When I was a kid, we only had a black and white TV. We were invited next door to watch Wizard of Oz and when it turned to colour, we screamed like crazy.
I had a colleague have the same thing happen to her! She didn't see it in technicolour until University. She said that it didn't help that they had been baked before going to the film, so she didn't know if she was seeing what she was seeing or on a bad trip.
My mom had a similar experience as a kid! Her family's TV was black & white so she had no idea that the Land of Oz was in Technicolor until she saw it at a screening in a movie theatre when she was a teenager
I was blown away by Cynthia's and Ariana's performances!!! I went in skeptical, but had tears in my eyes in the final 20 minutes! I got into an early screening and there were several points where there were applause for the singing...and at the end for the overall accomplishment. I am hoping for another run before part 2 with an upgrading of the color. The decision to not produce a more vividly colorful final product was not the best one, but it didn't dampen the acting of Erivo and Grande. They both deserve nominations, and Grande could win definitely!
Cynthia deserves an Oscar..John M Chu deserves a nomination as a director. Set design, costume, hair and makeup.😊 Jonathan Bailey such good dancer and very charming.
I feel like Erivo gets in for Part 2. I actually almost screamed when a certain 2 actresses showed up. I do love that Marissa Bode is an authentic wheelchair user as well
Jon M. Chu's last two feature movies were Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights. These two alone convinced me enough that Wicked has every opportunity to be great in his directing hands. If James Wan was born to make horror movies, Chu was born to make musicals
Variety just posted its updated Oscar predictions and its leading best picture, best supporting actress, and total nominations. I'm so sure Cynthia and Jon will also get nominations. This is like Chicago all over again I'm so happy we're in the movie musical renaissance!!!
Jonathan is not getting nominated. Cynthia is gonna have a hard time getting in that crowded field and this is not winning picture. It'll get nominated probably but definitely not winning.
God I hope so! Aside from Moulin Rouge! which was phenomenal and one of my all-time favs, modern Hollywood rarely does a musical right. I hated La La Land, for example (First World Problems: the Movie), and The Prom was atrocious, as was Nine, and so many others. But they nailed it with Wicked, and I hope it does well so that more musicals see the light of day.
Finally a reviewer who has seen Wicked as a theater experience and read the book, not just based on a review of the original The Wizard of Oz movie. As far as splitting Wicked into two parts, it is like dessert on Thanksgiving, and waiting until the next day because you are so full from dinner. I'll wait - I saw the new movie on Mon and I am still full.
Not surprised by Ariana Grande she has wanted this for over a decade. She was going to put in the work if you knew about her genuine love and adoration for the source material.
Honestly, I'm not a Grande fan, I'll listen to some of her songs. I had zero expectations for her acting skills. But like this critic said, Grande was literally the best thing about this very, very good movie. I can't think of a supporting role that worked as well as Glinda this year. If she wins an Oscar for her first big movie role, I'll be the first one to celebrate. Super happy for her.
All I asked is they not fuck this up. And it sounds like they didn’t. Happy Day. If it gets the nominations people expect, I don’t see how they don’t give one to Cynthia Erivo.
Glad to hear. Honestly felt Cynthia grossly overreacted to the movie poster fan art and let the air out of my anticipation of the movie. Keep up the wonderful work, Brian, and also my deepest sorrow for you recent loss. Heart broke for you.
I'm just so incredibly happy that a lot of people including the ones that doubted it at first ended up loving the movie as much as I do. It's time for musicals to gain some respect as they used too
Here, in Seattle, we got in to see an early preview. Of course the audience was full of Wicked fans and we cheered, laughed and cried. There were applause after some of the musical numbers & we were ALL at the end. I haven’t had that kind of experience in a movie theater since Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls! Now that I’ve seen the film, I’m waiting for the sing-a-long version to be released so I can sing my friggin’ brains out. 🎉🎉🎉
I currently have Grande winning the Oscar. What a performance. I think Erivo will get into that crazily competitive Actress race as well. If not, she'll definitely get in next year and perhaps be a threat to win.
Grande could easily win, she killed it. Not sure about Erivo, she was great, but Best Actress is a blood bath this year. With Jolie, Kidman, Moore, Ronan, Swinton and so many others, she'll be lucky to be nominated.
It’s kind of funny how most movie reviewers covering this movie (at least the reviews that I’ve seen) all begin “I’m not a musicals person, and I know virtually nothing about Wicked” So it’s really nice to hear from the perspective of someone who IS familiar with the source material and still has a great critical eye. Thanks for your perspective on this movie!
right? the "i have a confession to make" my eyes roll every time like give me a break, as if it's so shocking, you're 100% right its so nice to hear from people who have seen it and love the musical.
Personally, I think Cynthia is going to have more big acting moments in part 2 since her character really has such a strong arc that is more visible through the intermission into the 2nd act, but Ariana absolutely was a delight and I, honestly, never doubted her so I was happy to feel a bit affirmed in that. I couldn't see anyone else playing these roles either, honestly. Such a spectacular film!
Ariana has higher chances of winning oscar now than Zoe Saldana... She was so freaking good.. vocals on point, over the top dramatics that were needed, comedic timing of her was insanely good.
I feel Cynthia will get nominated for sure at GG and possibly the Oscar. As for Ariana I think people doubted her casting because her voice is thin and now that she’s surprisingly good in the role she’s easily the front runner for best supporting actress
I’m a huge Ariana grande fan, I’ve followed her whole career. But I can’t believe you think Ariana has a better chance at the Oscar’s than Cynthia lol. I actually felt bad watching that Cynthia stole my attention so much from my girl lol 😂
Sure, couse the race for supporting actress is wide open, unlike the best actresses, there are a looott strong best actress candidate, so its harder for erivo to get in, although erivo is better in wiked i mean she is the best in this movie, but the oscar race for best actress is just crazy, so Ariana chance is bigger yo get in
I think Grande is going to win, she is incredible in the movie and a true triple threat in every sense of the word. Cynthia was amazing too but best actress is so damn competitive this year I don't know whats going to happen.
@@ChrisThomson-y7l She's been working for 40 years and has made 100 movies, some of which were great. So, yeah, if Emma Stone can have two and Francis McDormand can have 4 , Kidman better get her second!
@ personally I do not think Emma Stone should have won (I liked poor things and all but I am on team Gladstone). Not saying she can’t win, but she doesn’t need to
If Ariana Grande wins an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, you know who I want to present the award to her? Definitely not RDJ, instead I want Ariana DeBose to present the award to Grande as they both share in common : Both are Arianas, Oscar for Supporting Actress, and won for playing a musical role in a musical movie, what else? 😁
Well, if they follow last year's system it would be DaVine Joy Randolph which is still better than RDJ. Also, if they follow last year's system and bring out a bunch of past winners of the award, they should definitely have Ariana Debose doing the speech for Ariana Grande!
Saw it yesterday and absolutely loved it. Wicked and Conclave are my top two films of the year at this point, but I have more to see. I agree with you that the cinematography could have been stronger, but that is only a minor quibble. Otherwise it was perfection and I would rate it higher than an 8, definitely a 9, maybe a 10.
I just saw the film this afternoon and totally agree with your review. Visually - sets, costumes, props - it's stunning and the cast is fantastic. The revolving shelves in "the book place" were my favorite set piece. I remember when the casting was announced how delightful Grande had been as Penny in the live "Hairspray," so didn't have as many doubts, but she blew me away. The hair flips are to die for, but her most impressive feat is showing Galinda's transition from loathing to loving Elphaba with nary a word of dialogue.
Brian have you seen the Broadway show Come From Away? I think there's a pro shot version of it online, but if you get a chance to see it live in person, you should go. After watching your videos for a while now, I feel like that's a show you would really appreciate and love.
Nobody's talking about this but I love the title card. It Reminded me of Pearl, The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind lol. Amazing moving! They rarely make movies like WICKED nowadays. I felt like the day I saw EVITA in 96 and the day I saw Chicago in 2002, all over again. WICKED is an experience.
This is a great review, Brian! I think some of the points you brought up about the movie are ones that I've always felt about the show. Elphaba is inherently a very internal role, especially in act one until Defying Gravity, so I also don't see Cynthia Erivo getting in for Best Actress. That being said, with all of the stuff we know she has coming in act two (or, Part 2), she may have a shot the following year. G(a)linda is also the showier role in the first act, so I'm not surprised that Ariana Grande is getting more of the attention. It'll be so interesting to see how people react to her character shift in Part 2. And I know EXACTLY what part of the story you are referring to with the Wizard that goes on and on and on. I'll be honest, and say that, every time I've seen Wicked, the energy just gets zapped during the scenes with the Wizard. I just don't think the role and the scenes with him are particularly well written in the show. But, alas, it is what it is, and I'm sure Jeff Goldblum does what he can with it. Anyway, I can't wait to see it, and your review got me even more excited.
I too have read all the books, seen the 1939 Wizard of Oz, and seen WICKED both on tour and on Broadway. I am seeing this film tomorrow and I am incredibly excited. I also agree that Ariana is locked in for quite a few awards, and I haven’t even seen the film yet!
Bernard Telsy casting director - OSCAR how fabulous would that be? He deserves it. Ole School Hollywood/Theatre Person did the casting for Rachel Getting Married and other fantastic films where casting choices were always talked about them, lovingly. He loves bringing forward and taking risks w/ new true blue artists. Like here with Ariana Grande
FINALLY! A review I care to hear. I’ve been listening to reviews from people who haven’t seen the stage production and it’s been so annoying! Absolutely love your videos! 🖤💚🩷
I listened to Bowen's podcast. He said the majority of his lines they kept in the film were improvised. He was shook by the lines they kept in. Like "I don't see color" lol
I saw this Wednesday. Absolutely loved it. But there was one shot that drove me nuts and idk how they thought it was good: at the very end there’s a shot of the girls from the window’s POV then it cuts to the camera opposite, looking at the window on the inside. Ari is completely dark and you can’t really see her and she looks terrible. Because they were equally in the shot, and not mainly on Cynthia, I thought it was so weird that they were okay keeping Ari in muddy darkness. You could barely make out her face
Saw the movie last night, and loved it! It's Best Picture worthy. Certainly deserves BP nod, as well as costume, production design, best leading actress (Erivo) and Best Supporting (Grande). With the amount of work that went into, I wouldn't mind a Best Director nod, too. This is an instant Hollywood classic, and I urge everyone to watch it. 9/10.
I am not a great fan of musicals. I have about 12 in my library but you have convinced me to see this movie. I will buy it on Blu Ray when it comes out.
Also, Elphaba has more presence in Part 2, so maybe Cynthia will have to wait for her EGOT in 2026. Glinda is more prominent in Part 1 than in 2, so, hopefully, this will be Ariana Grande’s year for an Oscar. Both of these women were perfection.
I saw the musical twice and it is the best musical I ever saw. I’m against this being two movies. I’m in that minority. I’m really sorry. I look at it like this when the movie Titanic came out and you watched the first half and it got right up to the point of the iceberg, and the screen went black And said to be continued well over a year from now. Would you be satisfied with the first half of a movie and having to wait for all the action for a year? In wicked most of the good stuff in my opinion happens in the second half. I think it should’ve been, one movie
lol I’m also Brian, I’m kinda excited to see this. However I have not seen the broadway musical, but has grown up on the original wizard of oz, going to see it tonight with my sister, thank you
I may be alone on this, but I like the toned down look of the film. I think it's just an opinion of aesthetics, I don't like the really sharp contrast of colors and light that are popular in Marvel, Burton films, and even Oz the Great and Powerful.
I've been on a bit of a binge on 80s fantasy films. Dragonslayer, Excalibur, Willow, Legend, etc. I feel like they're very underrated! Have you watched any of these? Would love to hear your thoughts
Ariana will win the Oscar just because wicked is gointo be so popular (wink, wink) and that will be the only nom for wicked acting wise. Ariana delivered so hard and stole the show.
I haven’t seen it yet (I’m kinda waiting to because I have some curiosity despite not being super familiar with the musical). But isn’t that category fraud?
@ yeah, ig that makes sense. Kinda like how Brad Pitt was “supporting” in once upon a time in Hollywood despite being the co lead of the movie with a ton of screentime.
Wicked Part 1 is my favorite film of the year (I caught an early screening), just beating out The Wild Robot. Sadly, I don't think it's likely to win Best Picture this year. Oscar will do with this film what it did with the LOTR trilogy -- it will wait for Part 2 to give it the big prize. (And until the Oscar voters have a Road-to-Damascus revelation on the subject of animated films, we can't expect The Wild Robot even to score a nomination.) But as far as Best Costume Design goes, what real competition does it have? This hasn't been much of a year for eye-popping costumes, which this movie has in spades.
This is one of those movies that is basically critic-proof. If a critic gives it a negative review, it does not matter to the people who are going to see it no matter what and have already decided that they love it even before seeing it. If a critic gives it a positive review, it does not matter to the people that already know they have no interest and will never watch it.
I don't know why so many people are surprised about Ariana's comedic acting? Did they not watch Nickelodeon's Victorious and Sam and Cat? She was the perennial scene-stealer throughout.
The costumes were rubbish, sort of the Nappy Nasties on the cheap. This movie was not that great. On a visual level it could of been better. I dont mind a bad plot, but visually should be better.
There's so many fake reviews that this movie may end up losing money due to all the money spent buying these reviews. Nothing was learned from the Harris campaign. Lol
Saw the movie last night (on the 21st) and I was immediately shocked by the lack of color and contrast. All of the outdoor scenes that should have been spectacular, were so washed out, and the close-up scenes set outdoors had so much permeating light around them, that it faded those as well. It even carried over to a lot of the indoor scenes too. You won't be seeing an award nomination for cinematography on this film. It was immediately noticeable and immediately disappointing. What a waste of time, money and man hours planting millions and millions of tulips (yes tulips, not poppies, as has often been misquoted by so many reviewers) for a brief shot of kids running through the fields, that had no impact at all. Especially since they made it look better in the previews than it was in the actual film. I thought the performances of the two leads were both very good, and each carried just the right tone and equal match of talent. I don't believe that Jeff Goldblum or Michelle Yeoh brought anything to the film except for name recognition. Any good actor and actress could have done as good or better in my opinion. Especially Jeff Goldblum, who only knows how to be Jeff Goldblum. The best part of a movie adaptation of a stage show or musical is being able to see the close-up acting, and that was thoroughly enjoyable and added to the impact of the story. I feel that the studio and promotion team did a really good job at covering up the fact that it's a two-part movie and that you won't get to see the second part for another year. Really deceptive .... disgustingly so. I knew going in, because I am a detail-oriented person. I don't buy the quote that Jon Chu felt there was just too much "vision" to fit into one film. What an obvious money grab by the producers and the studio … Hollywood greed at its worst. You can't convince me that there wouldn't be a big enough audience that would prefer to sit for a 3 1/2 hour-version, to see one completed version of Wicked. If they can't do it in 3 1/2 hours, then forget about it. As I mentioned, I just saw it last night, and it didn't leave me with an ounce of anticipation, for seeing the second half. Especially now knowing just how washed-out the first half looked. Unbelievable they couldn't come close to the magical technicolor of the Wizard of Oz from 85 years ago. Guess that was a "modern, creative decision". ☮️ Steve in Dallas
@@gui4816 I said COULD, I don’t think it will (I think it will be garbage) but I used it as an example because I have seen great movies with dogshit marketing
When I was a kid, we only had a black and white TV. We were invited next door to watch Wizard of Oz and when it turned to colour, we screamed like crazy.
Wow!! What was the feeling you had when seeing the film go to color?
That's adorable
How are You still alive??
I had a colleague have the same thing happen to her! She didn't see it in technicolour until University. She said that it didn't help that they had been baked before going to the film, so she didn't know if she was seeing what she was seeing or on a bad trip.
My mom had a similar experience as a kid! Her family's TV was black & white so she had no idea that the Land of Oz was in Technicolor until she saw it at a screening in a movie theatre when she was a teenager
I was blown away by Cynthia's and Ariana's performances!!! I went in skeptical, but had tears in my eyes in the final 20 minutes! I got into an early screening and there were several points where there were applause for the singing...and at the end for the overall accomplishment. I am hoping for another run before part 2 with an upgrading of the color. The decision to not produce a more vividly colorful final product was not the best one, but it didn't dampen the acting of Erivo and Grande. They both deserve nominations, and Grande could win definitely!
Cynthia deserves an Oscar..John M Chu deserves a nomination as a director. Set design, costume, hair and makeup.😊 Jonathan Bailey such good dancer and very charming.
I feel like Erivo gets in for Part 2. I actually almost screamed when a certain 2 actresses showed up. I do love that Marissa Bode is an authentic wheelchair user as well
Based on the thumbnail, looks like someone had a *MAGICAL* time
Jon M. Chu's last two feature movies were Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights. These two alone convinced me enough that Wicked has every opportunity to be great in his directing hands. If James Wan was born to make horror movies, Chu was born to make musicals
And his films before that were now you see me 2, Jem and the holograms, and g I Joe retaliation
Variety just posted its updated Oscar predictions and its leading best picture, best supporting actress, and total nominations. I'm so sure Cynthia and Jon will also get nominations. This is like Chicago all over again I'm so happy we're in the movie musical renaissance!!!
Jonathan is not getting nominated. Cynthia is gonna have a hard time getting in that crowded field and this is not winning picture. It'll get nominated probably but definitely not winning.
One successful movie musical in a blue moon does not a movie musical renaissance make.
God I hope so! Aside from Moulin Rouge! which was phenomenal and one of my all-time favs, modern Hollywood rarely does a musical right. I hated La La Land, for example (First World Problems: the Movie), and The Prom was atrocious, as was Nine, and so many others. But they nailed it with Wicked, and I hope it does well so that more musicals see the light of day.
Finally a reviewer who has seen Wicked as a theater experience and read the book, not just based on a review of the original The Wizard of Oz movie.
As far as splitting Wicked into two parts, it is like dessert on Thanksgiving, and waiting until the next day because you are so full from dinner. I'll wait - I saw the new movie on Mon and I am still full.
“The pacing is great, but it’s all over the place.”
What?
Not surprised by Ariana Grande she has wanted this for over a decade. She was going to put in the work if you knew about her genuine love and adoration for the source material.
The video where she is told she got the part is very moving. I knew we had nothing to worry about.
Honestly, I'm not a Grande fan, I'll listen to some of her songs. I had zero expectations for her acting skills. But like this critic said, Grande was literally the best thing about this very, very good movie. I can't think of a supporting role that worked as well as Glinda this year. If she wins an Oscar for her first big movie role, I'll be the first one to celebrate. Super happy for her.
Just got out of Wicked. It was great! God willing Ill be watching Part 2 next year
All I asked is they not fuck this up. And it sounds like they didn’t. Happy Day. If it gets the nominations people expect, I don’t see how they don’t give one to Cynthia Erivo.
Glad to hear. Honestly felt Cynthia grossly overreacted to the movie poster fan art and let the air out of my anticipation of the movie.
Keep up the wonderful work, Brian, and also my deepest sorrow for you recent loss. Heart broke for you.
I'm just so incredibly happy that a lot of people including the ones that doubted it at first ended up loving the movie as much as I do. It's time for musicals to gain some respect as they used too
lived in nyc my entire life, never seen the broadway musical. saw the film last night though and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Cynthia will get an Oscar nom for the last 10 minutes alone
Like!!!!!
Ariana deserves one too
@@Career_Concepts absolutely
Here, in Seattle, we got in to see an early preview. Of course the audience was full of Wicked fans and we cheered, laughed and cried. There were applause after some of the musical numbers & we were ALL at the end. I haven’t had that kind of experience in a movie theater since Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls! Now that I’ve seen the film, I’m waiting for the sing-a-long version to be released so I can sing my friggin’ brains out. 🎉🎉🎉
I currently have Grande winning the Oscar. What a performance. I think Erivo will get into that crazily competitive Actress race as well. If not, she'll definitely get in next year and perhaps be a threat to win.
Grande could easily win, she killed it. Not sure about Erivo, she was great, but Best Actress is a blood bath this year. With Jolie, Kidman, Moore, Ronan, Swinton and so many others, she'll be lucky to be nominated.
@blackforest825 Grande is an easy win for an oscar and Cynthia is a question mark? Seriously?
It’s kind of funny how most movie reviewers covering this movie (at least the reviews that I’ve seen) all begin “I’m not a musicals person, and I know virtually nothing about Wicked”
So it’s really nice to hear from the perspective of someone who IS familiar with the source material and still has a great critical eye. Thanks for your perspective on this movie!
right? the "i have a confession to make" my eyes roll every time like give me a break, as if it's so shocking, you're 100% right its so nice to hear from people who have seen it and love the musical.
Personally, I think Cynthia is going to have more big acting moments in part 2 since her character really has such a strong arc that is more visible through the intermission into the 2nd act, but Ariana absolutely was a delight and I, honestly, never doubted her so I was happy to feel a bit affirmed in that. I couldn't see anyone else playing these roles either, honestly. Such a spectacular film!
As a side note, the Ozdust scene alone could land Cynthia the nomination, I believe. Gosh, the leading ladies had such a fantastic chemistry!
Ariana has higher chances of winning oscar now than Zoe Saldana... She was so freaking good.. vocals on point, over the top dramatics that were needed, comedic timing of her was insanely good.
I feel Cynthia will get nominated for sure at GG and possibly the Oscar. As for Ariana I think people doubted her casting because her voice is thin and now that she’s surprisingly good in the role she’s easily the front runner for best supporting actress
I’m a huge Ariana grande fan, I’ve followed her whole career. But I can’t believe you think Ariana has a better chance at the Oscar’s than Cynthia lol. I actually felt bad watching that Cynthia stole my attention so much from my girl lol 😂
Sure, couse the race for supporting actress is wide open, unlike the best actresses, there are a looott strong best actress candidate, so its harder for erivo to get in, although erivo is better in wiked i mean she is the best in this movie, but the oscar race for best actress is just crazy, so Ariana chance is bigger yo get in
They both did an amazing job I pray they both get their awards
@@agungs8564 in that way I can see it, yes.
I think Grande is going to win, she is incredible in the movie and a true triple threat in every sense of the word. Cynthia was amazing too but best actress is so damn competitive this year I don't know whats going to happen.
They both should be in Actress; Even if Mikey Madison has basically already won that award
@@cokedudebestmate7099 Is Madison really THAT good? I'm still hoping Kidman will win her second Oscar for Babgirl.
@@blackforest825Kidman doesn’t need another Oscar
@@ChrisThomson-y7l She's been working for 40 years and has made 100 movies, some of which were great. So, yeah, if Emma Stone can have two and Francis McDormand can have 4 , Kidman better get her second!
@ personally I do not think Emma Stone should have won (I liked poor things and all but I am on team Gladstone). Not saying she can’t win, but she doesn’t need to
If Ariana Grande wins an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, you know who I want to present the award to her? Definitely not RDJ, instead I want Ariana DeBose to present the award to Grande as they both share in common :
Both are Arianas, Oscar for Supporting Actress, and won for playing a musical role in a musical movie, what else? 😁
Well, if they follow last year's system it would be DaVine Joy Randolph which is still better than RDJ. Also, if they follow last year's system and bring out a bunch of past winners of the award, they should definitely have Ariana Debose doing the speech for Ariana Grande!
What’s wrong with RDJ here? Are you still mad he didn’t shake Ke Huy Quan’s hand? Oh well, he’s still 10x the actor that Ariana is
@ChrisThomson-y7l Did you read my entire comment? Did I even shade on RDJ?
@ no, but some people seem to shade him for that. I thought you were one of them, honest mistake
The Supporting Oscar for the previous year for actor presents to the Supporting actress. Unless they do the group of previous actors
Saw it yesterday and absolutely loved it. Wicked and Conclave are my top two films of the year at this point, but I have more to see. I agree with you that the cinematography could have been stronger, but that is only a minor quibble. Otherwise it was perfection and I would rate it higher than an 8, definitely a 9, maybe a 10.
I just saw the film this afternoon and totally agree with your review. Visually - sets, costumes, props - it's stunning and the cast is fantastic. The revolving shelves in "the book place" were my favorite set piece. I remember when the casting was announced how delightful Grande had been as Penny in the live "Hairspray," so didn't have as many doubts, but she blew me away. The hair flips are to die for, but her most impressive feat is showing Galinda's transition from loathing to loving Elphaba with nary a word of dialogue.
Ariana PROVED you wrong man 😅 She KILLED that role
When is the dvd out
Supporting actors in musicals have great Oscar track records: Joel Grey, Catherine Zeta Jones, Jennifer Hudson, Anne Hathaway
Brian have you seen the Broadway show Come From Away? I think there's a pro shot version of it online, but if you get a chance to see it live in person, you should go. After watching your videos for a while now, I feel like that's a show you would really appreciate and love.
Nobody's talking about this but I love the title card. It Reminded me of Pearl, The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind lol. Amazing moving! They rarely make movies like WICKED nowadays. I felt like the day I saw EVITA in 96 and the day I saw Chicago in 2002, all over again. WICKED is an experience.
people are hating and sleeping on Cynthia way too much
This is a great review, Brian! I think some of the points you brought up about the movie are ones that I've always felt about the show. Elphaba is inherently a very internal role, especially in act one until Defying Gravity, so I also don't see Cynthia Erivo getting in for Best Actress. That being said, with all of the stuff we know she has coming in act two (or, Part 2), she may have a shot the following year. G(a)linda is also the showier role in the first act, so I'm not surprised that Ariana Grande is getting more of the attention. It'll be so interesting to see how people react to her character shift in Part 2. And I know EXACTLY what part of the story you are referring to with the Wizard that goes on and on and on. I'll be honest, and say that, every time I've seen Wicked, the energy just gets zapped during the scenes with the Wizard. I just don't think the role and the scenes with him are particularly well written in the show. But, alas, it is what it is, and I'm sure Jeff Goldblum does what he can with it. Anyway, I can't wait to see it, and your review got me even more excited.
I too have read all the books, seen the 1939 Wizard of Oz, and seen WICKED both on tour and on Broadway. I am seeing this film tomorrow and I am incredibly excited. I also agree that Ariana is locked in for quite a few awards, and I haven’t even seen the film yet!
Maybe they will/should save the Oscar push for part 2. But I'm an Ari fan so I'd love that nomination!
Bernard Telsy casting director - OSCAR how fabulous would that be? He deserves it. Ole School Hollywood/Theatre Person did the casting for Rachel Getting Married and other fantastic films where casting choices were always talked about them, lovingly. He loves bringing forward and taking risks w/ new true blue artists. Like here with Ariana Grande
It’s about to be a serious contender at this year’s Oscars.
Cynthia is a Tony winner, as well as an Oscar nominee. I think the G and the O toward that EGOT are coming sooooooon. BAFTA's in the bag, btw.
A very fair review.
Nice review bro!
Why do Oscar’s matter?
It’s like saying why does an Olympic medal matter to an athlete
Watching it for the 3rd time tonight 🎉 Cheers
Nothing is ever “perfect” Crazy how it’s not in your top 10 but I digress 😂
FINALLY! A review I care to hear. I’ve been listening to reviews from people who haven’t seen the stage production and it’s been so annoying! Absolutely love your videos! 🖤💚🩷
I listened to Bowen's podcast. He said the majority of his lines they kept in the film were improvised. He was shook by the lines they kept in. Like "I don't see color" lol
I saw Wicked in LA with my mom in 2008 too!
I saw this Wednesday. Absolutely loved it. But there was one shot that drove me nuts and idk how they thought it was good: at the very end there’s a shot of the girls from the window’s POV then it cuts to the camera opposite, looking at the window on the inside. Ari is completely dark and you can’t really see her and she looks terrible. Because they were equally in the shot, and not mainly on Cynthia, I thought it was so weird that they were okay keeping Ari in muddy darkness. You could barely make out her face
Saw the movie last night, and loved it! It's Best Picture worthy. Certainly deserves BP nod, as well as costume, production design, best leading actress (Erivo) and Best Supporting (Grande). With the amount of work that went into, I wouldn't mind a Best Director nod, too. This is an instant Hollywood classic, and I urge everyone to watch it. 9/10.
Yes it will be relevant 50 years from now.
i might finally venture out to the theater for this one!
You won’t regret it. I left crying and so proud of the cast
ARIANA FTW
I am not a great fan of musicals. I have about 12 in my library but you have convinced me to see this movie. I will buy it on Blu Ray when it comes out.
Here in Germany we have to wait (for some reason) until December 11 to see it. So unfair, I am so excited!
you can watch it on the 4th december, I have tickets :)! google it!
Not in the the top ten? Okay brian u lost me there lol
Also, Elphaba has more presence in Part 2, so maybe Cynthia will have to wait for her EGOT in 2026. Glinda is more prominent in Part 1 than in 2, so, hopefully, this will be Ariana Grande’s year for an Oscar. Both of these women were perfection.
I'm not surprised by Ariana's rave review, since she has great comedic performances on SNL.
@@ynhingo4856 I have this dream where SNL convinceres her to be in the cast for a full year.
I saw the musical twice and it is the best musical I ever saw. I’m against this being two movies. I’m in that minority. I’m really sorry. I look at it like this when the movie Titanic came out and you watched the first half and it got right up to the point of the iceberg, and the screen went black And said to be continued well over a year from now. Would you be satisfied with the first half of a movie and having to wait for all the action for a year? In wicked most of the good stuff in my opinion happens in the second half. I think it should’ve been, one movie
I can’t wait to see the film! You sold me on it!
lol I’m also Brian, I’m kinda excited to see this. However I have not seen the broadway musical, but has grown up on the original wizard of oz, going to see it tonight with my sister, thank you
I'm still depressed at how bad "cats" was, b/c I love cats the musical, so I get your anxiousness.
I've already seen it twice. I never read the book or saw the Broadway show, but I loved it.
Somewhat afraid that they will add some of the darker things from the book to pad out movie 2
I have a few more films to watch for the year but I expect Wicked to be in my top ten.
I love it and I excited for part two.
You must have never seen Ariana grande interviews or when she acted on Nick cause she was always funny and always a really good actress
Such an amazing movie!!!! And honestly the political parts can be seen today! 😩😩😩😩 I never new the term “flying monkeys” came from the wizard of oz
I may be alone on this, but I like the toned down look of the film. I think it's just an opinion of aesthetics, I don't like the really sharp contrast of colors and light that are popular in Marvel, Burton films, and even Oz the Great and Powerful.
I've been on a bit of a binge on 80s fantasy films. Dragonslayer, Excalibur, Willow, Legend, etc. I feel like they're very underrated! Have you watched any of these? Would love to hear your thoughts
I can’t wait 🤩🤩🤩🤩🥹🥹🥹🩷🩷🩷🩷💚💚💚💚🫧🫧🧹🧹
Ariana will win the Oscar just because wicked is gointo be so popular (wink, wink) and that will be the only nom for wicked acting wise. Ariana delivered so hard and stole the show.
I believe you mean pop-u-lar.
Hopefully Cynthia gets nominated at some point during awards season. I know it’s very competitive this year but she deserves the recognition.
I haven’t seen it yet (I’m kinda waiting to because I have some curiosity despite not being super familiar with the musical). But isn’t that category fraud?
@@ChrisThomson-y7l I mean Elphaba is the protagonist of the film.
@ yeah, ig that makes sense. Kinda like how Brad Pitt was “supporting” in once upon a time in Hollywood despite being the co lead of the movie with a ton of screentime.
Absolute film of the year.
Wicked Part 1 is my favorite film of the year (I caught an early screening), just beating out The Wild Robot. Sadly, I don't think it's likely to win Best Picture this year. Oscar will do with this film what it did with the LOTR trilogy -- it will wait for Part 2 to give it the big prize. (And until the Oscar voters have a Road-to-Damascus revelation on the subject of animated films, we can't expect The Wild Robot even to score a nomination.)
But as far as Best Costume Design goes, what real competition does it have? This hasn't been much of a year for eye-popping costumes, which this movie has in spades.
This is one of those movies that is basically critic-proof. If a critic gives it a negative review, it does not matter to the people who are going to see it no matter what and have already decided that they love it even before seeing it. If a critic gives it a positive review, it does not matter to the people that already know they have no interest and will never watch it.
A lot of people don't know Ariana Grande came from musical theatre. I am so relieved the naysayers are changing their minds!!
Oh Ariana is definitely the frontrunner now
I saw it 2 weeks ago in LA but saw again this past weds ill go again in a few weeks
Meh. A bit disappointing. Really enjoyed the cameos.
The trailer team should’ve been fired, they made this look like total dogshit
Maybe it was done to lower expectations
Given all the positive comments, surprised it's only an 8 and not in your top 10. Seeing it tomorrow though, so maybe I'll understand then.
OSCAR EXPERT AND BROTHER BRO REFERENCED 🗣️🗣️🗣️
Curious to know how you felt about the Chenoweth/Menzel scene and whether it was worthwhile or even necessary
It was good that they were in it! Paying homage to
I don't know why so many people are surprised about Ariana's comedic acting? Did they not watch Nickelodeon's Victorious and Sam and Cat? She was the perennial scene-stealer throughout.
A Nick show and a $150 million dollar movie are a different ballpark with comedy
I dare say Ariana Grande will win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Wicked
how could you :??!!!
I’m so happy to hear Ariana Grande gave a good performance. Had me nervous there for a second.
Saw it waw SPECTACULAR best picture.
Dune part 2 and Wicked would have a battle.
Dune part 2 would problably stomp it
ariana grande should not be supporting actor she is basically the second lead
On Browday better hope to see movie
She could get a oscar
I see what you mean by the washed out background scenery.
I guess no one saw Ariana in the show Victorious. She was funny.
Brian is giving a lot of bisexual energy in this video
I thought Wicked would be this year’s The Color Purple
In what way?
Loved it
Cast album NOT soundtrack 🙄🙄
I’m just grateful James Corden isn’t in this.
The costumes were rubbish, sort of the Nappy Nasties on the cheap. This movie was not that great. On a visual level it could of been better. I dont mind a bad plot, but visually should be better.
There's so many fake reviews that this movie may end up losing money due to all the money spent buying these reviews. Nothing was learned from the Harris campaign. Lol
yeah... your review was a bit fragile and nit picky. will not be subscribing
As far as the cinematography is concerned, I think that they were going for same saturated color look of the original 1939 film.
It totally didn’t work though, it wasn’t technicolor and the CGI and lighting made everything one flat blur
@ultraviolettas I will see it tonight in IMAX but as of now I agree with you.
Saw the movie last night (on the 21st) and I was immediately shocked by the lack of color and contrast. All of the outdoor scenes that should have been spectacular, were so washed out, and the close-up scenes set outdoors had so much permeating light around them, that it faded those as well. It even carried over to a lot of the indoor scenes too. You won't be seeing an award nomination for cinematography on this film. It was immediately noticeable and immediately disappointing. What a waste of time, money and man hours planting millions and millions of tulips (yes tulips, not poppies, as has often been misquoted by so many reviewers) for a brief shot of kids running through the fields, that had no impact at all. Especially since they made it look better in the previews than it was in the actual film.
I thought the performances of the two leads were both very good, and each carried just the right tone and equal match of talent. I don't believe that Jeff Goldblum or Michelle Yeoh brought anything to the film except for name recognition. Any good actor and actress could have done as good or better in my opinion. Especially Jeff Goldblum, who only knows how to be Jeff Goldblum.
The best part of a movie adaptation of a stage show or musical is being able to see the close-up acting, and that was thoroughly enjoyable and added to the impact of the story.
I feel that the studio and promotion team did a really good job at covering up the fact that it's a two-part movie and that you won't get to see the second part for another year. Really deceptive .... disgustingly so. I knew going in, because I am a detail-oriented person.
I don't buy the quote that Jon Chu felt there was just too much "vision" to fit into one film. What an obvious money grab by the producers and the studio … Hollywood greed at its worst.
You can't convince me that there wouldn't be a big enough audience that would prefer to sit for a 3 1/2 hour-version, to see one completed version of Wicked. If they can't do it in 3 1/2 hours, then forget about it.
As I mentioned, I just saw it last night, and it didn't leave me with an ounce of anticipation, for seeing the second half. Especially now knowing just how washed-out the first half looked.
Unbelievable they couldn't come close to the magical technicolor of the Wizard of Oz from 85 years ago. Guess that was a "modern, creative decision".
☮️ Steve in Dallas
This movie looks so bad but people are loving it so much. That gets me curious
Trailers can be deceiving in quality (even Minecraft could turn out okay)
@ChrisThomson-y7l now you're pushing it😅
There's no way that movie is gonna be good
Still watching it tho
@@gui4816 I said COULD, I don’t think it will (I think it will be garbage) but I used it as an example because I have seen great movies with dogshit marketing
Looks like trash