'Wicked' is a visually resplendent distraction from the post-election doldrums

Wicked
3.5 out of 5 Stars
Director: Jon M. Chu
Writers: Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, Gregory Maguire
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum
Rated: PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material.

Synopsis: Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning and Oscar-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Review: When Disney tried to redraw Maleficent as a misunderstood innocent I was appalled. Maleficent terrified me because some people, for whatever reason, are just evil. I must admit that I am surprised that I don’t feel the same way about the Wicked Witch of the West. While not nearly as frightening as Maleficent, the Wicked Witch of the West was on my childhood list of people I’d prefer not to meet in a dark alley. The whole idea behind “Wicked” should offend me. It doesn’t. Maybe it’s because I always felt like Glinda was a bit annoying and the Wizard of Oz was a charlatan.

I’ve also been known to rail against musical theater that sacrifices narrative in the name of spectacle. The stage version of “Wicked” is crammed full of eye candy and this cinematic adaptation is bigger, bolder, brighter, and more bombastic in every way. Still, it feels appropriate. “The Wizard of Oz” shamelessly embraced its Technicolor format by giving Dorthy ruby slippers that in the original text were silver. Of course, for those keeping score, the slippers are returned to their silver tone for “Wicked.”

In this case, like a party lifted from the pages of “The Great Gatsby,” the frivolity is what makes the story appealing to me. It is opulent and indulgent by nature.

I expect most audiences will thoroughly enjoy Jon M. Chu’s adaptation. It doesn’t move nearly as quickly as the stage version as Chu spends time establishing locations and simply reveling in the fantastical locations (much like Chris Columbus did with the first Harry Potter films). Still, the 160-minute running time didn’t feel bloated. Some will likely disagree depending on their appetite for cinematic cotton candy. I do worry that the second film (surprise, this isn’t the whole story) might feel the unnecessary need to match the length of this first entry. It doesn’t. I hope for something closer to 120 minutes, if not less.

Those who aren’t fans of musicals will likely be less amused and might find all the song and dance an unnecessary hindrance to the plot. Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are strong in their roles, but I don’t think either will convince many non-believers to step out into the musical spotlight. I tend to be unmoved by contemporary comedies. We all have our blind spots.

I enjoy Michelle Yeoh in just about anything and everything she does. That remains the case here. Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard of Oz is a bit anticlimactic. Which is the point. It still feels like typecasting.

Expect to see numerous Academy Award nominations for art design, costuming, and cinematography. The leads will likely get Critic’s Choice and Golden Globe nods, but we’ll have to see if they have enough support and momentum to push into the Oscars. The special effects are effective. the monkey transformation scene isn't likely to fade from memory any time soon.

Is “Wicked” destined for a Best Picture nomination? Probably. After one viewing I’m not quite sure that it has earned it, but I’m more than willing to give it a second watch to see if my impression improves. It’s big, fun, and worthy of its Thanksgiving season release.