hooper can never do, please more of this guy directing Broadway adaptations in the future 🙌

[@theaxe6198]

YES it deserves all the cheering. It blew me out of my seat

[@HarperQuinn-f8i]

I love this movie so much and I agree with you on every but with the music. All the vocal performances were amazing but they keep stopping the music to talk. For example in popular they stop the music to try on outfits. Same with defying gravity, they kept stopping the the music to talk with on another which makes this all ready 2 hour long movie feel even long and takes away from the emotional impact of the song. I’m kinda conflicted about this though because the dialogue is super good between Ari and Cynthia and I’ve heard no one else complain about it so this could just be a me thing.

[@princessjello]

A lot of people have voiced some concerns about the lighting and i was genuinely not bothered by it, especially after yeears of films being far too dark to even see anything :/

[@okaythanksmaria]

lol obsessed w the full rundown of the movie's entire plot bcs i am not paying money to see this but i like feeling keeping one sleepy, dissociated eye on the 'discourse' lol thanks for this!

[@bunny333501]

One of like my only critiques is with costumes (okay they were mostly fabulous, but hear me out) Mainly I'm talking about Glinda's bubble dress. It's giving Beauty and the Beast 2017. I get wanting to keep her wardrobe pink for more marketability and to be more recognizable to a general audience, but some of her stage costumes were so good. They still didnt do as bad as like Phantom of the Opera 2004 though, so I guess I'm still happy (also the new Dancing Through Life dress is gorgeous)

[@Musicanimedork01]

I feel like the problem isn't her dress but her HAIR the whole movie it's so FLAT

[@Jadeitite]

@@Musicanimedork01 it was a surprisingly cheap wig. the synthetic flyaways were soooo distracting, especially with how many scenes were backlit.

[@jesserivera2043]

I'm not familiar with the musical enough to figure out how a 2 hour and 45 minute musical was converted to a 2 hours and 40 minute feature film that only covered the first act. I think they did an astounding job, but aside from some clear pacing issues I could not tell in the film what was stretched out.

[@359339]

The costuming was mostly really good, but in the Ozdust dance they really should have had the characters dress mostly in the same time period of party dress. The first person to judge Elphaba's hat is wearing a 1920s egyptian style headdress, and it really feels like... who are you to judge? Why is a pointy hat the line you can't cross? The editor spent forever showing everyone laughing, and almost everyone is dressed ridiculous and expressing their individuality. Really undermined the nonconformity point.

[@CuriousMuse2224]

Gotta wait until I watch it first, but this will definitely be the first video I’ll be running to watch after 😊

[@itssskobeebiiiitch]

Ariana supprised me with her ability to emote without lines that dancing scene with cynthia ate

[@keltzy]

Couldn't disagree more on Madame Morrible. I've seen the stage show multiple times, and none of the characters, save for our two leads and the wizard ever left any impression on me at all. Michelle Yeoh's Morrible has this warm regality to her at the beginning that is mesmerizing. And once the mask comes off later on, she is able to transform that warmness to ice without it feeling at all jarring. I loved every minute she was on screen! As for the singing, Morrible isn't exactly a flashy role in so far as vocals go. Iirc, all she's got are bit parts in The Wizard and I and Thank Goodness, neither of which are particularly challenging. Even is she's one of the weaker singers in the cast, I don't think it's too detrimental to the character.

[@kelownatechkid]

the ozdust ballroom dance was the scene of the year. wicked is up there with dune and inside out for best of 2024 imo

[@dandereninja4750]

I have to agree with you on the depiction of Madam Morrible in this version. I feel like she should have had a bigger personality and always imagined her as a more likable Delores Umbridge. I read the book years ago and it kind of dragged on at the end but I read it because I heard good things and when I tried reading the sequel I had to put it down because I just couldn't get through it. Never saw the stage version of the musical to be honest because I had no desire to after reading the book. Having her brush off Galinda is interesting but I feel like more time should have been spent with Galinda trying to get Madam Morrible's approval and the two slowly growing closer as Madam Morrible realizes that while Galinda isn't as powerful as Elphaba, she does have great potential to become powerful in her own right and is much easier to manipulate than Elphaba. I could go further into how I think the story should go but I feel like I've already run off on enough of a tangent.

[@julietteciullo4568]

I totally agree with you on the ballroom scene, though I know a lot of people did like Elphaba's dance scene, it just fell super flat for me.

[@heathermason9311]

I love this channel!! I was waiting to watch this before I see the movie.

[@megisawesome]

Normally I watch reviews like this to see if I want to watch the movie or not and now I definitely do. I’ve never watched wicked the musical in theatres and I never really had to urge to do it but listening to this review makes me wanna go watch the movie.

[@misslinguinni]

7:55 You’re going to say that Wonderful is your favorite musical number from Wicked with no follow up explanation?!

[@kutielkalupto6818]

I have a very minor nitpick with this film, and its that the entire cast is just entirely too old. Don't get me wrong, they all do a fantastic job, Cynthia and Ariana protray their roles perfectly. But no one here looks teenage or even remotely college aged at all lmao, ESPECIALLY the male actors. This was probably not a problem in the broadway shows where there's more suspension of disbelief though. It did not take me out of the experience but i did find it funny

[@4k.vip3rz]

the opening scene of "no one mourns the wicked" was actually the part of the movie that had me most emotional. I just kept thinking "why would they do this to her?" idk if this is an extreme comparison but when they brought out that figure of elphaba and burned it to celebrate her death it reminded me of the public lynchings they used to do to black people. which is fitting, since elphaba is "othered" for her skin.

[@challi5109]

girl I never watched wicked before and went to see the movie today, when u said the wizard is elphabas father idk if I missed that in the movie but if that was a spoiler for part 2 pls give others a warning in the comments or something cause that caught me off guard 😭this video ate though

[@ModernGurlz]

there’s literally a spoiler warning at the beginning of the video??? 😭

[@dora876]

@@ModernGurlzyou didn’t specify for part two. A lot of people that are watching this are gonna be new fans too

[@ModernGurlz]

i said for the wicked musical that means act 1 and act 2 🫥

[@chynaking-davis8193]

I literally just watched it, and loved it. I feel like it was missing things? I've never seen the Broadway version of Wicked, but i feel like it couldve been paced differently for those who haven't seen the OG musical. I loved Ariana's Glinda, she was hilarious. Cynthia sounded AMAZING, and played tf outta Elphaba. Okay, you've convinced me to pay even more money to see the Broadway play in full. Enjoyed it!!

[@lamb9770]

Obsessed with everyone being pleasantly surprised by this movie. John, Cynthia, Ari I never doubted yall!😌

[@princessmorebucks]

You are now an elite employee!!

[@ElidaeDanh]

I loved it, from a structral perspective it made more sense as a multi season television/web series based on the book.

[@jrgrimm6091]

I have nothing worthy of note, but I will say I'm in love the silver slippers

[@SocksAndSalami]

my thoughts *spoilers!!*: 1. THE LAST 20 MINUTES OMG YOU GUYS IT IS SO WORTH IT AND IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL 2. Theater kids will rejoice in this film 3. The choreography, set design and costume design NEED to get Oscar nominations 4. Cynthia Erivo is beautiful as Elphaba 5. Ariana Grande is beautiful as Glinda 6. Jonathan Bailey . Come on the man is beautiful 7. The acting is so good 8. I actually didn't notice any lighting/color saturation problems I thought it all looked good, I think the trailers were poorly edited in that area 9. Ariana Grande completely transformed. She WAS Glinda. I didn't see "Ariana Grande playing Glinda" or "pop star playing Glinda", I SAW just the witch herself 10. I love the microbraids diversity in Elphaba's hair 11. Need to mention the performance and cinematography of "Defying Gravity" omg it's so amazing 12. The parallels this draws from the real world problems is insane if you think about it 13. The press tour is wack and does not represent the movie or do it justice 14. The original poster of Elphie and Glinda is kinda boring, the musical poster is better and the fan edit is better 15. Cynthia, THE FAN EDIT POSTER WAS BETTER 😭 16. Booo Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande for the drama 17. I want Ariana to be a better person than this, ( ^^ ) I know she can be 18. I love the authentic disabled representation with Nessa, some of the comments against her are just an excuse to be ableist. Also i hope that the director doesn't make Nessa "walk" in the second act, that would defeat the purpose of the authenticity with the disability representation 19. LGBTQ+ representation is 🫶 20. Pacing was great 21. Anyone saying "Idina was better" or "Cynthia's vocals sucked" are just upset that a Black woman is the main focus 22. Related to the comment above, the vocals were AMAZING from everyone, even Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh weren't bad 23. I hope they keep this direction style consistent for the second act since the pacing is apparently atrocious in the second act 24. Basically just PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT MESS UP THE SECOND ACT 25. y'all the singing was done live so don't tell me the vocals were bad or too autotuned 26. Hard to watch the scene with the cub but I love how it clearly alludes that he's the Cowardly Lion 27. THE IDINA AND KRYSTEN CAMEO??? GUYS THANKS SO MUCH FOR NOT SPOILING THAT ONLINE 28. Alright this is way too much to read now, basically this is a love letter to theater kids and Wicked fans and it's definitely worth a few watches cause you notice new things every time. Definitely 2024's top movie. And yeah people are gonna be salty because of the diversity and so many women as leads, but they can be in their cry corner and leave us alone. This film is a 10/10 for me, press tour was a -1/10.

[@VictoriaHatzson]

I always LOVED Glinda as a character! She’s the OG delulu girl and Ariana Grande was an incredible casting choice

[@StevenMadewell]

Go watch this movie! I reluctantly watched with my tween daughter and loved it! Great acting, beautiful sets, and story. Can’t wait for part 2!

[@Martina-rh6bk]

Maybe it's just my genz brainrot mind, but I felt SO bored at times, and once fell asleep. I truly think the movie was way too long for the plot that happened.some things felt so rushed and some others felt dragged for no reason. Idk, maybe it's just me.