One of my favorite silly jokes is when Doctor Dillamond is talking with the other animals and says, “My dear friend told me…” Another animal interrupts, asking, “A deer?” And Doctor Dillamond replies, “No, actually, it was a cow.
Not even close. Knock off Gaston indeed. He was hitting on everyone, and everyone around him had memorable reactions, but he himself didn't offer much.
Cynthia’s performance was phenomenal the ozdust ballroom scene was such a tearjerker and she doesn’t say anything but her eyes and her emotions sell everything
I cried during that scene. You felt every bit of hate and discrimination she’s ever experienced growing up, and the relief of being accepted by her peer was so brilliantly communicated by Cynthia
@kimmycat2977 It wasn't a meltdown, she had every right to be upset about the poster recreation. The musical is the musical and the movie is the movie, it's not a copy and paste.
I LOVED Johnathan Bailey as Fiyero! The fact that he did Dancing Through Life in one take is SO impressive, and I can't understand how you missed the chemistry between Fiyero and Elphaba. I cannot wait for part two because Fiyero is definitely given more attention there!
Jonathan Bailey was so openly gay on screen that it was difficult to take his "interest" in either girl seriously, unless it was a contest who gets him as the gay bf.
@@akikolehmainen88 I didn't get openly gay at all....definitely flirted with everybody, boy and girl, but I wouldn't say openly gay....he just wants everybody to....want him. Even in interviews I don't really get the gay vibe and yes, I know he's gay, but he just comes off as a guy.
Those drums you love in the opening are from the original overture of Wicked Bway. Us fans of the broadway production are so so so thrilled that not only was the entire score included in the film, but we even got that iconic overture!!!
genuinely was so shocked at how good it all came together. i’d never watched the show but had the score on repeat for a week and as soon as i heard those drums i couldn’t believe it. the action fit so well with the music!
That’s what I was telling a friend who I watched wicked with today . Like wasn’t the wicked witch so upset at Dorothy because she accidentally killed her sister . Also , I haven’t seen the play so I’m not gonna spoil myself but is/when Dorothy appears does this sister in this film get flattened . Idk . I don’t want to really know until I see part 2 next year .
I have to disagree with your take on Bailey as Fiyero. I think he did a fantastic job and had wonderful chemistry with both Grande/Glinda and Erivo/Elphaba, but in different ways; a very flirtatious and fun chemistry with Grande, but a more emotional and subtle chemistry with Erivo. My only complaint is that I wish they had maybe added an extra scene to flesh out Elphie and Fiyero’s relationship. I like that they changed how they initially meet, but I would’ve loved one more scene like that (perhaps after the Ozdust; they could’ve possibly extended their scene when he runs into her before class after the “Popular” sequence), because it kinda feels like Elphaba just suddenly starts liking him kinda out of nowhere. I know that’s pretty much how it plays out in the musical, but they had the time to flesh it out here, so I wish they would have. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Part Two!
It's interesting because I've seen many critics say that Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum are the worst parts of the movie and Grace praised them. So many different reactions to these performances...
Disagree COMPLETELY about Bailey- He was absolute PERFECTION as Fiyero. The pomp, the charisma, the flirting with EVERYONE. The vocals, the dance and physical choices. He matched Ariana’s musical theatre energy perfectly. And just as hilarious as Ari. He always knows the tone of the film he’s in. And this was a near perfect performance.
I'm surprised that you didn't enjoy Jonathan Bailey because I felt he was one of the standouts! His Dancing Through Life performance had me dancing in my seat and left me swooned
I like how Boq only chose Elphaba's sister because he couldn't get Galinda, but Oz only chose Galinda because he couldn't get Elphaba. Galainda becoming someone's second choice was a fun bit of symmetry.
It's astonishing how "Defying Gravity" can evoke such a powerful sense of freedom and possibility, "Wicked" truly captures that feeling in a way few other musicals do. The way it blends the magic of the Oz universe with deep emotional and social themes makes it something more than just a musical; it becomes a cinematic experience.
It was so funny how they thought the Wizard was reading the Grimmerie, but he was just saying where he was from: “OH - MA - HA” (In the original books, he’s from Omaha, Nebraska)
One of the darkest and saddest twists in Wicked is the notion that the Lion is so cowardly because they did animal experiments on him when he was just a baby. Anyone dealing with traumatized puppies knows how heartbreaking it can be to see them grow up and still tremble and get scared of every little thing. I can never look at the 1939 Lion crying and going "Sometimes I just can't take it anymore" the same way again 😢
Idk if anyone has pointed this out but the music probably sounds “broadway generic” to you because wicked, and conversely Stephen Schwartz’s music, set the standard for what broadway has sounded like for the past 20 years. It’s THE thing that made this sound so popular in musical theatre, it’s that ubiquitous. But existing in a world where everything is so influenced by it makes it harder to catch that it is the originator if you don’t already know.
"Who knew this movie was so sophisticated?" Fans of the musical 😉The beginning and ending sequences were incredible. I believe the Part 2 story (which was rushed in the musical) will be more fleshed out with new songs and more stuff from the novel. Also Jonathan Bailey is perfect for Fiyero and he will have more to do in Part 2.
100% agree about Bailey! He was perfectly cast! I hope they give him more scenes in Part 2 and flesh out Fiyero and Elphaba’s relationship more (and even Fiyero and Glinda’s too for a bit because I think their dynamic is fascinating too). That was actually the one aspect of this movie that I thought felt a tiny bit rushed.
Yeah all the fast relationship changes: Elphie and Glinda and the love ones were super fast but I guess that’s just how musicals usually do it. Like look at Les Mis
@@Kenziebaby16 most of the movie going audience are not theatre buffs... common courtesy. Case in point, Grace lives in NY and hasn't even seen Wicked.....
When Nessarose rolled away heartbroken after catching Boq swooning over Glinda, I was like "Wouldn't be the first time Ethan Slater broke a girl's heart because of Ariana Grande".
Michelle Yeoh felt miscasted to me not Johnathan Bailey. I usually like Yeoh but her acting in Wicked felt stiff at some points and she very clearly cannot sing whereas Johnathan could sing so I don’t understand what you didn’t like about him. He completely fitted the role. However, I completely agree about Ethan Slater I didn’t care for his character but because his character wants to be with Galinda it took me out of the movie cuz I kept thinking about the real life scandal where he did get the girl and ruined his own marriage 😂
That ending of Defying Gravity made me have goosebumps all over my body. From the director to the actors to the writing to the clothing designs to the emotions to cinematography to the singing: 10/10! This is by far my top 10 favorite movies of *ALL* time! As great as this movie was, I can't *imagine* how part two is going to top it!
Cynthia was on the Sentimental Men podcast recently and said Jon Chu intentionally framed ‘Defying Gravity’ like superhero scenes. She said the big swing horizontally across the scene was meant to evoke Spider-Man, the loop around the sky with the monkeys like Superman and the spin up toward Glinda, Morrible and The Guards like Wonder Woman!
maybe that's what threw me out of that part. the song builds so much on its own it didn't need all those extra visual stunts. to me breaking that song up with those scenes really took me out of the momentum from the song. it's looks cool, but sacrifices too much of the song.
I completely agree! I thought he was *perfect* as Fiyero! His chemistry with both Glinda and Elphaba was amazing. I will say that I kinda wish they’d taken a little bit of time to build up Elphie and Fiyero’s relationship, because it does seem like Elphaba just suddenly falls for him out of nowhere.
I think her criticism of Bailey is maybe more an indictment of the character. Fiyero has never been a strong character in Wicked (the musical). There’s very little depth there and he has so little to do which is…strange considering that he is actually very important to the plot on paper. Hoping they give him more to work with in Part 2.
There are 3 witches in the “Wizard of Oz” film. The wicked witch of the East” gets crushed by the house, the wicked witch of the west is the main one in Wizard of Oz, and Glinda is the good witch of the north 😊
I was NOT ready for how good this movie was. I got choked up at multiple points. I don’t love musicals - it seems like lately they cast names instead of people who can actually perform the material (Russell Crowe, Pierce Brosnan, Emma Watson, etc.) … but this one just floored me. It was spectacular from start to finish. As soon as I heard those jaw-dropping, beautiful operatic notes from Ariana Grande in the opening number, I knew this was something special. WOW.
I absolutely LOVED this movie. The dance scene with Elphaba & Glinda had me in TEARS. It was so hard trying to keep my mouth shut during defying gravity BUT I DID IT 🤐🤣
Popular and Defying Gravity are the most popular songs from the Wicked musical so I’m not surprised those were best sequences in the movie. I loved every minute of it
i do wish arianna had 'hammed it up' a bit more though,, i prefer my glinda's a little more hyper and chaotic. haha. i like the contrast between how she presents herself as this prim and proper fancy girl to the world but in reality is kind of dorky and silly. i didn't feel that contrast so much from arianna. it was an acting choice and one i've seen other glinda's do on broadway but it's just not my personal favorite.
No One Mourns the Wicked was SO GOOD. Omg- it had me enraptured and gave me the chills. The beginning and end were absolutely the best parts of the movie I totally agree Grace! Cannot wait to see it this weekend again!
also jonathan baily is an incredible actor so effing charming, Luke Evens was too as gaston. i need to see him have more dance numbers. baily is also giving much better press than the female leads
Just watched Wicked and I love it!! Idina and Kristen still love from the broadway show but Cynthia and Ariana performances are spectacular. Surprise how much I love Ariana’s performance and stoled almost every scene she’s in. The showstopper Defying Gravity wow!! Can’t wait for part 2!🙌🏽🖤
I just loved it. Cried, laughed. I’ve seen the show 3 times and I was flat out impressed. One Easter egg I noticed, when they are announcing lecturers at the beginning, Professor Mombi is mentioned, who goes on to be the villain in Return to Oz 💚
I was so reluctant about this one , majorly because of Ariana Grande. I had this image of her as a pop singer and it was so uninteresting to see her as glinda at first, then the second trailer drew me in but the promotional material drew me back again. Ended up watching it yesterday as it came out on digital and oh man , what a fantastic movie I can’t believe I did not watch it in theatres , it is genuinely one of my fav movies of all time and that is something, in these times , I don’t imagine myself saying. Will be watching part 2 in theatres for SURE
Jeff Goldblum was, well... himself. I really enjoyed Michelle Yeoh's regalness and reveal as wicked. I truly enjoyed Bailey. He was so charismatic, he just draws you in. I can just see everyone swooning for him in the best way. I do wish there was one more scene with him and Elphaba, just to establish why she felt trust in him enough that the poppy didn't put him to sleep. Other than that, I'm so excited for what comes next. Cynthia and Ariana's performances blew me away. They carried this movie and no matter what we feel about them personally, they deserve to be icons and definitely to have some Oscars thrown their way
Just saw this today, and the movie was amazing! Ariana Grande was so so good as Glinda, and the final sequence with Defying Gravity was magnificent! My theater audience actually clapped after the movie ended and it's been awhile since that's happened in a theater I'm at. We must be harder to please here lol XD. And yes, Michelle Yeoh was so good as Madame Morrible and was paired well with Jeff Goldblum's The Wizard.
I waited to watch this review until after I saw the movie. I absolutely love the film. As a person who has seen the original Broadway Cast back in 2003 and have a degree in Musical Theatre this movie was everything. I was crying 80% of the time. I can’t wait for part 2!
This movie was incredible truly incredible. I am so happy they got it right! I don’t think you could’ve gotten a better cast. The practical effects were excellent, and the sound quality was reference. 10 out or 10!
I've never seen stage play, but my friend I took with me has multiple times, and he loved it! So did I. I actually cried at the last scene. It's such a great film.
Did you catch that when Fiyero and Elphaba left Shiz with the lion cub, they took off on bicycles, and the lion cub was in a basket on the back of the bicycle- much like Miss Gulch in the 1939 movie when she rode off on a bicycle with Toto in a basket on the back? (Elphaba before she became the Wicked Witch of the West, and Miss Gulch before she turned into the Witch.) Also, the Oz resident who says "The Wizard will see you now" was Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music for Wicked.
This movie touch me so much. As a black woman whom often times we are invisible and misunderstood. I cried several times throughout this movie. This is my new favorite movie.
This movie is oh so special to me. When I was 10 I saw Wicked for the first time and fell in absolute love with theater! The fact that so many people love this movie warms my heart! I was so worried! Apparently it us really close to the original book as well, fantastic. Glad to hear you liked it so much!
Grace when you ask “why didn’t the monkey say something” I think it’s implied they’ve already taken their speech. Oz says “he doesn’t talk much” but I think it’s him tiptoeing around the fact that the monkeys are already animals who have had their speech taken from them. And having them be the subject of Elphaba’s test was a subtle but brilliant way to comment on animal cruelty in product testing. Because they see them as lesser and therefore it’s okay to test the grimmerie on them.
The Lion in the movie is the cowardly Lion... The The third book "A Lion Among Men" is told from his perspective. The Tin Woodsman and Scarecrow are also featured, but their true identities are hinted at in slightly different ways between the book and play. The Animal subplot is stressed more in the book. Religions, holidays, and world building are stressed more as well. If your interested in the book I should warn you that the play is a Disney-fication of much darker material. It's more like game of thrones or a soap opera. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone without letting them know it contains some pretty triggering events. I fear for the tween that picks it up because the covers been changed to the movie poster.
I got to see Wicked on Wednesday night in 3D. It was so good that I saw it again Thursday night in digital. I’m sure I will see it a few times more in a theater on the biggest screens there. Far, far better than Gladiator II which I saw Monday as an AMC screen unseen.
I just saw it, this movie is like a musical Mean Girls meets Harry Potter meets Carrie. The two leads had chemistry and Cynthia was excellent and impactful. She really became the character. The songs were too frequent and too long causing the story to pause. However the message was important and effective.
I laughed out loud when Grace made the Corvette joke when hair is flying everywhere in a convertible car at 7:42 , and also the hint about tiny lion cub growing up to be the Cowardly Lion. Obviously, I felt the chemistry between Fyiero and Alfaba right when he showed up and swept her legs right from under her LOL they have huge CHEMISTRY ty
Great outfit to accompany a great review! I know "Defying Gravity" is the defining song of this musical, but my favorite songs will be in part two and I can't wait to hear Cynthia slay them all. (No Good Deed, As Long As You're Mine, and For Good. Ooof, I'ma be cryin' in 2025 lol).
First of all: Omg, Grace, you look _incredible_ !!! Second of all: it absolutely exceeded my expectations! I just got back from seeing it with my parents and I’ve already made plans to see it with my friends!!!
I just left the theater! I loved it way more than I expected. They had bargain tickets today for $5 for a 2:30 pm showing, so I went on a whim and the theater was packed. Ariana Grande was made for the role, but I was shocked by how phenomenal Cynthia Erivo’s voice is.
GRRAACCCEEE I AM GAGGEEDDD!!!! You have come such a long way from your first videos! I love this direction you are going and thank you for taking us with you!
The real life similarities to current affairs are uncanny! Just watched the movie and scratched the itch that Agatha all along left on me! I think the success of this movie is helped by the timing this and AAA was shown to the public. And "popular" is still running in my head!
I just watched it and I am in awe. Many moments I was just flabbergasted by all the details. Ariana and Erivo knocked it out of the park. Ariana Grande was SUCH A GOOD GLINDA. My god! My god! I was not prepared for Defying Gravity. I thought I was. I really did. NOTHING could have prepared me for such majesty. Everyone SQUEEEEALED in my session. The pinacle of musicals, right there! RIGHT THERE BEFORE MY EYES. The amount of tears I shed during the movie... my god. No words. Best musical I've seen in years. Decades maybe. I'm sorry, Grace, but Bailey was PEAK casting. The perfect Fyero.
In the book he doesn’t realize he is the father in the musical he does. Is the other way around for Elphaba, in the book she finds out he is her father and the wizard never realizes he is the father.
One of my favorite silly jokes is when Doctor Dillamond is talking with the other animals and says, “My dear friend told me…” Another animal interrupts, asking, “A deer?” And Doctor Dillamond replies, “No, actually, it was a cow.
I loved that joke too! I was disappointed not enough people laughed in my audience.
@@jamiegdubois I think I was the only one in my theater who caught it 😭
😂
I LOVED THAT ONE
I didn't get it the first time I watched it. The second time I howled 😂
i was crying like a baby when Elphaba danced with glinda for the first time and she was being bullied
Me too 😭😭😭😭
Same. Cynthia really nailed it. 😢
Me too. The feels man !
Same
Bailey WEAK?!?! Omg I so disagree. He exudes charisma and has chemistry with everyone here. He is the perfect Fiyero!
Not even close. Knock off Gaston indeed. He was hitting on everyone, and everyone around him had memorable reactions, but he himself didn't offer much.
@@greygorygaming comparing fiyero to gaston is mind-boggling lol
I agree with you. The role is supposed to be a privileged prince who is “self absorbed and deeply shallow”. I think Bailey plays it perfectly.
yes!!!! those hips!!! he's so good!!
@@greygorygaming Yeah No. he was PERFECT
Cynthia’s performance was phenomenal the ozdust ballroom scene was such a tearjerker and she doesn’t say anything but her eyes and her emotions sell everything
Oh that scene was Amazing . I was holding back tears myself in that sequence .
It’s like she said: ‘without words we communicate with our eyes’.
I cried during that scene. You felt every bit of hate and discrimination she’s ever experienced growing up, and the relief of being accepted by her peer was so brilliantly communicated by Cynthia
Too bad Cynthia's a narcissist IRL & had to have a meltdown over fan art from a true Wicked musical fan.
@kimmycat2977 It wasn't a meltdown, she had every right to be upset about the poster recreation. The musical is the musical and the movie is the movie, it's not a copy and paste.
I LOVED Johnathan Bailey as Fiyero! The fact that he did Dancing Through Life in one take is SO impressive, and I can't understand how you missed the chemistry between Fiyero and Elphaba. I cannot wait for part two because Fiyero is definitely given more attention there!
Jonathan Bailey was so openly gay on screen that it was difficult to take his "interest" in either girl seriously, unless it was a contest who gets him as the gay bf.
@@akikolehmainen88 I didn't get openly gay at all....definitely flirted with everybody, boy and girl, but I wouldn't say openly gay....he just wants everybody to....want him. Even in interviews I don't really get the gay vibe and yes, I know he's gay, but he just comes off as a guy.
I loved Johnathan Bailey in the movie!! I thought he really had charm and charisma. And he did great in his complicated dance number as well.
he's the standout besides the leads!
@@joselgarlitos6368 💯! Absolutely!
💯
And he can actually sing compared to some of the either secondary characters
Absolutely! I found him SO charismatic and charming!
idk Grace. My theater swooned when Johnathan Bailey showed up, lol, I think you might need to revisit that opinion XD
‘No one mourns the wicked’ the opening song/scene is my absolute favourite from the musical and they KILLED it 😍 so atmospheric!
Those drums you love in the opening are from the original overture of Wicked Bway. Us fans of the broadway production are so so so thrilled that not only was the entire score included in the film, but we even got that iconic overture!!!
genuinely was so shocked at how good it all came together. i’d never watched the show but had the score on repeat for a week and as soon as i heard those drums i couldn’t believe it. the action fit so well with the music!
Grande's last moment choked me up the most- she and Erivo were incredible. I think this one's going through the roof, box-office wise.
Don't forget, there were technically 3 witches in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy dropped her 🏠 on Elphaba's sister...Nessarose in Wicked.
I was thinking the wicked witch of the east was the reason why she was mad at Dorothy to begin with
So true - it’s really a tragic story all around for that family
That’s what I was telling a friend who I watched wicked with today . Like wasn’t the wicked witch so upset at Dorothy because she accidentally killed her sister . Also , I haven’t seen the play so I’m not gonna spoil myself but is/when Dorothy appears does this sister in this film get flattened . Idk . I don’t want to really know until I see part 2 next year .
Apparently 4 actually in them original book. Movie Glinda was the combining of GWotNorth and GWotSouth.
Was the wizard of oz one of the directions?!?!😮
I have to disagree with your take on Bailey as Fiyero. I think he did a fantastic job and had wonderful chemistry with both Grande/Glinda and Erivo/Elphaba, but in different ways; a very flirtatious and fun chemistry with Grande, but a more emotional and subtle chemistry with Erivo.
My only complaint is that I wish they had maybe added an extra scene to flesh out Elphie and Fiyero’s relationship. I like that they changed how they initially meet, but I would’ve loved one more scene like that (perhaps after the Ozdust; they could’ve possibly extended their scene when he runs into her before class after the “Popular” sequence), because it kinda feels like Elphaba just suddenly starts liking him kinda out of nowhere. I know that’s pretty much how it plays out in the musical, but they had the time to flesh it out here, so I wish they would have. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Part Two!
I completely agree with you!!
Agreed! I thought he was so charming, but maybe since I know what’s to come I was able to enjoy his performance more
It's interesting because I've seen many critics say that Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum are the worst parts of the movie and Grace praised them. So many different reactions to these performances...
@@ArthurDeaville I felt goldblum was sorta outta place as well but seeing him with michelle yeohs character together kinda saved it lol
Disagree COMPLETELY about Bailey-
He was absolute PERFECTION as Fiyero.
The pomp, the charisma, the flirting with EVERYONE. The vocals, the dance and physical choices.
He matched Ariana’s musical theatre energy perfectly. And just as hilarious as Ari.
He always knows the tone of the film he’s in. And this was a near perfect performance.
I'm surprised that you didn't enjoy Jonathan Bailey because I felt he was one of the standouts! His Dancing Through Life performance had me dancing in my seat and left me swooned
I like how Boq only chose Elphaba's sister because he couldn't get Galinda, but Oz only chose Galinda because he couldn't get Elphaba. Galainda becoming someone's second choice was a fun bit of symmetry.
It's astonishing how "Defying Gravity" can evoke such a powerful sense of freedom and possibility, "Wicked" truly captures that feeling in a way few other musicals do. The way it blends the magic of the Oz universe with deep emotional and social themes makes it something more than just a musical; it becomes a cinematic experience.
Oh, Im surprised you didn't like Johnathan Bailey. He was one of my favourites in the film.
It was so funny how they thought the Wizard was reading the Grimmerie, but he was just saying where he was from: “OH - MA - HA” (In the original books, he’s from Omaha, Nebraska)
Oh shit I didn't realize that's funny
The wizard saying "Omaha" and everyone is like yes he can read it 😅
the spells do sound like it 😂
I disagree with your Jonathan Bailey take - I thought he was amazing. Maybe you'll find him more compelling in Part 2.
YOU DON’T LIKE JONATHAN BAILEY IN THIS?! He plays Fiyero perfectly! I can’t wait for you to see what’s to come. 🤭
Yeah he was great in this film
One of the darkest and saddest twists in Wicked is the notion that the Lion is so cowardly because they did animal experiments on him when he was just a baby. Anyone dealing with traumatized puppies knows how heartbreaking it can be to see them grow up and still tremble and get scared of every little thing. I can never look at the 1939 Lion crying and going "Sometimes I just can't take it anymore" the same way again 😢
omg yes! so sad
OMG i didn’t even catch that until i read your comment!!!! Poor Lion (cub)!!!! 🙀🙀🙀🙀🙀😿😿😿😿
OBSESSED WITH THE LOOK!!! You look so good with green lipstick! 💚💚
She's serving cynthia erivo looking right down the barrel of the camera, to look at us, the viewers, right in the eye
@@santimendozLMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Grace looked amazing ❤
It should have been pink. Pink goes good with green. 😂
No that green looks good on her
Bailey did amazing!!! He was one of the standouts. And I believe he’ll have a bigger career after this
He’s already cast as a lead in the new Jurassic Park movie
Idk if anyone has pointed this out but the music probably sounds “broadway generic” to you because wicked, and conversely Stephen Schwartz’s music, set the standard for what broadway has sounded like for the past 20 years. It’s THE thing that made this sound so popular in musical theatre, it’s that ubiquitous. But existing in a world where everything is so influenced by it makes it harder to catch that it is the originator if you don’t already know.
"Who knew this movie was so sophisticated?"
Fans of the musical 😉The beginning and ending sequences were incredible. I believe the Part 2 story (which was rushed in the musical) will be more fleshed out with new songs and more stuff from the novel. Also Jonathan Bailey is perfect for Fiyero and he will have more to do in Part 2.
100% agree about Bailey! He was perfectly cast! I hope they give him more scenes in Part 2 and flesh out Fiyero and Elphaba’s relationship more (and even Fiyero and Glinda’s too for a bit because I think their dynamic is fascinating too). That was actually the one aspect of this movie that I thought felt a tiny bit rushed.
Yeah all the fast relationship changes: Elphie and Glinda and the love ones were super fast but I guess that’s just how musicals usually do it. Like look at Les Mis
Also listening to “One short day” made me so emotional because that’s literally the last time Elphaba and Galinda are happy together. 😢
Did anyone else notice that Dorothy and her friends were walking towards the Wizard after Elphaba's death at the beginning of the movie?
Elphaba isn't really dead though. They just think she is.
@@Kenziebaby16that wasn’t what they asked.
@@Kenziebaby16...... why did you feel you need to say that. Some people are not aware of what happens in part 2.
@@priya1568 I mean.. wicked has been out for over 20 years. It's not a secret..
@@Kenziebaby16 most of the movie going audience are not theatre buffs... common courtesy. Case in point, Grace lives in NY and hasn't even seen Wicked.....
When Nessarose rolled away heartbroken after catching Boq swooning over Glinda, I was like "Wouldn't be the first time Ethan Slater broke a girl's heart because of Ariana Grande".
I hate I also couldn’t help but think this
Me as well
Dammmmmm
I loved that when the wizard was “reading” the grimmerie, he’s just saying “Omaha” over and over 😉
Michelle Yeoh felt miscasted to me not Johnathan Bailey. I usually like Yeoh but her acting in Wicked felt stiff at some points and she very clearly cannot sing whereas Johnathan could sing so I don’t understand what you didn’t like about him. He completely fitted the role.
However, I completely agree about Ethan Slater I didn’t care for his character but because his character wants to be with Galinda it took me out of the movie cuz I kept thinking about the real life scandal where he did get the girl and ruined his own marriage 😂
I think the same..Her acting was great,but she should never sing.
Yes!
That ending of Defying Gravity made me have goosebumps all over my body. From the director to the actors to the writing to the clothing designs to the emotions to cinematography to the singing: 10/10! This is by far my top 10 favorite movies of *ALL* time! As great as this movie was, I can't *imagine* how part two is going to top it!
100% disagree with your comments about Jonathan Bailey. His performance was great.
And, thank goodness I’m not American.
This was truly so good. When it ended I wanted it to keep going. I hope this film wins big for this year’s Oscars.
It will win costume design for sure..but acting,script,movie and director I think not.
Cynthia was on the Sentimental Men podcast recently and said Jon Chu intentionally framed ‘Defying Gravity’ like superhero scenes. She said the big swing horizontally across the scene was meant to evoke Spider-Man, the loop around the sky with the monkeys like Superman and the spin up toward Glinda, Morrible and The Guards like Wonder Woman!
The thought that went into this sequence is appreciated!
Which episode?
maybe that's what threw me out of that part. the song builds so much on its own it didn't need all those extra visual stunts. to me breaking that song up with those scenes really took me out of the momentum from the song. it's looks cool, but sacrifices too much of the song.
@ 💯
Even for a musical, it's so depressing how everybody outcasts Elphaba, I hope everybody get what they deserve.
Omg I love this new era of Grace theming her outfits with the stuff she reviews!!😍
Your Jonathan Bailey take is insane
I completely agree! I thought he was *perfect* as Fiyero! His chemistry with both Glinda and Elphaba was amazing. I will say that I kinda wish they’d taken a little bit of time to build up Elphie and Fiyero’s relationship, because it does seem like Elphaba just suddenly falls for him out of nowhere.
@@jamiegdubois he has chemistry with everyone, even the extras and the horse. Like, the man IS chemistry personified haha
I think her criticism of Bailey is maybe more an indictment of the character. Fiyero has never been a strong character in Wicked (the musical). There’s very little depth there and he has so little to do which is…strange considering that he is actually very important to the plot on paper. Hoping they give him more to work with in Part 2.
@ oh I agree that’s why us knowing it. I think he’s actually elevating the role.
Facts
the face acting they did in the ozdust scene was phenomenal. i didn’t even realize i was crying until the tears were falling off my jaw 😭
I genuinely could not disagree with you more re: Jonathon Bailey, I’m absolutely floored.
Girl I'm sorry but your Jonathan Bailey take is insane, he's great in this
That final act blew me away, the shots, the score. Fantastic movie.
There are 3 witches in the “Wizard of Oz” film. The wicked witch of the East” gets crushed by the house, the wicked witch of the west is the main one in Wizard of Oz, and Glinda is the good witch of the north 😊
"Her sister was a witch!!"
In this movie there are only 2 witches..Elphaba and her proffessor.Glenda has no powers at all.
Which suggests there's a witch of the south.
Oz is Elphaba's father? Damn it. That would have been a great reveal in part 2. I know this was a spoiler discussion but got spoiled for part 2 too.
Grace definitely spoiled part 2.
Thankful she didn’t spoil more, though. I am going to sit down and watch the 1939 film again when the DVD for Wicked comes out for Easter.
right??!! i've seen the musical so i'm glad i already knew but come on, grace!
@@arunjoshi1728 Not cool, Grace. Not cool.
@@arunjoshi1728 Not cool, Grace. Not cool.
I was NOT ready for how good this movie was. I got choked up at multiple points. I don’t love musicals - it seems like lately they cast names instead of people who can actually perform the material (Russell Crowe, Pierce Brosnan, Emma Watson, etc.) … but this one just floored me. It was spectacular from start to finish. As soon as I heard those jaw-dropping, beautiful operatic notes from Ariana Grande in the opening number, I knew this was something special. WOW.
I absolutely LOVED this movie.
The dance scene with Elphaba & Glinda had me in TEARS.
It was so hard trying to keep my mouth shut during defying gravity BUT I DID IT 🤐🤣
Popular and Defying Gravity are the most popular songs from the Wicked musical so I’m not surprised those were best sequences in the movie. I loved every minute of it
i do wish arianna had 'hammed it up' a bit more though,, i prefer my glinda's a little more hyper and chaotic. haha. i like the contrast between how she presents herself as this prim and proper fancy girl to the world but in reality is kind of dorky and silly. i didn't feel that contrast so much from arianna. it was an acting choice and one i've seen other glinda's do on broadway but it's just not my personal favorite.
Great review. Never underestimate the power of Johnathan Bailey's charisma. Evidently all he has to do is ride up on a horse and people swoon.
GRACE IN HER COSPLAY ERA!
I literally sobbed on my way out of the theatre when Cynthia finished Defying Gravity with that high note!!!
The talking animal part is a similar theme to Cabaret, complicity, turning a blind eye.
Hadn’t thought of that comparison to ‘Cabaret’.
Apparently its an element in the later Oz books by the original author, also that the wizard did a coup.
No One Mourns the Wicked was SO GOOD. Omg- it had me enraptured and gave me the chills. The beginning and end were absolutely the best parts of the movie I totally agree Grace! Cannot wait to see it this weekend again!
also jonathan baily is an incredible actor so effing charming, Luke Evens was too as gaston. i need to see him have more dance numbers. baily is also giving much better press than the female leads
Just watched Wicked and I love it!! Idina and Kristen still love from the broadway show but Cynthia and Ariana performances are spectacular. Surprise how much I love Ariana’s performance and stoled almost every scene she’s in. The showstopper Defying Gravity wow!! Can’t wait for part 2!🙌🏽🖤
I loved that Idina and Kristen passed the wand and broom to Cynthia and Ariana. Also, Idina has amazing teeth! ❤
@@Cheezpopcornagree!!
I just loved it. Cried, laughed. I’ve seen the show 3 times and I was flat out impressed. One Easter egg I noticed, when they are announcing lecturers at the beginning, Professor Mombi is mentioned, who goes on to be the villain in Return to Oz 💚
I was so reluctant about this one , majorly because of Ariana Grande. I had this image of her as a pop singer and it was so uninteresting to see her as glinda at first, then the second trailer drew me in but the promotional material drew me back again. Ended up watching it yesterday as it came out on digital and oh man , what a fantastic movie I can’t believe I did not watch it in theatres , it is genuinely one of my fav movies of all time and that is something, in these times , I don’t imagine myself saying. Will be watching part 2 in theatres for SURE
Jeff Goldblum was, well... himself. I really enjoyed Michelle Yeoh's regalness and reveal as wicked. I truly enjoyed Bailey. He was so charismatic, he just draws you in. I can just see everyone swooning for him in the best way. I do wish there was one more scene with him and Elphaba, just to establish why she felt trust in him enough that the poppy didn't put him to sleep. Other than that, I'm so excited for what comes next. Cynthia and Ariana's performances blew me away. They carried this movie and no matter what we feel about them personally, they deserve to be icons and definitely to have some Oscars thrown their way
Jonathan bailey was AWESOME....very prince charming
I'm obsessed with Bailey. So handsome.
0:29 "As the movie goes ah ah on." I didn't know Grace was a Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick fan.. but am pleasantly surprised!
Just saw this today, and the movie was amazing! Ariana Grande was so so good as Glinda, and the final sequence with Defying Gravity was magnificent! My theater audience actually clapped after the movie ended and it's been awhile since that's happened in a theater I'm at. We must be harder to please here lol XD. And yes, Michelle Yeoh was so good as Madame Morrible and was paired well with Jeff Goldblum's The Wizard.
9:12 In the book, Dorothy gives him the broom and the green bottle. He recognizes it and gets the hell outta Oz without explaining
GRACE IN HER WICKED COSTUME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I waited to watch this review until after I saw the movie. I absolutely love the film. As a person who has seen the original Broadway Cast back in 2003 and have a degree in Musical Theatre this movie was everything. I was crying 80% of the time. I can’t wait for part 2!
This movie was incredible truly incredible. I am so happy they got it right! I don’t think you could’ve gotten a better cast. The practical effects were excellent, and the sound quality was reference. 10 out or 10!
I've never seen stage play, but my friend I took with me has multiple times, and he loved it! So did I. I actually cried at the last scene. It's such a great film.
I shouldn’t have watched this video. Now I know something about the Wizard I wished I didn’t. 😂
EXACTLY, WHY WOULD SHE SAY THAT?!!!!!!!
Your enthusiasm is infectious! I love it. 💚 💖 💚 💗 💚 💗
Did you catch that when Fiyero and Elphaba left Shiz with the lion cub, they took off on bicycles, and the lion cub was in a basket on the back of the bicycle- much like Miss Gulch in the 1939 movie when she rode off on a bicycle with Toto in a basket on the back? (Elphaba before she became the Wicked Witch of the West, and Miss Gulch before she turned into the Witch.) Also, the Oz resident who says "The Wizard will see you now" was Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music for Wicked.
Bailey was so great!
He literally chants “Omaha”… he’s just a dude from Nebraska
I love that Elphaba was awkward tossing her hair, but at the end feels like a natural when she "tosses" the cape
This movie touch me so much. As a black woman whom often times we are invisible and misunderstood. I cried several times throughout this movie. This is my new favorite movie.
YESSSS!!! I have never identified with a character or story more
Jonathan Bailey was so good that he made me gay. Grace you don’t know what you’re talking about
This movie is oh so special to me. When I was 10 I saw Wicked for the first time and fell in absolute love with theater! The fact that so many people love this movie warms my heart! I was so worried! Apparently it us really close to the original book as well, fantastic. Glad to hear you liked it so much!
I'm glad most comments don't agree with Grace about Bailey. He was amazing. 🤗💚
Grace when you ask “why didn’t the monkey say something” I think it’s implied they’ve already taken their speech. Oz says “he doesn’t talk much” but I think it’s him tiptoeing around the fact that the monkeys are already animals who have had their speech taken from them. And having them be the subject of Elphaba’s test was a subtle but brilliant way to comment on animal cruelty in product testing. Because they see them as lesser and therefore it’s okay to test the grimmerie on them.
Great review Grace but Johnathan Bailey was perfect casting. He was the third best actor in the movie next to Cynthia and Ariana in my opinion.
Wow, I thought Jonathan Bailey was so great. I'm surprised you didn't find his "Dancing Through Life" charming, especially in those pants.
I loved Jonathon Bailey In this! This made me want to watch his other Work. And that shot( close-up) In dancing through life, mmm.
Loved this review!! As a person who has seen the musical many times, I love hearing a fresh take from someone who went in blind.
Disagree on Jonathan bailey. He is even better than the original cast in this role. amazing singing as well.
The Lion in the movie is the cowardly Lion... The The third book "A Lion Among Men" is told from his perspective. The Tin Woodsman and Scarecrow are also featured, but their true identities are hinted at in slightly different ways between the book and play.
The Animal subplot is stressed more in the book. Religions, holidays, and world building are stressed more as well.
If your interested in the book I should warn you that the play is a Disney-fication of much darker material. It's more like game of thrones or a soap opera. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone without letting them know it contains some pretty triggering events. I fear for the tween that picks it up because the covers been changed to the movie poster.
Apparently the animal subplot has its roots in the later Baum novels, also that the wizard basically did a coup against the former government.
I got to see Wicked on Wednesday night in 3D. It was so good that I saw it again Thursday night in digital. I’m sure I will see it a few times more in a theater on the biggest screens there. Far, far better than Gladiator II which I saw Monday as an AMC screen unseen.
I just saw it, this movie is like a musical Mean Girls meets Harry Potter meets Carrie. The two leads had chemistry and Cynthia was excellent and impactful. She really became the character. The songs were too frequent and too long causing the story to pause. However the message was important and effective.
omg im so glad i wasn’t the only one who knew from the opening that it would amazing
I liked the stylization of the cape's length. Superhero movies should do it.
Dearest Grace, YOU NEED TO SEE THE BROADWAY PLAY ASAP! 😂 You will NOT be disappointed and you’ll appreciate the movie even more!!!
Your hair looks fabulous...now back to watching your review. :)
Thanks Grace! I already watched Wicked. I was waiting for your spoiler review.
I laughed out loud when Grace made the Corvette joke when hair is flying everywhere in a convertible car at 7:42 , and also the hint about tiny lion cub growing up to be the Cowardly Lion. Obviously, I felt the chemistry between Fyiero and Alfaba right when he showed up and swept her legs right from under her LOL they have huge CHEMISTRY ty
23:44 more like Magneto & Professor X
Great outfit to accompany a great review! I know "Defying Gravity" is the defining song of this musical, but my favorite songs will be in part two and I can't wait to hear Cynthia slay them all. (No Good Deed, As Long As You're Mine, and For Good. Ooof, I'ma be cryin' in 2025 lol).
First of all: Omg, Grace, you look _incredible_ !!! Second of all: it absolutely exceeded my expectations! I just got back from seeing it with my parents and I’ve already made plans to see it with my friends!!!
I just left the theater! I loved it way more than I expected. They had bargain tickets today for $5 for a 2:30 pm showing, so I went on a whim and the theater was packed. Ariana Grande was made for the role, but I was shocked by how phenomenal Cynthia Erivo’s voice is.
GRRAACCCEEE I AM GAGGEEDDD!!!! You have come such a long way from your first videos! I love this direction you are going and thank you for taking us with you!
Grace i didnt know she was the daughter of the wizard 😭 okay i know its a spoiler reaction but that fact wasnt even mentioned in the film
The real life similarities to current affairs are uncanny! Just watched the movie and scratched the itch that Agatha all along left on me! I think the success of this movie is helped by the timing this and AAA was shown to the public. And "popular" is still running in my head!
I just watched it and I am in awe. Many moments I was just flabbergasted by all the details. Ariana and Erivo knocked it out of the park. Ariana Grande was SUCH A GOOD GLINDA. My god! My god! I was not prepared for Defying Gravity. I thought I was. I really did. NOTHING could have prepared me for such majesty. Everyone SQUEEEEALED in my session. The pinacle of musicals, right there! RIGHT THERE BEFORE MY EYES. The amount of tears I shed during the movie... my god. No words. Best musical I've seen in years. Decades maybe.
I'm sorry, Grace, but Bailey was PEAK casting. The perfect Fyero.
In the book he doesn’t realize he is the father in the musical he does. Is the other way around for Elphaba, in the book she finds out he is her father and the wizard never realizes he is the father.
Well he find out eventually according to the Maracoor books
Wow! Love the green! Going to see this tomorrow night! Your critiques have me excited. Just started reading the book.