At the cinema: “Wicked” music to the eyes, colors to the ears

After weeks of waiting and media buzz, the musical “Wicked” is finally arriving in theaters, promising an explosion of colors, music and emotions.

In the land of Oz, young Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) feels out of place. While his green skin is the subject of much mockery, his impressive magical powers could well allow him to meet the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) and, thus, change his destiny. Welcomed to the extraordinary university of Shiz, Elphaba will have to share the room of the exuberant and popular Galinda (Ariana Grande Butera). If their relationship is at first electric, the two young women end up slowly getting to know each other.

In 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” hit the screens. Inspired by the eponymous novel by the American author Lyman Frank Baumhe has since become a legend, as much thanks to his songs – notably the grandiose “somewhere over the rainbow” – as to his impeccable distribution. A legend repeated and supplemented time and time again on television, in books and, above all, in the famous Broadway theaters.

Debuting on New York stages in 2003, the musical comedy “Wicked” adapts the work of Gregory Maguirewhich imagined the youth of the woman who would later be called the Wicked Witch of the West. The second highest-grossing musical on Broadway, a film version was then an obvious choice. And what an adaptation! 2 hours 40 minutes of admirably entertaining songs and choreography that the audience will not soon forget.

While a second part is already planned for November 2025, “Wicked” succeeds in the delicate challenge of adapting a particularly popular show. Intelligently, he then focuses on Act 1 alone. A wise choice to be able to stretch the story and, thus, include more dialogue. The constant sequence of songs, typical of this performing art, is thus avoided in favor of a musicality more appropriate on cinema screens. And, slowly, the enchanting world of Oz and its superb settings are offered to us.

If the visual effects accumulate excessively to be able to create this universe, they participate with enthusiasm in the joyfully kitsch atmosphere of the work. Above all, it is the five-star cast that ends up charming. So yes, Jonathan Bailey et Cynthia Erivo are a good two decades too old on their characters, and Ariana Grande Butera does not manage to disappear entirely into his character, but the vibrant and pure emotion erases the few small steps aside to impress us. An experience not to be missed on the big screen, with friends or family.

“Wicked” can be seen in cinemas from December 25.

Trailer for “Wicked”

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