Wicked: Teil 1

I'm not a fan of musicals. Watching Wicked felt like a challenge doomed to fail from the start. My brother and I made a sort of bet to see who could last longer before walking out mid-session. But to our surprise, not only did we stay until the end-we ended up loving this phenomenon.

The film isn't just a musical spectacle; it's a carefully crafted work where everything feels in sync. Despite many sung moments, the story and atmosphere are strong enough to keep you engaged. The emotional core of the movie is Elphaba and Glinda's journey. Cynthia Erivo, as Elphaba, is absolutely outstanding. Her performance not only stirs emotion but also builds a genuine connection with the audience. She's a character you can root for, and her journey is both inspiring and relatable.

On the other hand, Ariana Grande's Glinda balances humor and eccentricity. At times, her comedic moments are delightful; other times, her attention-seeking antics are irritating. Even so, her charisma and on-screen presence are undeniable.

Visually, Wicked is a masterpiece. The stunning sets pull you straight into the magical world of Oz. The energetic and well-choreographed dance numbers, paired with captivating songs, create a grand spectacle. While musicals aren't my thing, the songs play a vital role in telling the story and are undeniably memorable.

As I watched, I couldn't help but compare it to Joker 2, the last musical I endured. That film failed miserably to deliver an engaging story or even decent music. In contrast, Wicked knows how to captivate its audience.

What surprised me most about Wicked is its magical and enchanting tone. It feels like something out of Disney's golden era of the 80s and 90s-before the studio became a soulless monopoly. Ironically, despite being produced by Universal Pictures, Wicked has more "Disney magic" than anything the actual Disney has made in years.

However, the film isn't without flaws. The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda develops too late, lacking the emotional weight it could have had. Despite the actresses' chemistry, there aren't enough scenes to fully establish their bond. The third act also feels rushed. The first half could've trimmed 20 minutes to allow more time for their relationship and the finale to breathe.

Even with these minor issues, Wicked is a cinematic experience I wholeheartedly recommend. It's the kind of movie that deserves to be seen on the big screen and is perfect for family viewing. For someone who dislikes musicals, it's impressive to admit that this film won me over completely. It's a masterpiece in its genre and a reminder of the magic cinema can achieve when made with heart and passion.

TAKE NOTES, DISNEY!