A Review - Wicked by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande - My Wickedly Wonderful First Encounter
A Review - Wicked by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande - My Wickedly Wonderful First Encounter
My journey with Wicked began unexpectedly, during an office musical competition. A performance of "Defying Gravity" captivated me. The seemingly magical lengthening of a black object as the singer belted out the soaring notes left me awestruck. At the time, I was too engrossed in our own presentation to investigate the technical marvel or even delve into the song's meaning. It remained a fleeting, intriguing memory.
Later, my familiarity with "Defying Gravity" grew through the popular TV series, Glee. Hearing the lyrics and understanding their depth transformed the song from a captivating spectacle into a personal anthem. It became one of my favorite songs from the show, solidifying my appreciation for musical storytelling. My positive experiences with musical movies further heightened my anticipation for the Wicked film adaptation.
Despite my reluctance to frequent movie theaters these days, I readily accepted a friend's invitation to see Wicked, opting for the immersive IMAX experience at Ayala Malls by the Bay. This was my first true encounter with the story; I'd never read the book, seen a stage production, or even listened to the soundtrack. I intentionally avoided any spoilers online, cherishing the enigmatic thrill of a completely fresh cinematic experience. The anticipation, the unknown, significantly enhanced my enjoyment. The sheer surprise of each scene, from the opening moments to the final credits, contributed to an unparalleled level of engagement.
Wicked lived up to its considerable hype. The cinematography was breathtakingly grandiose, painting a vibrant and fantastical Oz. The music was equally powerful, evoking a spectrum of emotions, from heartwarming tenderness to gut-wrenching heartbreak. The story itself was utterly immersive, drawing me into its richly developed world and compelling characters. The magic of Oz felt palpable, a testament to the production's meticulous attention to detail. The acting was superb, each performance nuanced and captivating. The chemistry between the actors was electric, adding another layer of depth to the already compelling narrative. The sheer fantasy of it all was, fittingly, wickedly enchanting.
The film's emotional impact was profound. By the end, I was openly sobbing, completely overwhelmed by the power of the story and its resonant themes. "SOMETHING HAS CHANGED WITHIN ME". The experience transcended mere entertainment; it was a deeply moving and transformative journey.
The considerable controversy surrounding the film's release—from Cynthia Erivo's online cancellation to Ariana Grande's Pop Star privilege casting—only amplified the anticipation and the stakes. Critics seemed to relish the opportunity to predict its failure. But, as Elphaba herself might defiantly proclaim, those critics are now eating their words. "And nobody in all of Oz, no wizard that there is or was, is ever going to bring this cinematic masterpiece down!"
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