WICKED Part I-Smoke and Mirrors Lacking Heart

The highly anticipated (and overly hyped) film adaption of the Broadway smash hit, WICKED is a long and winding let down. Having seen and loved the original cast starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Kenoweth my expectations may have been over the rainbow but even so, the movie was all razzle dazzle and sorely missing a heart. What the film does have is a shining talent in the lead role of the wicked witch, Elphaba, Cynthia Erivo, the Tony, Grammy, Golden Globe Award winner and two time Oscar nominee. Erivc's heavenly singing voice kept the overburdened and underwhelming film aloft. Arianna Grande wasn't bad as the good witch Glinda. She did an admirable job with her sweet soprano singing voice and comely appeal. However, Grande's stature in the film was made diminutive by Erivo's gargantuan talents despite both women sharing the same petite 5'1" stature. I'm surprised Grande didn't turn green with envy. The intense kaleidoscope cinematography became blindingly distracting and the perpetual large choreographed numbers morphed into one another feels sluggish and redundant. Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of OZ and Michelle Yeah as Madame Morrible were electrifying except when called on to sing or dance as needed. But, my main quibble with this ambitious and amiable film is the same lament as the Tin Man's, it lacked a heart to the story. The budding empathy of Glinda and the anguish of Elphaba felt hollow. The persecution of the talking animals did not resonate in the film as it did on stage. Peter Dinkledge as the anthropomorphic professor was resplendent and hopefully Part II will reignite his role. Casting Menzel and Chenowith in the film was fun but contributed to the film being seen as a pale comparison. Still, the astronomical cost difference between its Broadway show and movie ticket makes WICKED: Part I much more accessible. Before you're off to see the witches on the big screen, and for those who have a brain, remember the strength of a well-told story must always be at its core. Anyhow, that's how I like them apples. But, if you care to see Erivo defying the weight of this overly stuffed film adaptation, you won't be disappointed. I feel the movie lacks any real emotional power. I advise you not to pay attention to all the fanfare behind the curtain. Soon, WICKED Part I will be released to home viewing and there's no place like home for the place to be to see it.