Movies

Wicked called a “masterpiece” in first reactions

BBG News

As someone who has grown up with “The Wizard of Oz” as a staple in my childhood, I must admit that I was initially hesitant about the idea of a prequel and a two-part movie adaptation. However, after reading the early reactions to the film, particularly the performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, I find myself more than intrigued!

The musical “Wicked” is being hailed as a “masterwork” by critics before it hits theaters next month.

In the eagerly awaited film version of a popular stage musical, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo assume the legendary characters of Glinda and Elphaba, who initially meet before transforming into the Good Witch of the North and the Wicked Witch of the West respectively.

In this upcoming movie, preceding “The Wizard of Oz,” you’ll find famous tunes from the initial act of the stage production. The second part of the story, slated for release in cinemas in 2025, is yet to come.

Some fortunate individuals got a sneak peek at the premiere of Wicked before its launch on November 22, and they’ve been vocalizing their initial impressions on Twitter. Are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo spot-on with their performances?

Wicked called a "masterpiece" in first reactions

In a review, Variety’s Jazz Tangcay shared his initial doubts about the “Wicked” movie: “Being a fan of both ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and the ‘Wicked’ musical, I was hesitant. Was it necessary to split this into two films? What were those scenes? I wasn’t convinced. But boy, was I wrong! #WickedMovie truly embodies what cinema should be. The craftsmanship and acting are simply outstanding.

Film critic Kacy Stephan expressed some reservations regarding the adaptation, yet she lauded it as a “remarkable achievement”. Particularly noteworthy in her praise was Ariana Grande’s captivating performance.

Ariana Grande brings Glinda to life brilliantly: she infuses each scene with enthusiasm, wit, and playful hair tosses. Director Jon M. Chu has breathed fresh energy into the narrative, making it clear why it required a two-part adaptation! Truly, the 20-year wait was worth it,” she expressed.

The Playlist has already listed Ariana Grande among their potential nominees for the upcoming Oscar season, noting: “She is not portraying a Kristin Chenoweth-like character or playing a typical airheaded, popular princess type. Instead, the pop superstar brings significant depth to her role before bursting into a musical number that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Wicked called a "masterpiece" in first reactions

In addition to Grande and Erivo, the principal actors in Wicked also feature Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, and Ethan Slater.

In September, during an interview with Vanity Fair, Ariana Grande spoke about the backlash she received regarding her voice alteration for a film, and pointed out the inconsistency in expectations when a male actor modifies his voice for a character.

There are certain regions where people may not be acquainted with the skills required to modify one’s voice, be it for singing, adopting a new dialect for an acting role, or creating a character voice for various purposes.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that when a male actor delivers an exceptional performance, it’s often met with applause and admiration. There are moments of humor sprinkled in as well, but these usually follow a wave of praise: “Wow, he was completely immersed in the role.” And, to be honest, that’s just part of the job, isn’t it?

Experiencing the age-old challenge of being a woman in this field, you face unique treatment and scrutiny that others may not encounter.

Wicked is released in cinemas on November 22.

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2024-10-30 20:18

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