Fans of the adored and beloved musical “Wicked” have long awaited its change from stage to screen. Based on the praised Broadway musical, which was inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel, Wicked: The Movie is sure to bring the magical world of Oz to life in an entirely new way.
The story of “Wicked” centers on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood and green-skinned girl who became the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the popular and determined witch who eventually becomes Glinda the Good. The movie explores themes of identity and the complexities of good and evil, all while providing a fun and easy to understand backstory on the development of the original characters in the movie “The Wizard of Oz.”
Wicked is more than a story—it’s a journey that redefines how we view one of cinema’s most iconic tales. Its leap to the big screen reminded me why this timeless story continues to resonate emotionally.
The film’s visuals did a great job capturing the magic of Oz with vibrant colors and imaginative sets. As for the music, I felt that the film’s score was good, it doesn’t quite capture the same magic and energy as the Broadway show.
It has had a huge influence on pop culture! It has brought the story to a whole new audience, sparking renewed interest in the original Broadway show. It also inspired new merchandise, fan art, and social media trends. The film’s release has led to more discussions about the themes of friendship, acceptance, and challenging authority, which are super relevant today!
The music in the “Wicked’ movie stays true to the iconic songs from the Broadway musical, like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.” They also added some new arrangements and orchestrations to give it a fresh feel. The performances by the cast bring a new category to the songs, making them feel both familiar and exciting at the same time.
What I love most about the movie “Wicked” is that it made me question everything I thought I knew about The Wizard of Oz. It flips the script on what I grew up knowing about The Wizard of Oz. The Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, was a very misunderstood and strong girl. She struggled to be accepted, which makes her very relatable and incredibly inspiring. Elphaba shows strength when she defies the Wizard’s corrupt plans. She struggles with isolation, especially highlighted in “No Good Deed.” “Wizard of Oz” and the movie “Wicked” are timeless, good meets evil and all the areas in between. Society often labels people based on perception rather than reality. Elphaba’s story is no different and her world misunderstands her.
Wicked is a story that reminds me of the importance of not judging a book by its cover and empathy. It celebrates uniqueness and the bonds and relationships that shape us. Whether on screen or on stage, it has a powerful message that everyone’s life has the capacity for good.
I can’t wait to see how the movie will continue in Part Two, and until then I will grow to have a greater compassion for those around me. I am hoping to see more character backstories, new songs, and deeper exploration of Oz in Part Two.
