HOLDING SPACE FOR *WICKED (2024) MOVIE REACTION* | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MUSICAL | DEFYING GRAVITY

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Gloriodious! I didn't expect this story to resonate with me as much as it did! I am super curious for what Part 2 (??) has in store! I I also want to thank you guys SO much for watching! My editor and I worked very hard to adhere to YT's stringent copyright rules to avoid getting "dinged" and still bring you an entertaining experience. I hope we succeeded! If you enjoyed the video leave a like and subscribe [AND SHARE!]- It helps people find my fledging channel more (and it's FREE!). Have an amazing day :)

[@Hey_Jamie]

“Okay I get it. I get it. I get it. I get it.” I love when people have this realization. It’s so powerful….. talk about an ending!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Yeah, it broke me. In the best way - I felt it in my chest. It was special!

[@Hey_Jamie]

@@ShelleyIsReeling Nina felt it too I can just tell!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

She's so ridiculously (scary) intuitive about movies! I just love that about her!

[@myajanell2504]

right 😍and she's absolutely right

[@myajanell2504]

@@ShelleyIsReeling right as I the same😍

[@albalopez2082]

37:52 They sang live. And in this song Cynthia did her own stunts, and she still sang live while being thrown around in a harness. They are amazing.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@albalopez2082 it was emotional, powerful, dazzling! Production choices like that make magic on screen. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@myajanell2504]

@@ShelleyIsReeling right😍

[@Muunbeau]

Yessss cynthia advocated for braids and nails for black culture. They both sang live on every song

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@Muunbeau representation matters! I’m glad she did that. Thanks for watching and sharing 🫶🏾

[@myajanell2504]

and as should😍 representation!!

[@E_btsot798]

One thing I like about this movie i didn’t notice until multiple rewatches is that elphaba’s hair unravels as the movie goes on the more she accepts herself!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Excellent point. Reminds me of when Benji and Donyelle did their Hairspray routine (the 1st time) on SYTYCD, and her ponytail came loose during the bridge of the song/dance. It was EPIC! Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@missidljkingofkings9063]

In part two, Elpi's hair will be completely loose and worn down. This change pays tribute to the profound impact Glinda has had on her.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@missidljkingofkings9063 That is an intriguing takeaway - I wonder what it'll end up looking like when Part 2 rounds out...thanks for sharing!

[@albalopez2082]

29:24 I actually disagree with this. She put her own spin to Glinda. Of course, Kristen was the original and Ariana borrowed from her, but she did her own twist. I love the way she played Glinda.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Not discounting the JOB Ariana did - the performance was dynamic, fun and funny. BUT, if I’m an awards voter, it slightly falls into homage territory. Kristen stamped her mark on this part so firmly, hallmarks are harder to make in other performances. I see the path that Kristen forged - in Ariana’s vocals & her dancing 💃

[@chaotic7cam]

@@ShelleyIsReelingLiterally every other broadway Glinda has those mannerisms too though. It’s the character.

[@ElphabaRaine]

I think she paid homage in one or two things, but Ariana's characterization definitely felt different to Kristen's on a fundamental level - at least to me. There are beats that anyone playing Glinda has to hit - it's written that way - and even in those moments, Ariana's Glinda had a vulnerability that I've not seen before. As for Cynthia - she's a force of nature - completely phenomenal. 😊💚💗

[@albalopez2082]

@@ElphabaRaine Cynthia’s performance is flawless. So nuanced, such vulnerability! And at the same time, such strength! It sets her apart from stage Elphabas. She’s amazing.

[@ElphabaRaine]

@@albalopez2082 I agree. I can't imagine anyone other than Cynthia playing this part on screen. 💚

[@seansilence2697]

For Ariana's performance. I think she made the right call. If she over-imitated Kristen, people would have called it a copy, but if she made it too much her own, they'd say she made it too different. So she had to walk that fine line and I think she did it well

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

THIS COMMENT👏🏾 I couldn’t have articulated it better than this! It’s a figurative tightrope, indeed. You don’t want to off put Kristen’s fans, but it’s a film production that will be immortalized- you have e to go bigger. I think she put on a brilliant performance 🎭 thanks for sharing and watching!

[@Barkugou420]

1:36 lol just imagine being the cast of the UK Wicked production...they had to perform just after It was announced the queen had passed 😂😂😂

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

YIKES! Well, as they say in show business, "The Show must go on..." and the Queen would've wanted them to "serve" regardless. Thanks for watching!

[@hothotheat3000]

GOOD NEEEEEEEEEEWS SHES DEEEEEEEEAD🤣

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@hothotheat3000 it's wild that their putting a melody to that, right?? LOL

[@sarahrodrigues4936]

@@ShelleyIsReeling In this case they specifically said “The show will be performed as written” lmao

[@AlexisRoark]

Oh, I love that Ariana put a call in to Lorne Michaels to ask permission for Bowen Yang to perform. He flew WEEKLY between London and New York during filming. There is so, so much that went into this movie.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

OMG, that makes so much sense. To wit, I feel that Jon M. Chu probably put in a word as well. Asian representation is quite prevalent in this film; akin to when Shonda Rhimes did Scandal - she made sure to insert African American peripheral side characters into minor political roles (the news anchors, the white house press corp, POTUS' secretary), because representation matters. Yes, there's a green girl in Oz...but there are yellow, black, and pink ones, too! Its a wonderful production for its inclusion alone! Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@SeeJay81]

As I'm sure you've seen already, they absolutely did sing live on set instead of in a recording studio. They also did all their own stunts, which means there's actually footage out there of Cynthia getting flung around the set on wires whilst flawlessly belting out Defying Gravity. Well worth a watch if you haven't seen that yet.

[@kriscynical]

That is so damn impressive. The only other person I've EVER seen who was able to sing FLAWLESSLY while being flung around in a three point harness is P!nk. She's been doing it in all of her concerts ever since she learned how to do aerial acrobatics for her Funhouse tour. I've heard Cynthia is also athletic and runs marathons, similarly to how strong P!nk's body is, too. It definitely serves both of them fabulously!

[@SeeJay81]

@kriscynical Cynthia had no prior experience of that and learned it for this movie. She talks about how different the breathing is. I wish Pink! had been brought in as a consultant or something. Not that Cynthia needed that but it would have been nice to see her paying homage to her.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@SeeJay81 consummate theater performer! Cynthia had such vocal range, but its takes gumption to endure a harness while singing like that. 🙌🏾

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@kriscynical remember her Glitter in the Sky Grammys performance 👏🏾👏🏾

[@Hey_Jamie]

A fun fact is Elphaba was named that because the author of The Wizard of Oz is L Frank Baum. LFB. El-pha-ba.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Ohhhh, you’re a FAN fan! I knew next to nada about this film, and actively tried to avoid it. I relented because the zeitgeist made me

[@Hey_Jamie]

@@ShelleyIsReeling thank goodness for the zeitgeist!

[@sarahvampgrl]

Ive watched like ten reaction videos and you're the first ive seen put two and two together about the wicked witch of the east, and right away! *Snap snap*

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Ooh, that distinction “makes me feel good…about me.” - Melvin Udall, ‘As Good As It Gets’ [1997] lol thanks for watching!

[@Hey_Jamie]

13:09 Ariana’s career began on Broadway actually lol. She was in 13, at 3 years old. She’s always been a huge Broadway girlie

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

That makes a lot of sense - them flicks and kicks ain't an accident...

[@yee-raplantar-maximoff4318]

Were you meant to say 3 or 13 lol

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@yee-raplantar-maximoff4318 I think what was meant was she was in 13 productions at 3 years old LOL :)

[@jer9grant]

@@ShelleyIsReelingto clarify, Ariana Grande's Broadway debut was in the musical titled _13_ when she was a teenager before Victorious (fun fact: Liz Gillies who played Jade also made her Broadway debut in that production)

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@jer9grant Well, there you go...she is an established Broadway performer. It shows. Every step, angle, nuanced flourish - purposeful. She knows what she is doing. 🙌🏽

[@jaernihiltheus7817]

IMO: definitely watch part 2 on the channel when the time comes. So many reveals and revelations about who becomes what and how everything fits together with the Judy garland film (there are some narrative tweaks here and there but for the most part - everything that happens in the 1939 film happens here in wicked). We need your realizations immortalized on camera lol

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Chile, I don't think I could bear to watch it otherwise - I'll need my channel for the emotional support LOL I'm glad you enjoyed the reaction and that you chose to share. Thank you 🙏🏽 (and make sure you're subbed so you know when its drops!)

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

20:19 the way jonathan bailey made fiyero into the world’s most flirtatious pansexual man 😂😂

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

YES! "Pan" and "Omni" both apply LOL His vocals are like honey, and his physical musicality undulates like waves. It's wrong - God ain't supposed to give with 2 hands like this! HAHA🤣

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

@ the way that man manages to have chemistry with literally ANYONE AND EVERYONE… it’s astounding.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Word. I can say with certainty that were I to have the chance, I would 100% FOLD in his presence. No doubt

[@desertstar35]

Glinda: puts the cape around Elphaba, completing her iconic look. Me: Ugly sobbing intensifies. Edit: Love your puppy!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

That just means they did their jobs! You felt that moment - good for Ariana & Cynthia 🫶🏾 And, great for you - your tear ducts got a good workout :) I'm great you watched and chose to comment, especially on Saturday night! Thank you 😁

[@desertstar35]

It was a pleasure to watch your reaction. 😊

[@Hey_Jamie]

Cynthia and Ariana did all of their singing for the movie live. Wild.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I KNEW IT!!

[@thehouseofoverthinking]

15:58 HOW is this remarkable? She watched Elphaba literally send her sister and a wheelchair flying into the air, but now she's all impressed that Elphaba levitated a whole coin - and after weeks of private tutelage! Doesn't sound she's been teaching Elphaba much 😅 22:07 You can tell that one of Madame Morrible's love languages is 'words of affirmation' 😂 23:54 You are SO Elsa in Frozen when Anna told her about Hans

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Uh-oh…I’ve never seen Frozen. Do I have to go to Disney jail now? Lol Thanks for watching 😊

[@thehouseofoverthinking]

@ShelleyIsReeling Not jail, but maybe probation until you remedy that and do a Frozen reaction video!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@ might have to do that! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@yee-raplantar-maximoff4318]

"You can't marry a man you just met"

[@MegaWicked89]

Just so you know, the reason as to why Elphaba is the only one in Oz who actually read the Grimmerie, and the identity of Elphaba's biological father will officially be revealed in Part Two. And for those who haven't seen the stage musical, brace yourselves, it's a doozy!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@MegaWicked89 ohhhhhh this was the tease I needed! I knew his identity being obscured in the hookup scene was deliberate 🤯

[@damon665]

Most incredible ending

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

It touched me. I had no idea it would - and I'm so glad it did. Thank you for watching! 🫶🏾

[@ariusrainer9345]

Okay, Miss vocabulary! 🫰🏼🫰🏼🫰🏼You're a perfect delight! 🤗🤗

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I try, darlin' LOL Thanks for watching, I appreciate you :)

[@evnkas]

Loved your reaction, you better be joining us in the movie theatre for Part 2!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Ah, the great inner debate of all content creators - see LIVE for yourself, or abstain until VOD...After this YT reception, I'm leaning in 1 direction...can you guess? LOL Thanks for watching, I appreciate you :)

[@myajanell2504]

glad you liked it😍, I loved it and watched it like 8 times🩷💚, going from the play for me to the movie being created Jon did a great job and the cast. My fav songs is obv defying gravity and always and nothing could top, popular, what is this feeling and so on, the affair and the noises will always😳. The way the governor treats elphaba🙄 deserves and always since I first saw the worst. Elphaba my fav deserves great and nothing but greatness cant wait for part 2😍.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

You're so passionate about your delight in this movie, and I am so glad that the film lived up to your expectations. They don't always, you know? Sometimes they fall short and infuriate the fans! But, you are very right - its worth repeat viewing, Mr. Chu's direction was spot-on and dynamic, and the music was chef's kiss. Cynthia singing Defying Gravity added 5 back on my life. Thanks for watching and sharing :)

[@haydennance59]

this vid cracked me up omfg i love you 😭

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@haydennance59 hey there! I’m so glad 🎉 thank you for watching and sharing 🫶🏾

[@laramiaizz]

after watching how nessarose treated her sister, i wish THE house would come sooner..

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Interesting 🧐 I mean, she definitely directed her frustration at Elphaba wrongly at several points, but I think I NEED to see Part 2 to understand why death but house dropping was earned😂 thanks for watching and sharing! Happy Friday!

[@melissacosta9464]

😅

[@araveninabookwonderlandlun6754]

Elphaba is one of my fave characters ever, the way she resonates with so different group of people for so many different reasons only proves that people should work together and not against each other. Elphaba is for ever marginalized/missfit/bullied people

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

THIS COMMENT. Absolutely true, all around. She speaks for the Othered, or anyone who's ever felt ostracized. I lov eher for that. But, she's not a victim. She's a victor - for now...Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@araveninabookwonderlandlun6754]

@@ShelleyIsReeling 100% she is a victor, she helped me so much to acepted my differences, as a queer woman and having a síndrome acceptance was not always easy and this book/musical/movie helped me so much. Also this character should always be portrayed by different actress and I’m so happy that is what’s beging do happen. Idina and Cynthia will always be my faves

[@myajanell2504]

right😍

[@SansMerci1013]

@@araveninabookwonderlandlun6754 I love that art has this power. It gives us permission to see ourselves, meet ourselves where we are. It's good stuff :)

[@jillsatt5673]

So glad I found your channel! Love this reaction. So smart and funny.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

So Glad you enjoyed! And thank you for watching and sharing your comment! Hopefully, you’ll think about subbing…it’s a fun channel 😆

[@HuntingViolets]

They sang, "Ding! Dong! The witch is dead!" in _The Wizard of Oz_ (1939 version).

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Fair. But that was obtuse as H-E-L-L too! LOL Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@youngsanta6369]

I always get chills when cyncethia sings

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Her vocals infect my subconscious. I just adore her - power and subtly. What a combo! Thanks for watching!

[@myajanell2504]

right😍

[@johnmoreland6089]

Great reaction! LOVE your Nina Simone "Wild is the Wind" album behind you. What an extraordinary artist. And extra credit for the "Torn Between Two Lovers" reference. 😅

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Oh wow..the things you noticed?!? Always nice to see a fellow old soul 😊 yes, Nina was super special ❤ thank you for watching and sharing!

[@Hey_Jamie]

I am SO HERE for this mama!! Yasssss!!! You know I’ll be leaving comments throughout as I watch 😅

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Please do!! And SHARE!!!

[@Hey_Jamie]

@@ShelleyIsReeling already posted in my discord chat! Lol

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@ I don’t know what I did to deserve your constant unwavering support, but I am so glad I did that! Lol🤭

[@Hey_Jamie]

@@ShelleyIsReeling just provided me with much needed entertainment, that’s all! 🩵

[@DeathBy1kCats]

Jamie brought me here!!!

[@erenhypen4718]

girl about ariana's performance, she's emulating kristin bc kristin made this character from scratch lol glinda has a certain way to do it and it just happens that kristin was the one to do it. she's not "impersonating" her, it's just the way it was written

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Ok, this is a recurring issue in the comments and I now understand that there IS nuance to it. Yes, Kristen birthed the character, so what it entails in future performances is going to be a derivative. BUT, there are certain beats and mannerisms that Ariana’s reprisal definitely incorporated into her version. I saw “Kristen” several times. Not saying it’s a bad thing, either. Just saying it’s noticeable. I thank you for watching! And sharing!

[@erenhypen4718]

@@ShelleyIsReeling i see, i just commented this when i heard you say it. did not see the other comments but yeah. most people who knew the og know that ari's interpretation of glinda is how it should be AND more. not an issue tho! i get what you mean, i just want to express my opinion as well. have a great day ahead! :))

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@erenhypen4718 oh trust and believe, I absolutely ADORE that you did - I live for civil discourse, so please share anytime you like. Wicked fans are a passionate bunch, thoughtful and knowledgeable on this topic in a way I’ve never experienced. Never had a video over 5k before this one - you guys did that! So thank you for taking the time. I wish you the best weekend 😁

[@Jumbaride]

My biggest concern was that Ariana, being so mainstream, would be more recognizable than the character of Glinda. She disappeared into this role and brought Glinda to life on the big screen. As a fan of the original musical, I really appreciate the ways in which she paid homage to Kristin Chenoweth. Ariana knocked this out of the damn park. 🩷

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

All the props to Ariana. 🎉this movie doesn’t work without her leaning in as she did. I’m super proud of her! Thanks for sharing 🫶🏾

[@BroadwayBound009]

god i LOVE watching people fall in love with musicals. Buckle up for part 2, things get crazy. act 1 is honestly just exposition and setting the stage for what happens in act 2. if you thought you got emotional in this one, bring a full box of tissues for the second movie!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@BroadwayBound009 THIS was a heck of a teaser comment! Well done 👍🏾

[@BroadwayBound009]

@ my 3 favorite songs in the show are all in the second act. It’s killing us theatre/wicked super fans to have to wait a year too. Stay as spoiler free as you can, it will be worth it I promise!

[@SansMerci1013]

@@BroadwayBound009 Oh, I'm GONNA - blocking all the keywords on Twitter, pronto! LOL Thanks!

[@BroadwayBound009]

@ good for you! I think it will be worth it, I can’t wait to come back after part 2 drops and see your reaction.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@BroadwayBound009 Hoping for showstoppers and thrilling conclusions!🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@arleen123100]

Omg your reaction is golddddd!!!! I’m subscribing 🥹

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Yay! I love hearing that my work was enjoyable- it’s what I strive for🎉 thank you for watching and SUBBING🫶🏽

[@CerealKiller_theOtherOne]

Not sure if you know but Jon Chu will be directing the Britney biopic. I'm really excited for that 🙌🏻. The lion cub has got to be the Cowardly Lion don't you think 🦁...

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I didn’t know that! But I’m thinking I trust him with that…After realizing who Nessa was, I was doing the math on all the peripheral characters so yeah that cub stood out! This is actually a fun reveal - I’m sure Part 2 is gonna be full of those😱

[@rygregory]

Being the first Glinda on stage, Kristin Chenoweth got to define who Glinda is. So it’s not so much Ari playing Kristen as she is playing Glinda. I feel like the former doesn’t give Ari enough credit for the amazing job she did in this role and the nuances that she did, in fact, add to the character. Also, every single Glinda following Kristin has been acted similarly.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

YES!! Exactly my point - KC definitely put her marker in the sand, and now all future portrayals flow through her interpretation. It's not a bad thing, just noticeable. Doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the heck out of it! Thank you for sharing!

[@_new_french_touch_]

Okay I saw this twice in the theatre, but this video was the first time I saw a mouse play the drums in the ballroom scene?? What the hell was that lolllll

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I just LOVE repeat viewing for exactly this reason! Lol the details that filmmakers go through to hide things to discover later, it’s always worth it! I’m so glad you watched and commented! Thank you 😉

[@harperwiccan475]

That's not a mouse. What that was is called a Sugar Glider aka flying squirrel. They are super super super cute in real life.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@harperwiccan475 I absolutely LOVE sugar gliders!! I love that you knew that

[@lynetterivera3824]

Cynthia was ADAMANT about Elphaba having braids. It was important to her to portray her that way. I LOVE IT! SHE hired on the hair stylist (who is obviously incredible) AND the nail Lady too! She made sure she put on all her people and I love to see it. Every aspect of Elphaba was intentional and carefully thought out by Ms Erivo and I applaud her for it. GIVE HER THAT OSCAR!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Intentionality is key. Cynthia’s performance was truly special and I am so happy for her! Thanks for watching and commenting- if you’re not subbed I hope you’ll think about it :)

[@velky_reeds]

btw the Mr. Dillimond (the goat) is voiced by Peter Dinklage. I love how you recognized all the actors 😆

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@velky_reeds he had such a distinctive voice, so much gravitas. Even as a goat. Lol

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

9:10 i’m so glad she was in it, but she is criminally underutilized in this movie… which I find extra frustrating because her character was a brand new character created for the movie. hopefully we get to hear her sing in part 2. I know stephen schwartz wrote 2 original songs that will apparently be in the sequel.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Understandable - she is a card they don't need to play just yet...it's something to look forward to for sure! Embarrassment of talent on that cast, I can't wait!

[@johnnehrich9601]

I am responding to the title on this episode - that you are questioning everything about Oz. I haven't seen Wicked yet but think I've read and heard enough about it to discuss it in terms of your questioning. On the other hand, literally the first book I ever read was the third in the L. Frank Baum series, Ozma of Oz. The third release of the MGM movie was in 1955 when I was five so I barely remember it, and then a few years later, the movie was only shown once a year. On the other hand, I went on to read a bunch of the first Baum books. For most people, the MGM movie is what they think about Oz, but it is in some important ways much different from the original 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. First of all, Oz is a real place. MGM in 1939 didn't think audiences could accept a literal place which is why they made it a dream. Second of all, Dorothy was a mere tyke of ~8-10 years old. Judy Garland was 16-17 and tried to play her as a 14 yo. (Other versions err even more. In both the Wiz movie - unlike the stage version - and the Muppet version, Dorothy is a young women in her mid-20's.) Shifting Dorothy's age up changes the dynamics of the story. In the books, she interacts with the other characters at their level, meaning the Oz creatures are young at heart. And in mind. Wicked and Disney's Oz, The Great & Powerful goes to the other extreme, making Oz an adult place with adult themes. (Absolutely nothing wrong in my opinion with any adaptations from the viewpoint of "how dare they change it?" Just to note they DID change it. But I hate to see Baum's original fanciful and whimsical concept get buried and forgotten.) In the book, Dorothy is greeted in Oz by a mere three munchkins and the (unnamed) Good Witch of the North, of whom the latter we never hear from again in this first novel nor I think in any sequel. Glinda is the Good Witch of the South who only appears at the end to send Dorothy back home. This south witch is appears like a kindly grandmother, not a pink-gowned Billie Burke version. And the Munchkins are described as smaller, about Dorothy's height, not the small people seen in the MGM movie. So confusingly (at least to me), Wicked uses the MGM Good Witch version but the book version of slightly smaller Munchkins. Baum's scarecrow (and the MGM version) is simply a scarecrow constructed by a Munchkin farmer. The book version has him describing how he could see once one eye was painted on this burlap sack face, and how the farmer made his second eye bigger, letting him see better. The novel Tin Woodsman stared as an ordinary human (named Nick Chopper) in love with a Munchkin girl. She was a servant and her boss didn't want to lose her services so she got the Wicked Witch of the West to enchant his axe. Every time he went to chop, he cut off another body part. He went to a local tinsmith to get a tin prosthetic replacement until he wound up all tin. However, the tinsmith forgot to give him a heart (both the novel and the MGM use this explanation), so - novel bit - he fell out of love with the girl and forgot about her. However, the MGM version has both characters as really reinvented (by Dorothy) Kansas farmhands, as is the lion. Wicked comes up with a third version MGM came up with the traditional-witch Margaret Hamilton version, including the green skin. None of Baum's witches, good or bad, fly around, and in particular, no broomstick for any. Baum's Wicked Witch of the West would be quite a surprise to anyone who hasn't read the book. She is a crone who carries an umbrella - I guess to prevent a premature watery death. She only has one good eye but it is a "telescopic eye" which she uses to see Dorothy from a long distance. She is only introduced late in the book. Baum's Glinda, as I said, is the Good Witch of the SOUTH. She is depicted with red hair - like Billie Burke - and described and illustrated as beautiful but not in a Cinderella dance gown. Glinda does reappear in the sequels from time to time, relabeled as Glinda the Good. In the second Baum book, we are introduced to Ozma, the rightful heir to the Oz throne, who the Wizard got hidden away so he could assume the power by having transformed in a young boy. (Perhaps the first trans-character in all of literature.) At the end of the story, young Ozma assumes the throne and from then on, all the stories revolve around her in power, even when Dorothy returns (again and again). Dorothy becomes her best friend. In 1985, Disney, who had purchased all the rights to the 13 Baum sequels but not the original one, produced Return To Oz. This was based closely on Ozma of Oz with characters from the second one, Marvelous Land of Oz. Many people were disappointed as it wasn't a sequel to the movie, because it couldn't be. It also presents a darker view. Oz fans (myself include) treasure this movie as a sort of love-letter to Oz. (Hopefully you will get a change to watch and react to it.) The books have long been in the public domain and available for free on Google books. As stories for young children, they are relatively short and an easy read. If you want to take it this far, make sure you get a version with the original c. 1900 illustrations, which are really helpful showing how Baum envisioned his world. You can also type the name of ANY of the book characters - including the sequels - and "Oz" and see the evolution of the character and the backstory. (Return to Oz and the books have a lunchpail tree, a group of humans that have four wheels instead of hands and feet, a windup mechanical man (among the first robot-type in literature), a princess who changes her head instead of her clothes, and a flying contraption that is fabricated by tying two couches together, with palm fronds for wings, a broomstick tail, and the head of a "Gump" which is brought to life by magical powers. Like I said, more power to every creative adaption but the original concepts are a good foundation too.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@johnnehrich9601 WOW 🤯 I’ve received such an astute, thoroughly detailed response to a CTA in my thumbnail before. I appreciate your thoughtful response, and your insight into the lore paints a more complete picture of Oz (for me at least). Thanks for watching and commenting!🫶🏾

[@johnnehrich9601]

@@ShelleyIsReeling Thanks for the compliment. You are likely the only person who will care or bother to read it so I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@ I appreciate knowledge 😉

[@LifeAccordingtoCleng]

“Is that a Bridgerton?!?” 😂

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

You caught me! I was SHOOK. I didn’t know he had singing and dancing in his bag of tricks. I loved him b4 he did that! Thanks for watching and commenting😁

[@philipholder5600]

Yes they did sing live.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I think it’s great when films elect to do this. Lip-syncing is so artificial - I like that the actors can alter the inflection of the song with a different emotion when they sing live.

[@albalopez2082]

11:41 They sang the whole thing live. 😉

[@KamaFromNeverland]

Yes they were singing live.

[@mikewhite8663]

You better do part 2 or I’m coming for you

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

AHHA! Oh no!! Challenge accepted!! I'm glad you enjoyed it, kind Sir - it had me in my feelings fosho. I have so many questions, and I CANNOT WAIT to get some answers...on my channel 😊 Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@kathylee1261]

The movie experience was magical (says the person who saw it 5 times in New York and 3 times at the movie theatre)

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Hey, no judgment, no shade - when something works for you and brings you joy I say engage as much and as often as you like! Thanks for watching and sharing :)

[@haileybraun6170]

41:12 you should look up jonathan bailey's audition of for the last five years if you want more of him singing. an amazing performance

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Thanks for the tip! He is even more extraordinary of a performer than I realized - I’m going to check that out. And, thank you for watching! ;)

[@drockherb2073]

Might be an unpopular opinion, but I think her sister is awful almost as bad to Elphaba, she never sticks up for her never anything ( we seen ) except to get mad at her for how she makes her look, then when she’s going throw the worst time she don’t even comfort her when the whole dance is laughing at her, also in a deleted scene at the train with the dad trashing her about getting the wizard invitation, all she cares about is the boy.. we will see maybe I’m wrong in the next chapter but from here on she don’t seem like the best sister

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

There is NOTHING unpopular about this take - I think your insight is intriguing. The examples you've asserted are valid, a paradigm I hadn't considered is how you can almost view Nessa's actions as self-involved. The loss of her mobility some how trumping how troubling Elphaba's aesthetic is to those around her. No consideration at all! Elphaba dotes on her, but Nessa doesn't seem as grateful until SHE needs to communicate (like about the munchkin boy asking her out). WOW... 😲😲

[@drockherb2073]

@ yea & I get her being in the chair gives her a bunch of problems but in my eyes or from my family view, we ride for each other, when it’s bad or self inflicted, we tell them if their in the wrong or where they F up but would be by their side as well as they hopefully correct or take responsibility for their actions. But yea it seemed she only cared about her an how she could get what she wants even at home like at some point you stop being daddy’s little princess and stand up for your sister you’re supposed to love, don’t talk to her that way because I love her or I know I’m excited about the munchkin boy but look how great it is that she got an invitation from the wizard. Im glad I wasn’t the only one.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@drockherb2073 You mostly were not - thanks again for sharing!

[@philipholder5600]

Did you see the WIZARD OF OZ? The Wizard has never had power.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

True, it still makes him a charlatan. He was in 1939, and he is now! Lol

[@hideflen]

I will be SEATED for Act II!!!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@hideflen whether you mean my reaction or the movie sequel, I APPROVE!🤣💯 thank you for watching!🫶🏾

[@myajanell2504]

yesssss😍

[@AlexisRoark]

Yes re Ariana! Yes! There was too much channeling imho but I gave her a pass as well. I think John should have given her the same instruction: make it your own.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

WORD. I agree wholeheartedly, AND I bet they discussed it...and she ignored. LOL It's ok - I enjoyed the performance, even if it comes off a bit redundant. I'm not mad of the price I paid to see it, ya know? Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@BritneeStar]

Ariana and Cynthia in both embodied their characters in the way they approached these roles. Galinda is a people pleaser. That's how Ariana played Galinda. In a way to please the fans and give them what they want. Elphaba always does her own thing and makes her own mark. That's exactly how Cynthia played Elphaba. She made the role hers and truly became her own Elphaba. I wanna be green!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I absolutely LOVE this perspective. I think you're right about Galinda/Glinda for sure - and I think Cynthia made her Elphaba unique while staying true to the heart of the original depiction by Idina. It's a great movie! Thanks for sharing, and watching!

[@portiag7915]

I love your reaction!!!!!!!!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I'm grateful!! I appreciate you taking time outta your weekend to watch - this movie was NOTHING like I expected. I enjoyed the watch, and I hope you did too :) Happy New Year🎇🎆

[@sannaolsson9106]

Did you not realise Glinda gave her the hat to make fun of her?? She hated the hat and said she didn't hate anyone that much to give it away and then her friends made her think of Elphaba. It feels like you thought she did it to be nice lol

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

You're probably right! I told you I was gonna miss stuff - but, also, Galinda may have made an unconscious choice to aid her. If you think it through, in the presence of Elphaba's ops, she couldn't very well assert her intent to be kind. There is a reading there where her actions are indirectly altruistic. Maybe, perhaps..lol Thanks for watching!

[@crystall.411]

Bailey was also in the American Psycho musical

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Seriously?!? Thank God Bridgerton upped his international queue! I absolutely can’t imagine Cinema without him now…lol thanks for watching and sharing!

[@marshallwarren2312]

24:20 Okay so look it's so easy for the beautiful folks like you to say "it's so right" but for the rest of us theatre kids that line was like a call to action and a stab in the gut all at the same time!!! (Also JK, this reaction is life, you're amazing, I'm glad I found you on YT, keep doing what you're doing ❤)

[@marshallwarren2312]

Also OMG 29:30 THE REFERENCE....

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

You’re too kind - trust and believe that I, myself do not identify as such. I’m just out here in these digital streets trying to entertain the masses and remind you that YOU are the beautiful people. Moreover, the theatre kids tend to be the beautiful ones (in my experience). You all “are the music makers…[and you] are the dreamers of dreams.” - Willy Wonka, ‘Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory’ (1971) Thank you for watching 🙏🏾

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@marshallwarren2312she’s not a Vegas showgirl…she’s a headliner👏🏾🫰🏾

[@chrisvofficial657]

What i love about Ariana is you cannot see Ariana Grande playing Galinda in the film, but simply, Galinda

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I appreciate that you came away from her performance satisfied with her Galinda portrayal. She certainly performed her @$$ off and as far as I'm concerned, EARNED that Oscar nomination. However, I feel she leaned a little too heavily on Kristen Chenowith for...inspiration. Still love the movie though, and cannot WAIT for Part 2!! Thanks for watching :)

[@nukes851]

Love your fur baby!

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Thank you! She’s one in a million- loves movies and sleeps in! Lol thanks for watching 🫶🏽

[@mikewhite8663]

Well in Dorthy defense that girl in the chair you speak of is the one that wanted to kill Toto and has been a terror to Dorthy before the movie even started

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

SAY WHAT??? Nessa targeted Toto?? Dogs are off limits (ask John Wick!) - When did Nessa says that? Did I miss it??

[@nana-wb2xh]

7:17 I’m just here chuckling

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@nana-wb2xh well, that’s a win for me ✅ lol thanks for watching!

[@Y_r_u491]

6:40 Am I the only one who uses "I could care less" to show I am, somewhat, interested in something?

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

You may be - when you're than enthused about something, completely dialed out, you COULDN'T care less about it. Could Care Less means there may be some interest. It's as jarring as the whole "supposedly, supposably" debacle - one is used often but isn't a thing! LOL Thanks for watching!

[@Rosannasfriend]

Your thoughts are the same as mine as far as Cynthia and Ariana‘s performances.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Yes - great minds...Definitely a little TOO much like what came before. That said, its still a great performance, and worthy of the Oscar nom she received this morning! :) Thanks for sharing!

[@sageisdeadtome3315]

honestly i love that ariana laid back a little bit when it came to the operatic bits of music. Unlike kristen she kept a lighter tone and didn’t too much which imo made it unique to her.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Ok, I appreciate this point. I heard she took lessons to incorporate some operatic aspects to her vocals, a clear indication that she valued Kristen’s work before her. But, she definitely made sure to include flourishes and inflections that came from her pop background to make the part her own. I think it came together well. Thanks for watching!

[@theyoshow]

Glinda is just not strong enough to be part of the rebellion. It's not in her system like Elphaba's. They want to fight for good (😉) in different ways. It's like me and my cousin. I'm down to fight everyone and she wants to keep the peace to try and get her way through traditional means. It's not bad, just different.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@theyoshow I take your point and I can completely relate. I think that for some people it’s very hard to go against the grain, but on the other side of that fear isn’t freedom and Elphaba found hers and her power when she read that book, jumped out that window and gave her younger self acceptance. I just what this movie had to say. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@philipholder5600]

Did you see THE WIZARD OF OZ? And hear the Munchkins sing Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead?

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Of course! I had a childhood! Lol but I was remarking that they obviously didn’t learn from their mistakes - just kept on singing about people getting dead…good grief lol shameful munchkins! Thank you for watching!

[@DeathBy1kCats]

❤❤

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@DeathBy1kCats thanks for watching! I hope you enjoyed - love to know what you liked about this movie! Feel free to share!😁

[@Rosannasfriend]

I thought that Ariana was doing more of an imitation than acting. Mimicking/impersonating Kristen Chenoweth.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I wholeheartedly agree with you...and she STILL got an Oscar nomination for it!

[@HuntingViolets]

The two leads are the same height, about 5'1.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

They're so teensy! Where are they hiding the extra sets of lungs for all these songs?!? LOL Thanks for watching :)

[@Hey_Jamie]

I’m back! Lol

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Yo Jamie - 'sappening?!? Gurl - the turnout on this video?!? I'm shocked AF...in the best way! Your powers of prognostication are practically occult!! I'mma start calling you Jalinda!! LOL

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

1:25 girl SAME. those little shits traumatized me.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Word - like monkeys are filthy little muscle monsters to begin with! But if they can get airborne...that's double if not TRIPLE trouble! LMAO😬

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

@ I legit had to wait several years to rewatch the original movie after seeing it the first time because of the monkeys. the way they attacked and squashed TERRIFIED me. it’s like how the birds attack in “The Birds,” but somehow worse since they’re so much bigger and quasi-human looking. chills down my spine…

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@jilliansmaniotto2326 I haven't watched the birds in ages, but I remember the scene where Tippi is in the phone booth and the dude slams into the side face all bloodied. Nightmare fuel - like, that COULD happen at any moment!

[@albalopez2082]

17:36 She’s reportedly 5 ft 1 in. Same as Ariana.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

All that vocal ability in such a diminutive form…where does she keep the extra set of lungs??? 🫁 😂 thnx for watching!

[@albalopez2082]

@ Right? 😂

[@Hey_Jamie]

7:30 🙃

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

That realization was a jarring as realizing the cub Fiyero and Elphaba saved in the classroom was LIKELY the future Cowardly Lion Dorothy befriends!! WHAT--

[@Hey_Jamie]

@@ShelleyIsReeling yep! Also that Fiyero sings about being brainless and thoughtless, while Elphaba tells him in the forest to “get stuffed”….. 🫨🫨

[@twin_cheeks]

just found your channel and I love that you enjoyed wicked!!! I look forward to your part 2 reaction🥲

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Hi! I am delighted that you enjoyed my content AND took time out of your Sunday to watch and comment - it means the world to me 🤗I hope you'll consider subbing and come back for more vids. And, yeah, PART 2 is probably gonna happen...

[@twin_cheeks]

@@ShelleyIsReeling I subbed! love your energy 💛

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Thank you so much!!

[@hanniefaerie]

18:33 bc he’s gay irl lmao.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

That may be, but he appeals to all, and that ain't common - what a man! Thanks for watching, btw :)

[@mikewhite8663]

Glinda was wrong in the Judy garland movie nessa is a worse and far more dangerous then elphaba ever is or was

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

WHAAAAAAAAA- Nessa BECOMES EVIL??? I Oh my lawd, Part 2 is gonna destroy me, isn't it?

[@Idkmybffaj]

@@ShelleyIsReeling Part 2 is so much drama . I am so excited to see how Chu portrays it. Part 2 can’t come soon enough

[@Idkmybffaj]

@@ShelleyIsReelingyes thats why the munchkins were happy when Dorthy killed the wicked witch of the east

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@Idkmybffaj I am so right there with you! I love how he embraces color and drama, and how everything looks so lush through his lens. I'm really excited for the conclusion...but worried about avoiding spoilers. Ugh!! Thanks for watching!

[@philipholder5600]

Another Harry Potter reference? Really?

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

Yep…and I was holding back lol

[@DanielAnstey-n9i]

I didn’t watch wicket cause I didn’t want to see Ariana as Ariana I wanted to see her as this character but it’s so difficult for me not to ignore that this is Ariana it’s weird when a solo singing celebrity gets casted in a movie it just distracts who she’s playing as as a character but I’m so glad she’s experimenting tho good on her for trying 💯❤️

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

I understand the hurdle. I mentioned that her performance was distracting to me for similar reasons, but in the end I was super impressed by how hard she worked to get this part right. She is a wonderful, well-rounded performer! Glad you watched!😁

[@DeathBy1kCats]

Ariana started in television on Disney, she’s more than a solo singer, she is not new to this

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@ she was absolutely a surprise to me! Vocal range aside, her dance facility had my jaw on the floor! Thank you for watching!

[@Hey_Jamie]

@@DeathBy1kCats well she actually started on Broadway lol.

[@portiag7915]

@@DeathBy1kCatsit wasn’t Disney it was broadway then Nickelodeon. She was on Victorious.

[@dcemerald70]

This film is definitely ozmazing and deserves all the Ozcars! I will never forget my first experience of seeing the musical and seeing all the beautiful sets and the costume designs, as well as the amazing talented cast. I really connected with Elphaba, so I was so hyped to see this iconic story come to the screen! Ironically the first musical I ever performed was the Wizard of Oz where I played Professor Marvel and the Wizard. And I even got the chance to perform the show again and share the stage with my nephew. I can’t wait to see the conclusion in Wicked: For Good. There’s a novel with its own saga the musical and the film is based on; it’s however different, darker, and more mature. Fun fact: the tune to “Unlimited” is the same as to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Elphaba is a play on the name L Frank Baum the author of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz novel. 👸🏼🪄🫧💖🖤💚✨🧹🧙🏿‍♀️

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@@dcemerald70 so much good, thoughtful intel in this comment! You really know your Oz 😁 I appreciate that you have a deep appreciation for the origins of this tale, and that you performed it as well?!? 🤯 awesome! So you think the title of the 2nd film will have a subtitle, huh? I’m intrigued…thnx for watching!

[@dcemerald70]

@@ShelleyIsReeling thanks. I performed in the musical production of The Wizard of Oz then I did it again with my nephew. It has been confirmed that the next film it will be called Wicked: For Good. It’s actually a call to another iconic song in the musical that I cannot wait to see how they adapt with Ariana and Cynthia. Also, I don’t know if it’s been mentioned, but Fiyero confirmed to be bisexual in the film.

[@ShelleyIsReeling]

@ holy bananas! OK, I’m getting excited - no more spoilers! This is one of those rare times when I get to go blind into something! 🤭

[@dcemerald70]

@@ShelleyIsReeling mums the word. 🤫