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‘Wicked: Part One’: Great Tale of Brief But Beautiful Friendship

Good evening, readers.


Here is what I thought of 'Wicked: Part One' last year:






As I said in the video, I didn’t like Glinda the Good Witch, played by Ariana Grande, at first because of the whole self-absorbed ditzy blonde act. After watching the film again this week, my further assessment of Glinda is that she seemed like 'Clueless' and Regina George. 


But as the film went on, Glinda proved to be a well-meaning friend to Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and was determined to put her in a better light at Shiz University. As for Elphaba, she was like Elsa from 'Frozen'-misunderstood, couldn't control her powers, really just wanted acceptance and friendship. In that case, at least she wasn't the one-dimensional Wicked Witch of the West for most of the film. I liked their rapport, such as their dissing each other in 'Loathing' or Elphaba's reluctant letting Glinda beautify her in 'Popular.' They were like Mike and Sulley in 'Monsters University,' just with more music. Going back to the 'Frozen' reference, Glinda was like Anna trying to be popular and mingle with Prince Hans in 'Frozen,' tragedy aside.


I also like the production and set design and atmosphere from Munchkinland to Shiz University to Emerald City. They were all beautiful. It was also good with the animatronics for the animal doctors and teachers, and it was good with the visual effects for Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard of Oz facade. And the surprise cameos by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel from the original musical were cool, too. 


Now that I've watched it 'Wicked: Part One' twice, I enjoy Erivo and Grande's singing and performances above all. But I enjoy the rest of the soundtrack, visual effects, and performances from the rest of the cast just as well. For example, how Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande were a couple last year but didn't really click in the film; how humorously ironic. I look forward to 'Wicked: For Good' later this month.


Thank you.


#TheCinematicReviewVerse






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