It is, perhaps, cruel that the makers of the big screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, “Wicked” have divided the film version into two parts, with Act 1 of the theatrical show being just “Part One” in cinemas. The film’s 160-minute running time is actually longer than the entire stage version (without intermission). Less would actually be more on screen.
Even so, the film version of “Wicked” is very enjoyable and will please fans of the show who will no doubt delight in hearing their favorite songs, such as “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” performed by a top-notch cast in Dolby sound. They will also appreciate the many references to “The Wizard of Oz,” as well as an amusing cameo from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth — the original stars of the stage production.
The problem with the film is that it is bloated with exposition, needlessly overexplaining the story in ways the stage version does not. This causes the action to drag at times because there is more talking than musical numbers. The songs function almost as breathers between all the dialogue scenes, but it should be the reverse.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, who made a terrific film version of “In the Heights” a few years back, “Wicked” — for anyone who doesn’t know — has Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande-Butera) recounting “the whole story” of The Wicked Witch of the West from Oz, who has just been confirmed dead. Glinda aims to “set the record straight,” about Elphaba (out queer actor Cynthia Erivo) aka the Wicked Witch, who was once her friend at Shiz University in the Land of Oz.
The origin story begins with Elphaba’s birth, which not only involves a talking bear delivering the baby — the film works overtime to enchant viewers — but also the shock that Elphaba is born green. This sets her apart, of course, as does the magical abilities she discovers she possesses. When Elphaba gets angry, which she does when anyone mistreats her disabled sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), she can cause chaos.
Glinda suggests in the film’s prologue that the story is about Elphaba either being born wicked or having wickedness thrust upon her, but Elphaba’s character is actually very kind. In contrast, the young Glinda — originally named Galinda actually — is reminiscent of a haughty Mean Girl. They meet when Elphaba is accompanying her sister to Shiz U, and Elphaba unexpectedly unleashes her powers, which impresses Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), who offers to teach her sorcery. Alas, Morrible denies Glinda’s request to attend the same seminar. Making matters worse, Glinda ends up with Elphaba as a roommate, but it is instant loathing as a catchy song shows.
The musical numbers in “Wicked” are bursting with energy and style, but they are more busy than fun. Chu knows how to use color, space and movement, but many songs feel too rushed to let viewers enjoy the spectacle. One fabulous number, “Dancing Through Life,” is set largely in the Shiz U library and features dazzling art direction, but the camera is so busy whirling around there is not enough time to appreciate it. Likewise, “One Short Day,” which is set in the Emerald City, moves so quickly — as if Chu or the editor has ADHD — that it shortchanges all things that are meant to be imaginative and striking about Oz.
The film’s focus seems to be more on plot than music. One detailed storyline involves Elphaba caring about her teacher Doctor Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), who is a talking goat. As animals are under attack, because they are “different,” Elphaba takes up their cause. The film presents these allegories about racism well.
Another subplot introduces Flyero (out gay actor Jonathan Bailey), a Prince who has come to study at Shiz U. Elphaba, who meets him off campus, rejects his flirtations. When Glinda sets her sights on Flyero, who is intrigued by Elphaba, it creates a love triangle of sorts. However, the romantic entanglement is one area where the plot could have been sharper or more developed.
“Wicked” often focuses on cutesy to play up its fairy-tale fantasy. Wordplay like when a character says, “Oz bless you,” is meant to be charming, but the film can also be accused of trying too hard. Chu uses CGI special effects throughout “Wicked” to make monkeys fly, but they do not inspire much awe.
The film is best when it pushes emotion. An early song, “The Wizard and I,” is a highlight because Chu just lets Cynthia Erivo use her pipes and sing her heart out. Watching her alone in a field belting out her thoughts and feelings in song provides the film with its real magic and heart.
Erivo is the main attraction here because she can project emotion just from a withering look. But when she opens her mouth to speak or sing, Erivo delivers goosebumps. “Wicked” would not be as powerful without her. As Glinda, Ariana Grande-Butera is perfectly cast, and she performs her songs with style and pizzazz, but her character is (appropriately) grating. In support, Jonathan Bailey makes a dashing prince, and he gets to show off his singing and dancing skills in one eye-popping musical sequence.
“Wicked” culminates with Elphaba and Glinda going to Oz to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), and their encounter involves a book, the Grimmerie, that is coded and readable only by people who are magical. How things play out in Oz sets up the cliffhanger for the next film. Most viewers, whether they know the musical well or not, will be delighted by “Wicked” and eager to see what happens next.
