How The Wicked Movie Defyed All Expections... Including Mine (Spoiler Free)

Yesterday afternoon I was able to see Wicked the day it opened, Friday, November 22nd, and the big reason why I decided to write today instead of right away is because this movie sat with me from the second the credits rolled, all through the night, and into this morning. I will talk about the finer details of this film later but for now. I loved it and here are all the reasons why.

From the moment this film begins it is beautiful, the shots, set, and costumes are so vibrant. The movie sets the stage and makes the world of OZ come alive which I am sure is done super well in the musical which I have not seen, so this movie is all I have to go off of. And if this film is all I have until I see it live and performed on stage, I have no complaints. The presentation of this movie is nothing short of fantastic in both moments of the song and as the story pushed to its next showstopping moment.

The visuals of this movie made me appreciate Jon M Chu's other musical movie "In The Heights" and I want to watch it again in the future, admitting it had a couple flaws but still looked well and had amazing music, and wanting Jon M. Chu to do other musicals. He knocked it out of the park with this and understands how to make movie musicals that don't try to outshine the stage version that came before but rather stand alongside it, and stand tall. 

I will not be touching too much on the music because I will be diving deeper into that but I can say every song, every performance works. Mostly all of the singing is great and the two leads, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo each bring powerful, standout performances, but so does the rest of the cast. Most of the songs are delights, and most of them are spectacles, for most of the movie I was speechless. The choreography was incredible, and it was filmed incredibly well and looked great, there are dynamic shots while still being able to see what is going on. The acting in moments comedic, or dramatic is almost always knocked out of the part, from the main cast and supporting, Grande and Erivo not just being the two roommates turned besties in the magical land of OZ, but rather encapsulating the roles in their own unique styles and standing out as their own performances of this beloved characters. Each player steps into the role and stands out.

The acting and singing were all done well, the songs we all know and love were adapted well and I have already been listening to the album at home. The movie has the visuals and music working hand in hand to create unforgettable moments, that are still in my mind even now. I was left thinking about this movie as I watched the credits roll and left the theater. 

There were a couple qualms I had with the movie, a moment or two, a song or two, and the movie is incredibly long. But those qualms melt away when the movie through acting and music hits gravity-defying heights in an adaptation that shows respect for the original while not being afraid to try a new thing or two. 

Wicked was never and still is not my favorite musical, but it is still a very important one. This film treats it with the importance it deserves, being a faithful adaptation. I feared this movie was not going to do well, knowing it is a part one of two, the length of the musical, and the nature of movie musicals usually making changes to try and be something more than what was on the stage. This was not, this was a good movie, a good musical movie. It keeps the balance between both and uses what makes musicals and movies great, never trying to be one over the other.

The pacing of this movie is done pretty well, there is a good amount of time for songs, not cutting even the overture for this, while giving scenes time to breathe. There are plenty of visuals and even a couple musical surprises that are super fun to see for those in the know, one of them at the very beginning being a blend of music and visuals that was nothing short of amazing The leads made these roles their own with stellar perfomances, supported by an incredible cast. The song and dance became a new example of what to do in a musical movie, the presentation breathtaking. The writing is powerful, and so is the music, this movie left me in tears at multiple points, even at some points by silent, quiet moments. I was never so glad to be wrong about something, I loved this movie, this may not be my favorite movie musical, but it is definitely in my top ten if not my top five, and be my favorite film of 2024. The musical movie I never dreamed of loving, but one I am so glad I do. 

More Then Just Popular: The Impact Of Wicked And Why It Still Defys Gravity Today

The Wicked movie is now but days away at the time of this post, reviews are sure to soon come, and the moment we have been waiting for is finally here. Advertisements, trailers playing, even ads for Xfinity, or pausing on streaming services. Advertisements, tie-ins such as popcorn buckets, food, different flavors, drinks, and merchandise are everywhere.. and yes most movies have many if not all of these things, you can chalk it up as part of advertising. This movie deserves all this and more, and here is why.

Even though I have yet to settle into a seat, watch the lights dim, and hear Elpha's tale, which is on my bucket list, listening to the music alone, looking up and looking around shows how big this musical truly is. It has been a massive hit since the days it debuted, a massive musical that has sold out houses for decades across the globe.  

This movie is a big deal because the musical is. This show explores what it means concerning the comparison of how others view you and how you view yourself. Seeing both sides of the coin from the moment the show begins, both leads often talk about being who others see them as, how they see themselves, and eventually how they see each other. This show dives into not only being more than what others see but how we choose to be seen, knowing that won't change how we are viewed. Songs such as "Popular". "What Is This Feeling?" and even "Dancing Through Life" show how some let their lives be shaped by how others feel, which changes when "Defying Gravity" brings the curtains down at the end of Act One. Refusing to live in what others see but rather shape your own story, even if that means being called a villain or being associated with something that isn't true. 

A huge song about no longer fighting for others' love but rather loving yourself, even if that means flying solo. But that is just Elpaba's story, and this show has two leads. The narrative shows Glinda go from superficial and shallow, to standing up for what's right and knowing the truth. She goes from being self-centered to caring for others, especially her beloved best friend. Though the citizens of OZ want to tell a tale about the Wicked Witch, she does her best to point them in the direction of empathy and towards the truth, from the first song. The show needs both to work but also encapsulates both sides a lead of a musical can embark on a journey. A lead either needs to want something and pursue it, or to learn a lesson and grow, Wicked has both, which is why both are on that iconic poster, one to push the plot forward and one to grow alongside it. 

 show with romance as many do have, but focuses on a different kind of love, a love between friends. A love that starts cold, and then grows into a warm but touching farewell as the pen ultimate number. This musical contains a sweeping score, memorable songs, and powerful lyrics at so many show-stopping moments. Moments the listener can admire, and others they can relate to. Moments of pure spectacles and other songs meant to empower. The songs have been covered, performed, and listened two hundreds of thousands of times over. 

Taking something familiar and flipping it on its head, flipping the script while giving it powerful ballads, I want songs and group numbers. This show is more than popular, it has now defied gravity for decades and will for years to come, never going to be brought down. 

The Wicked Starbucks Drinks And Other Wicked Based Adventures At Target

Photo Source: AOL.Com

I talked recently about Wicked merch for the upcoming movie, some I saw in the store, and a lot more I saw online. Today I ventured out, and I went to Target, looking for Wicked merch in person and for the display I saw when I was there a week ago. Wanting to see some of the merch in person as well as try the two Wicked Drinks from the Starbucks located in the Target as well. This is what I found. 

When I entered the store, the big kiosk dedicated to the movie was already torn down, only lasting about a couple weeks, it was replaced by the coming of Christmas. Even though it is early November, time and Christmas in retail stores wait for no one, thus the first hurdle presented itself before me. Now I had to search the entire store and see what gravity-defying merch I could find. 

As I wandered the store, I found multiple Lego sets, some different than I had encountered before, I found some costumes, some of those being Halloween costumes on clearance, others with the Wicked dolls. Across from the dolls was a Wicked board game which I have no idea how it plays, and next to them was a Wicked karaoke machine with a microphone. On my way through the candy aisle, I noticed Wicked Rice Krispy Treats with different packaging, and sprinkles on the treats as well. As I finished my shopping, purchasing none of these products, I knew it was time to go to Starbucks and buy the two drinks available, while in line I noticed some cool Wicked themed cups that were very well made. They were stainless steel and had some different designs, there was even a super small Wicked cup charm to collect, I was tempted to make a purchase but stayed the course.

The two drinks in question which I ordered the smallest size were Elphaba's Cold Brew and Glinda's Pink Potion, two very fitting drinks, complete with whipped cream and sprinkles, as I was purchasing them, there was even a Wicked themed Starbucks gift card that has the Emerald City on it, this movie is truly everywhere. 

When I arrived at home I sampled both drinks, let's begin with Elphaba's cold brew. This a chocolate frappuccino, with flavored whipped cream, and sprinkles. I am not a big fan of coffee but this drink could be for anyone who is, I had some sips and from an objective point of view, this is good iced coffee with a sweet flavor, just not for me. 

Next up was Glinda's Pink Poition, which when I sipped it reminded me of the mango dragonfruit refresher, and is made in a similar style to those popular drinks. This drink is bright pink unlike the green brew that I tried before it, and has sprinkles, milk, and whipped cream. I will definitely be drinking this again, this is the kind of drink I usually get from Starbucks and I loved it. I usually get drinks in this style and definitely want to order another one, So this one became a new favorite of mine, a drink I already love, combined with some musical theatre pizazz. 

That was my adventure and it ended with a great drink that I want to try again, and one I want to recommend. I saw some unique products in person and got to see the fun packaging and such even seeing some things I was not aware of, and I am sure as the movie comes closer and closer, I and many others wait with bated breath among teasers, premieres, press junkets, and more, I am sure I will come across more products and perhaps even try them, there is more Wicked content to come, so stay tuned and I hope your day is a showstopper.