I question why someone who doesn’t like musicals is reviewing Wicked. Aren’t you predisposed to not like it?
The Broadway musical has some of the same problems as the movie, a kick ass first act, followed by a dark and somewhat slow second act. As for the animals, Elphaba’s whole reason for resistance was because of the treatment of the animals. The animals shouldn’t have been a surprise. And while I don’t think the second movie is as good as the first (unnecessary added songs), I do appreciate that while the first movie is largely Elphaba’s journey, the second movie is about Glinda’s journey. And I will enjoy anything with Jonathan Bailey.
I came here to say the same thing. I tend to dismiss reviews that reveal more about the critic and their personal tastes than they do about the film being reviewed. This is one such review.
In all seriousness: That's why I put that disclosure in the review! I am perfectly comfortable admitting that that is not one of the musicals that transcended my general distaste for the genre (the last two that made the leap were LA LA LAND and ANNETTE), but I think that's also important information for the reader. If you're a lover of musicals you may well love this musical!
Fair enough. My least favorite film genre is comedy. I don't dislike all comedies, but it's very rare that I find a comedy actually funny while also offering enough of a narrative to hold my interest for the requisite 90-120 minutes.
As a trained singer (but male and a lot older than the Wicked audience) can I suggest that the songs have no spark. The music sound like art produced when you have no ideas left but have a deadline to fill. But I am not the audience for this so... well if you love it, please enjoy.
On Wicked, it's interesting - the movie struck me rather differently. I saw it as more about fate vs. free choice, with the main trio all feeling like they were doomed to a life-path they hadn't chosen because it's what their world needed, or demanded, them to be. Even the wizard had an element of that, though it's more that he committed himself to a certain narrative already and can't change it now.
SPOILERS
I was particularly interested in the Wizard's comment about how he could go out and tell the people he'd been lying to them for years and it wouldn't make a difference, because by now the belief had become foundational for them. It satisfied some need. There were definitely fascistic design choices, but that felt applicable even outside the fascism context. People had been sold a lie, but it was a lie they chose to believe in because it met some psychological drive for them. It explained why their life was going poorly (though it didn't seem to be, at least initially), and promised someone would make it better for them (though again, that's not really demonstrated in a meaningful way for me). But the belief has become the thing they cling to, and the Wizard only the vessel for it. That's the big thing whether it's playing out through fascism or something more democratic, capitalistic, whatever.
Put more bluntly, it was less about them feeling good than claiming their agency, to the extent they ever do. For me at least. I also really liked the concept that (big spoilers here) Elphaba's power comes not from her skill or privilege but from her liminality. Criminally underexplored, that was. As a movie, it really was a bit of a mess. But the concepts were interesting to me, fascinating really on a philosophical level at least, and it left me feeling the biggest compliment I can have for a work of art: I wanted to go read fanfic about it.
What movie did you see? Wicked For Good is staunchly anti fascist and pro democracy. The Wizard is a trumpian figure persecuting and imprisoning the animals to boost his own power. Elphaba is an underground guerrilla fighter for the animals. The whole premise is that the Wizard is a con man. Sound familiar? And I loved the music.
Like we have such a wide choice of popular anti fascist movies. Millions will see this movie, cheer for Elphaba, boo the wizard, and want the animals to be freed (as Glinda finally does). What are you waiting for in anti fascist popular culture? What are the other blockbuster movies that are anti fascist? Get off your tower and cheer for the downfall of the fascist wizard!
After the first movie, I really wondered how they could possibly pull off a decent second one. Haven't seen it and probably won't now, as Sonny's review gives me pause. What was the point anyway?
I was expecting to not like it. Partly because I saw the headline of Sonny's review when it came out (didn't read the review until now though).
He didn't like the first one. So I can understand that maybe Wicked just doesn't resonate w him.
For my part, thought it was great. I love well developed character arcs, and this one delivered, especially for Glinda. Went in with low expectations, walked out smiling.
I did the double feature yesterday with my die hard Wicked loving daughters. Seeing them one right after the other, the difference was stark. Sonny’s review hit every critique we named on our way home; low emotional connection, check list, boring songs, and totally floating storyline with the animals 🤷🏻♀️
"People say we can't build cathedrals, but put a Middle Ages stonemason in front of this thing and ask which makes him feel the presence of God." -@SwiftOnSecurity, on The Sphere
I encourage you to do so. It is my favorite “modern” musical with very memorable songs. I have not seen either half of the movie as I am worried I won’t like it either😊
i wish i had read your review of Wicked before i attempted to watch... i got a half hour into it, took a break, then didn't restart... i wondered if maybe i was getting to old and grumpy for "fun" movies... thanks for your work and honesty, Sonny...
My main complaint with "Wicked: Part 1" was how slooooooowly so much of the dialogue was paced, almost like the actors were waiting around for canned sitcom laughter. I felt like that sapped the energy from everything, so that the only time the actors' performances really worked was when they were singing. That said, I did think some of the big musical moments were effective, even if the style was way too over-the-top for my taste.
I have kids, so I'm sure I'll be forced to watch "Part 2" at least 5-10 times at home, and I can't say I'm looking forward to it.
I question why someone who doesn’t like musicals is reviewing Wicked. Aren’t you predisposed to not like it?
The Broadway musical has some of the same problems as the movie, a kick ass first act, followed by a dark and somewhat slow second act. As for the animals, Elphaba’s whole reason for resistance was because of the treatment of the animals. The animals shouldn’t have been a surprise. And while I don’t think the second movie is as good as the first (unnecessary added songs), I do appreciate that while the first movie is largely Elphaba’s journey, the second movie is about Glinda’s journey. And I will enjoy anything with Jonathan Bailey.
I came here to say the same thing. I tend to dismiss reviews that reveal more about the critic and their personal tastes than they do about the film being reviewed. This is one such review.
In all seriousness: That's why I put that disclosure in the review! I am perfectly comfortable admitting that that is not one of the musicals that transcended my general distaste for the genre (the last two that made the leap were LA LA LAND and ANNETTE), but I think that's also important information for the reader. If you're a lover of musicals you may well love this musical!
Fair enough. My least favorite film genre is comedy. I don't dislike all comedies, but it's very rare that I find a comedy actually funny while also offering enough of a narrative to hold my interest for the requisite 90-120 minutes.
As a trained singer (but male and a lot older than the Wicked audience) can I suggest that the songs have no spark. The music sound like art produced when you have no ideas left but have a deadline to fill. But I am not the audience for this so... well if you love it, please enjoy.
On Wicked, it's interesting - the movie struck me rather differently. I saw it as more about fate vs. free choice, with the main trio all feeling like they were doomed to a life-path they hadn't chosen because it's what their world needed, or demanded, them to be. Even the wizard had an element of that, though it's more that he committed himself to a certain narrative already and can't change it now.
SPOILERS
I was particularly interested in the Wizard's comment about how he could go out and tell the people he'd been lying to them for years and it wouldn't make a difference, because by now the belief had become foundational for them. It satisfied some need. There were definitely fascistic design choices, but that felt applicable even outside the fascism context. People had been sold a lie, but it was a lie they chose to believe in because it met some psychological drive for them. It explained why their life was going poorly (though it didn't seem to be, at least initially), and promised someone would make it better for them (though again, that's not really demonstrated in a meaningful way for me). But the belief has become the thing they cling to, and the Wizard only the vessel for it. That's the big thing whether it's playing out through fascism or something more democratic, capitalistic, whatever.
Put more bluntly, it was less about them feeling good than claiming their agency, to the extent they ever do. For me at least. I also really liked the concept that (big spoilers here) Elphaba's power comes not from her skill or privilege but from her liminality. Criminally underexplored, that was. As a movie, it really was a bit of a mess. But the concepts were interesting to me, fascinating really on a philosophical level at least, and it left me feeling the biggest compliment I can have for a work of art: I wanted to go read fanfic about it.
They were kick-ass sneakers.
Saw the stage production twice and now have seen both movies…loved them all and I liked the “animal thing”.
Um,... don’t hold back........, 🌞 sunny (?) Um, not in the least sunny. So, you’re the current Wicked Critic! Get a different job, Mr. Bunch-kin.
What movie did you see? Wicked For Good is staunchly anti fascist and pro democracy. The Wizard is a trumpian figure persecuting and imprisoning the animals to boost his own power. Elphaba is an underground guerrilla fighter for the animals. The whole premise is that the Wizard is a con man. Sound familiar? And I loved the music.
Like we have such a wide choice of popular anti fascist movies. Millions will see this movie, cheer for Elphaba, boo the wizard, and want the animals to be freed (as Glinda finally does). What are you waiting for in anti fascist popular culture? What are the other blockbuster movies that are anti fascist? Get off your tower and cheer for the downfall of the fascist wizard!
Agreeing with the politics of a movie is not enough!
I heard Sunny on that point. The way it portrayed fascism *was* ham-fisted - poorly done IMO even if I liked the message they were driving for.
After the first movie, I really wondered how they could possibly pull off a decent second one. Haven't seen it and probably won't now, as Sonny's review gives me pause. What was the point anyway?
I was expecting to not like it. Partly because I saw the headline of Sonny's review when it came out (didn't read the review until now though).
He didn't like the first one. So I can understand that maybe Wicked just doesn't resonate w him.
For my part, thought it was great. I love well developed character arcs, and this one delivered, especially for Glinda. Went in with low expectations, walked out smiling.
Well it’s going to open to at least $150M domestic this weekend, which is point enough for Universal, haha.
Loved the Sphere - $200 tickets for Postcard from Earth. We may need to take another trip for the Wizard of Oz!
I did the double feature yesterday with my die hard Wicked loving daughters. Seeing them one right after the other, the difference was stark. Sonny’s review hit every critique we named on our way home; low emotional connection, check list, boring songs, and totally floating storyline with the animals 🤷🏻♀️
"People say we can't build cathedrals, but put a Middle Ages stonemason in front of this thing and ask which makes him feel the presence of God." -@SwiftOnSecurity, on The Sphere
Just curious…have you ever seen the stage production??
I do find that many musical productions do not transfer well to film, especially if additions are made.
Nope
I encourage you to do so. It is my favorite “modern” musical with very memorable songs. I have not seen either half of the movie as I am worried I won’t like it either😊
i wish i had read your review of Wicked before i attempted to watch... i got a half hour into it, took a break, then didn't restart... i wondered if maybe i was getting to old and grumpy for "fun" movies... thanks for your work and honesty, Sonny...
Thanks much. Enjoyed the column! Can we have a category for The Bulwark Movie Club in the site's table of contents listings please?
Loved the old Wizard of Oz. Loved the Wicked books, and loved both Wicked movies too.
My main complaint with "Wicked: Part 1" was how slooooooowly so much of the dialogue was paced, almost like the actors were waiting around for canned sitcom laughter. I felt like that sapped the energy from everything, so that the only time the actors' performances really worked was when they were singing. That said, I did think some of the big musical moments were effective, even if the style was way too over-the-top for my taste.
I have kids, so I'm sure I'll be forced to watch "Part 2" at least 5-10 times at home, and I can't say I'm looking forward to it.