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WICKED: PART 1

So many words to describe this film -- Oh My! Wicked is a masterpiece of enchanting visuals, a beautiful score, amazing acting, and it is a timeless tale. As someone unfamiliar with the music and storyline, this film was an absolute delight. Director Jon M. Chu masterfully embeds such great components to make this film truly something worth watching.

The story tells the backstory of the "Good" and "Bad" witches, Elphaba and Glinda. The film opens by showing Elphaba's past. She was born completely green, and considered peculiar in a repellent way as society constantly rejects her until she is welcomed at Shiz University where she meets Glinda. At Shiz, Elphaba is granted the opportunity of new beginnings, and fights back against societal norms as she speaks out for what she believes in. While the two girls are very different, they work together in Elphaba's hopes of meeting the Wizard whom she glorifies. However, after she finally meets the great Wizard of Oz, she realizes what her heart truly desires.

This highly anticipated film adaptation of the popular musical combines a compelling story line, a great soundtrack, and an amazing cast. Cynthia Erivo is perfectly cast as Elphaba, as she vocally, emotionally, and physically embodies her character perfectly. Erivo and Ariana Grande, as Glinda, work so well together and create such a unique dynamic on the big screen. Their chemistry is what really ties this story together. However, the entire cast is packed with tons of iconic actors: Kristin Chenoweth (Wiz-o-mania Superstar), Idina Menzel (Wiz-o-mania Superstar), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and many other extremely talented actors. The sound track is also spectacular; all the songs are the same as the original musical, but hearing them in this film is so satisfying. I've always loved "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," so hearing Erivo and Grande's interpretations blew me away. The cinematography by Alice Brooks is something remarkable. Watching the film I truly felt transported to the Land of Oz and I find it especially interesting how this iconic classic tale truly feels reinvented and brings a new light to the Land of Oz.

The film's message is that people should always chase what their heart desires and not allow the rules of society to prevent them from doing so.

I give Wicked 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Wicked releases in theaters November 22, 2024.

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I love this film! Wicked is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film directed by Jon M. Chu, who brings his signature style and flair to this magical adaptation. At its core, the film tells a story about friendship, courage, and staying true to yourself. It challenges the idea of good versus evil, showing that people aren't always what they seem and that everyone has their own struggles.

Wicked tells a story of how a green-skinned girl named Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who everyone thinks is bad, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular girl, become unlikely best friends. It shows how being different can be powerful and how people aren't always what they seem.

Wicked isn't just a movie--it's an experience. Jon M. Chu's direction, a stellar cast, and breathtaking visuals come together to create something truly magical. The performances are outstanding. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) has an incredible heart and strength of character. Her journey from being an outcast to embracing her power is inspiring, and her performance of "Defying Gravity" is unforgettable. Glinda (Ariana Grande) is equally captivating. Her bubbly, lighthearted charm balances the story beautifully, and Glinda's evolving bond with Elphaba adds emotional depth. Their relationship is the heart of the film, showing how true friendship can overcome differences. The supporting cast also excels. Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) are portrayed with depth and complexity. Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) commands attention, adding layers of intrigue to the story. Visually, Wicked is stunning. The costumes and set designs are so detailed; they make every scene magical. From the vibrant Shiz University and dazzlingly detailed Emerald City, to small touches like Elphaba's sharp green nails and Glinda's golden locks, the Land of Oz feels alive. The clever use of pink and green throughout the film reflects the contrasting personalities of the two leads. The music and vocals are the soul of the movie and are spectacular. Each song is packed with emotion, from the empowering "Defying Gravity" to the bubbly "Popular." The score makes every moment even more meaningful. Christopher Scott's choreography is big and joyful. It definitely had me "Dancing Through Life." The story's arc is deeply satisfying, exploring how Elphaba and Glinda start as rivals and grow into strong, complex women who redefine what it means to be good or wicked. The emotional highs and lows definitely captivated me from start to finish.

The film has a powerful message about how being different is a strength, not a weakness, and true friendship means accepting others for who they are. It also emphasizes the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult or misunderstood.

I give Wicked 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Wicked opens in theaters November 22, 2024.

By Madeleine H. K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The film Wicked is a fun and fantastical adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The music alone is worth a visit to the movie theater; I can't get the songs out of my head! Also remarkable are the incredibly themed costumes, the dramatic visuals throughout the film, and the acting - they could not have selected a more fitting cast.

The film begins showing the residents of Munchkinland celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), and Glinda (Ariana Grande) reminiscing about the good old days when she and Elphaba were friends. From there we learn about how poorly Elphaba was treated by both her friends and family as a youth, including Glinda herself. When Elphaba and Glinda realize they are destined to become best friends, that's when the trouble really begins. Together on a trip to Oz, they discover that the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) is not all that he is cracked up to be and each of them must make a decision that will affect the rest of their lives.

Success on Broadway comes down to the music, and this remake does not disappoint. The classic songs throughout the movie are just as good (if not better!) than the originals. I have been singing the songs from the movie since I saw it, especially "Defying Gravity," sung by Elphaba. The extended version in this movie is really fun because it makes a favorite song last even longer than in the play. The costumes are a good mix between the concepts from the 1900s and today's fashion. Elphaba's witch attire is my favorite, but Glinda's pink dress in the movie is also super fun. The ruffles upon ruffles are so beautiful! The casting is also very well done, as the actors all fit their roles so well and are a blend of classic and contemporary performances. Ariana Grande's version of Glinda is so relatable because Ariana is a modern day heroine for many girls. The choice to cast Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba was also perfect because her voice is just fantastic. I also enjoyed Jeff Goldblum's portrayal of the wizard, because he plays good and evil both so well. The colors and visuals throughout the movie are so bright and exciting. The colors of the Emerald City, and the costumes worn by the residents, are so vibrant and pretty to look at.

Wicked has many messages starting with don't treat people differently just because of how they look. For example, Elphaba's skin color is different from everyone else's and, as a result, people treated her poorly because of that. Be aware that there are themes of bullying and exclusion, as well as how babies are welcomed to the world.

I give Wicked 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It opens in theaters November 22, 2024.

By Audrey L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

See youth comments

Wicked: Part I, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West.