A little over a year ago, I sat in the Gershwin Theater here in New York, dressed in green, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Evil. It was only the second time I’d seen it live, although considering all the times I’ve replayed the soundtrack in my head, the number could almost be much higher. To say I love this musical is an understatement, so I had very, very high expectations for the long-awaited film adaptation, finally brought to the big screen by director Jon M. Chu (In the sky, crazy rich Asians).
I kept saying one thing before seeing this film: I needed to feel the same way I did when I was sitting in the Gershwin, to feel shivers of excitement run through my body at the sound of those thunderous opening notes. Well, that’s exactly what happened. After much uncertainty, I am pleased to inform you that Evil It’s a worthy film adaptation of the iconic Wizard of Oz prequel. I have my doubts about some things, of course, but this is the kind of epic, cinematic musical we so deserve.
Cynthia Erivo is perfect as Elphaba from Wicked
And the film is close to the musical
To start, it’s important to remind everyone of one important detail that most marketing leaves out: Evilas released this Friday, it is actually Wicked: Part One. Clocking in at two hours and 40 minutes, it’s only five minutes shorter than the entire theatrical production, but it only comprises the events and music of Act I. One would think that, as a result, the film will be packed with new additions. to the plot, perhaps inspired by Gregory Maguire’s original novel.
In truth, Evil is an almost perfect adaptation of the musical; Instead of adding new elements, screenwriters Winnie Holzman (who wrote the original book for the stage) and Dana Fox let the story breathe, lingering over each scene and song. Evil begins in the same way as the stage musical, albeit with a compelling twist that sets the stage for what’s to come Part Two.
Glinda (Ariana Grande), the cheerful good witch of Oz, confirms the death of the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, setting off celebrations across Munchkinland that Glinda herself seems happy to take part in. entire film, showing off his range impressively.
Of course, there is much more to the story here, and Evil then flash back in time to when Glinda met – and eventually befriended – Oz’s future nemesis at school. Chu takes her time teasing the arrival of the adult Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), giving tantalizing glimpses of her before she fully appears among the new students at Shiz University. From the moment she first appears on screen, Erivo takes full command of the roleimbuing Elphaba with steel and hope.
Often faced with ridicule and scorn because of her green skin, Elphaba has no choice but to be tough when dealing with others, as shown in her first scene with Glinda (originally known as Galinda) and the other students. However, when she is alone for her first song, the spectacular “The Wizard and I”, Erivo drops the mask of Elphaba and invites us into her most intimate thoughts and feelings. It’s exciting to watch, with this song in particular getting real applause at my screening.
Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship is Wicked’s greatest strength
Overcomes any weaker elements that arise
Elphaba has magic and the depth of her power attracts the attention of Shiz’s Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), who quickly takes the new student under her wing with promises of one day meeting the infamous Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). As Elphaba tries to master her powers and clashes with her reluctant roommate, Galinda, a darker problem involving Oz’s talking animals is brewing.
The animal story, shown most prominently through the character Doctor Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), has always been one of the weakest aspects of Evilhistory, and that remains true here. Although Elphaba’s empathy for the animals’ plight receives more prominent focus, the plot of the plot still doesn’t match up so well with the most attractive elements, such as Elphaba and Galinda’s friendship.
This relationship is EvilErivo and Grande’s beating heart brings it to life with a palpable chemistry that runs throughout the film. This is best demonstrated in the key moment of the standout musical sequence “Dancing Through Life.” With Shiz’s student body gathered for a dance instigated by charming newbie Fiyero (an incredibly dashing Jonathan Bailey), Elphaba arrives in her trademark pointed hat, only to be ridiculed by everyone around her.
Erivo holds her head high, even with tears shining in her eyes, in a defiant attitude that took my breath away. When Galinda de Grande joins her, I was totally convinced of the love between these two women.
Wicked goes out on a high
…Although it almost exaggerates
There was a lot of uncertainty about how EvilChu’s look would ultimately hold up, and while it occasionally suffers from CGI fakery, there’s no doubt that Chu’s boundless imagination served the film incredibly well, giving way to stunning sets and costumes. Evil It’s a project full of wonder and whimsy.something that is delightful to see on the big screen. The only downside to the impressive visuals has less to do with the film itself and more to do with the marketing; some of the most important moments of everything have already been revealed in trailers.
But fear not: I still felt like I, too, could defy gravity at the end of Wicked, so fascinated was I by the music, production design, and performances.
It doesn’t dampen Eviloverall impact, which transported me back to the feeling of watching the show live on Broadway. It all ends with “Defying Gravity”, arguably the most popular song in the musical. Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz previously explained that the music is one of the reasons the film is split in two. “Defying Gravity” is such an emotional moment that it needed a break. I can understand that though, to emphasize the epic song, Chu lets the sequence last much longer than necessaryalmost at the risk of diminishing its impact.
But never fear: I still felt like I, too, could defy gravity at the end of EvilI was so fascinated by the music, the production design and the performances. I could go on for much longer with all my little thoughts (what else would you expect from a huge fan like me?), but I’ll leave you with this: if you loved the original musical, you’ll have a wickedly great time with this version too.
Evil opens in theaters on Friday, November 22nd. It is 160 minutes long and is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive material.
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver stunning performances.
- It is a faithful adaptation of the original musical.
- The sets and costumes are beautiful.
- Wicked has an epic feel that is better suited for the big screen.
- “Defying Gravity” almost loses its impact in an extended sequence.