Universal’s Wicked has finally been released to movie reporters, who are praising director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The film’s stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, have also received rave reviews across the board, with the musical entering Oscar season as acting nominees.
Variety magazine’s Katsy Stephen praised the movie “Wicked” as a “masterpiece” and said, “Ariana Grande shines as Glinda. She lights up every moment with energy, humor, and hair flips. ” he added. Jon M. Chu breathed so much new life into the story that I can see why it needed to be a two-parter. Well worth the 20 year wait. ”
Journalist Simon Thompson marveled at the film’s spectacle, calling it “an absolutely amazing vision.” Erivo and Grande knock it out of the park. This probably won’t convert many anti-music fans, but fans of the genre and hardcore Osians (Wickherds?) will appreciate it. ”
“Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande gifted us with musical masterpieces that exceeded our expectations,” wrote Variety’s Jazz Tunkei. “Ariana and Cynthia will wow you. The production design and costumes are a visual spectacle.”
Let me be clear: I’m a fan of “Wicked.” I saw the original Broadway production starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the iconic roles of the misunderstood Elphaba and the effortlessly popular Glinda. It’s hard to forget the magic they conjured on stage. That’s why I approached Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of “Crazy Rich Asians” with cautious optimism. But 60 seconds into the opening number, “No One One Mours the Wicked,” my doubts began to fade.
Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, brings charm and wit to a character known for her playful exterior and hidden depth. The 31-year-old pop star will conduct each of Glinda’s signature numbers, including a fun rendition of “Popular.” But it’s her knack for comedic timing that makes her so memorable. Her various one-liners and spiels are one of the highlights of the film, which could earn her her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This is not the first time a pop star has successfully moved to the Dolby Theater. Years after her first nomination for Silkwood, Cher won Best Actress for Moonstruck, proving that pop stars can shine no matter where they are in the world. correct role. This is the role Grande was born to play.
The supporting actress category has long been a welcoming venue for musical performances. From Meryl Streep’s nomination for Into the Woods to Catherine Zeta-Jones’ win for Chicago, the Academy has often praised actresses who can showcase their singing talents. But Grande is in competition with several other actresses up for an Oscar this year, including Selena Gomez, who starred in the Spanish-language musical “Emilia Perez,” and Jennifer Lopez, who starred in the sports biopic “Unstoppable.” facing. Sadly, Lady Gaga’s awards hopes for Joker 2 appear to be coming amid the film’s negative reviews and poor box office success.
Along with Grande, Cynthia Erivo is a talented actress who won a Tony Award for “The Color Purple” and was nominated for an Oscar for playing Harriet Tubman in “Harriet.” Here Erivo plays Elphaba, an “evil” witch whose misunderstood nature emphasizes her longing to be accepted by those around her. Erivo brings her own inflection and depth to the role, playing a character who, despite her undeniable power, feels forever out of place in Oz. Erivo’s chances of being selected in the lead actress category may be much tougher than her co-stars due to the competitive environment. Musical performances can win Oscar gold (Jennifer Hudson’s win for Dreamgirls is a prime example), but voters don’t always support the genre, and Erivo’s fate remains It may depend on the overall award momentum for “Wicked”.
But can Wicked Part 1 secure a spot in this year’s Best Picture nomination?
The path lies in the artisan category, as technical nominations increase a film’s chances of winning Best Picture. Although it’s not a foolproof strategy, nominations for director, actors, and screenplay can help propel your musical into the top category. The screenplay category has traditionally been tough for musicals. Only one film has won in the adaptation category, 1958’s Gigi, and only four have been nominated.
The production team behind “Wicked” brings a rich Oscar pedigree to the table. Six-time nominee Nathan Crowley, known for his work on Christopher Nolan films such as The Prestige, Dunkirk and Interstellar, takes over the bright sets, creating a familiar yet reimagined Oz. Oscar-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell (West Side Story) adds to the film’s visual grandeur. Meanwhile, the makeup and hairstyling teams shine, bringing Elphaba’s vibrant green skin and Glinda’s signature blonde curls to life on the big screen.
The sound and visual effects categories could also work in “Wicked’s” favor. Musicals often have sound successes (see past winners such as “Les Misérables” and “Dreamgirls”), and “Wicked”’s expansive landscapes (such as the flying monkeys and bustling train scenes) ) presents the kind of visual spectacle that the Academy occasionally honors.
“Wicked Part 1” has no original songs, but sources have hinted that Part 2, scheduled for release in 2025, will feature a number of original songs. With a skilled team and two strong leads, “Wicked” is poised to defy Oscar gravity if its campaign aims high enough.
Check out the first reactions to “Wicked” in the post below.