Title - Wicked
Production - Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions, SKY Studios
Starring - Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Bronwyn James
Writer - Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, Gregory Maguire
Director - John M. Chu
Release - 22 November 2024
I'll admit that when I heard Ariana Grande was cast, I had a lot of doubt as I've only known her for her singing career. But when the trailer came out, that shot where she jumped on the train, I think that kind of gave me the confidence in her.
Then I saw the movie. She was just as good, if not better, than Cynthia Erivo - whom herself was already a legit singing actor.
The movie was equally impressive. The sets were beautiful, and the costume really popped. John M. Chu really brought this movie to life.
And the way he crafter the hit song at the end, "Defying Gravity", with Erivo's Elphaba soaring in the sky, I was very moved.
I believe the story itself was already a well-written piece of art. So that was like half the battle won. But credit to Chu and his writing team, I thought as a presentation this was even better than the theatre version.
The only thing was cramming in the original cast of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth felt very extra. And because of who they were, Chu didn't just want to have a quick cameo so the entire sequence went on for way too long.
A few of the other numbers too was quite long. Probably with Chu's background as a music video director gave him that need to film the song in its entirety but also showcasing the dancing. (An interesting choice having Christopher Scott as the choreographer instead of, say, the more common Mandy Moore.)
I'm going to expect to see Wicked in multiple categories in the upcoming Acadey Awards.
No comments:
Post a Comment