Do you like The Wizard of Oz? Discover how the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy’s future nemesis, was born thanks to Wicked. Adapted from the musical that has been on Broadway and in the West End since the 2000s, inspired by the 1996 novel by Gregory Maguire, John M. Chu’s film hit our theaters after winning in the US. United and England.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo star as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, who become the most famous witches in the Land of Oz in this colorful, musical, family-friendly show, perfect for the holiday season. But what did the viewers think?
With an average rating of 3.8* out of 5 from 130 ratings, Wicked is John M. by Chu, slightly ahead of Sexy Dance 3D (3.7). In terms of musical comedy, the feature begins above the color purple (3.5), a version of which Cynthia Erivo played on stage, but behind Emilia Perez (4.2).
What do viewers think of “Wicked”?
“The music is very beautiful and very well integrated into the film”said Alexis B (5 of 5), highlighting what were already Wicked’s strengths before it hit theaters and talking “An extraordinary film, performed by actors who live and embody their characters from head to toe.”
“For fans of musicals, the musical scenes are quite spaced out, the plot is engaging because the characters have character and defies gravity It’s epic!”confirms Adrian M (same note). “Don’t just go there for Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo is special too.”
Two considerations are consistent with that Donatelow (the same): “Wicked” is an excellent adaptation of the Broadway legend.
Cynthia Erivo delivers a strong and populous performance, but the one who really stands out is Ariana Grande! Not seen in many movies, she plays the innocent and above all the hilarious Glinda!!!! An outstanding performance that I hope will be recognized at the awards ceremony.”
“Songs are great. Acting is very good”writing Hoshak Which, like more than a third of Internet users who posted a review, gives it the maximum score. “Difficult themes beautifully explored: difference and rejection, friendship, loyalty, values and moral strength.”
On this last point, his comment echoes that Cedric C. : “Beyond the tidy musical comedy Wicked is a stunning social and political satire. Beyond the magic, the core book wasn’t all that funny. Ultimately you have to see Wicked for its psychology, albeit surrounded by pink ribbons and green!”
“Behind the slick musical comedy, Wicked is a poignant social and political satire”
In addition to casting and music, the visual aspect is also praised: “The sets and costumes are amazingly beautiful”said Nellie d.
“There is a generosity to this film that is lacking in many current Hollywood films: real work on the set, the costumes, the direction and (obviously) the music”writing Simon R (4 out of 5) specified that he did not intend to conquer beforehand. “Great continuity with the Wizard of Oz world and quite successful casting.”
“Against all expectations I had a great time at the cinema, one of my best shows of the year”Abundantly Yannickbison511 (4.5 out of 5). “The visuals are sumptuous, the production just as sumptuous, and we have a magical time watching one of the best adaptations of a musical.”
“I have seen the musical 3 times in London and I know the work well, it is a very successful adaptation.confirms David S (same note). “The actual set, the FX, the choreography, the live singing, not playing their recorded voices, everything is perfect!”
“The film deals with universal themes that are definitely touching, without being too subtle or too obvious: the perfect balance reigns”said Lgl0 (4 out of 5), which was one of those viewers that wasn’t too excited on paper.
“There is also a very strong ability to bring the world to life. An exceptional job was done on the costumes and sets, to the point where you would believe you were there. I can only recommend that you go see this film: even if the trailer does not mislead you, the experience may be a pleasant surprise.”
“Even if the trailer doesn’t appeal to you, the experience can be a pleasant surprise”
“A big surprise for me, the movie is entertaining, very well directed and above all very funny. The music is quite nice and so are the choreographies. The female duo does a great job”admits Cool_92 (3.5 out of 5) who also admits to hating the trailer. But “It’s too long at the end”He adds to qualify one of the most controversial points.
While some claim to have seen no time pass, this is not the case for everyone. “The length of the film is very disturbing for children (2 hours 40) especially since it is only an introduction before the story really begins in the next opus (…) This film is definitely not for the little ones.”warns for example M_Queen (3 out of 5).
“If a film ends on an incomplete note and leaves the audience waiting, it does not lose its emotional impact.”Analysis in turn Kadrium (3.5 out of 5), not without regrets for the frequently touched upon themes and the sometimes caricatured writing of the characters.
“By turning yesterday’s villains into today’s heroes, Wicked challenges us to rethink our judgments, to see beyond appearances and to understand that every truth carries a social construction within it. Like the denizens of Oz, we discover that our view of the world is nothing. But a carefully preserved lie.”
VO vs VF
Even more than the length (or even the music, which some Internet users find unmemorable), the error that regularly appears is about… the French version. Unlike many musicals, this one has had its words translated (although never in France) and the result is not to everyone’s taste.
“VF ruins the vocal quality of actors/performers”That’s what he said Alexis B. “It’s a shame that the songs are dubbed in French for the French version”Regret Clementinebutera (5 out of 5).
“We can complain about translating the songs to VF for the French version, but it allows kids to follow along and even adults who don’t want to read every part sung.”Temperament Jimmy H (4.5 out of 5).
“Okay, I admit my fault: I went to see it in French, so my 3.5, I think if I had seen it in French, it could have been a 4!”statement from the beginning Ace938824 (hence, 3.5 out of 5). “Don’t go to see it in French, sometimes the lip sync was ‘ugly’ and the rhymes didn’t fit”begs Joe D (same note).
“Seen in VF, maybe better in VO”asserts Caesar Natal How and why its 2 out of 5. “If we go to see Ariana Grande, we don’t hear anyone else’s song”Finally he concludes Jean-Michel Audisier (1.5 out of 5).
“A huge disappointment for a film that had everything in place to succeed”
Another point of tension: the music. But not so much its quality as its presence, as few people discovered this aspect which was less emphasized in the promotion, in the theaters. as Gbuenu (2 of 5):
“A movie that is actually an absolutely unbearable musical comedy, no real dialogues but constant songs, so much so that people left after only 1 hour. We did the same after 2 hours!”
or Frank T (Also 2 of 5): “It’s long, very long… endless scenes, there’s singing, then screaming: it’s messy, and what’s more, it’s only the first part!” “The fantasy world of OZ logically leaves room for the medium’s vast potential, untapped here! Too bad!!!”condemns David Drews (0.5 out of 5). “Just a musical from beginning to end with insignificant lyrics and a script, really, where’s the script?”
what Ines (same note) I can’t answer you: “In summary, Wicked turns out to be an adaptation, with neither the music, nor the characters, nor the rhythm doing justice to the original work. It’s a huge disappointment for a film that still had everything to succeed.”
in short
Musical fans and newcomers alike are in heaven: Between the two lead actors, the themes, the music and the sets and costumes, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about Wicked.
Obviously not in everyone, because these qualities seem to be a flaw in others (not just those who discovered it was a musical while watching the movie).
If the length of the story and the fact that it is divided into two parts are divided, Internet users mostly agree on one thing: the French version slightly hampers the experience. So if you have a choice and are interested, this will help.
and you What do you think of Wicked?
*Remarks on Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
