Fans can belt out the powerful lyrics of Defying Gravity in theaters across the country as Wicked hits the big screen now.
Reviews from critics have been overwhelming, with the majority praising the performances of lead stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
But while some reviews have said that Wicked has found “ideal form”, others have stated: “Not even close to gravity”.
The Standard’s Nick Curtis has offered his opinion on the film, rating it three out of four stars, highlighting that Jon M Chu’s “luxurious cinematic adaptation will not disappoint” but not giving it five stars for reasons including the length of the film. .
Check out what Curtis had to say here.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo at the premiere of Wicked
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What are critics saying about Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo?
Most critics agree that the two lead actresses do an excellent job portraying Elphaba, the sorceress, and her nemesis, Galinda.
The Standard’s Curtis said: “This is a visually appealing and emotional cargo vehicle thanks to the incredible vocals and acting talents of Cynthia Erivo as the green-skinned Elphaba and Ariana Grande as the beautiful Galinda.”
As the Sydney Morning Herald opined, “Cynthia Erivo gives Elphaba all the gravitas she needs without losing her sense of humor, and Ariana Grande’s Glinda is delightful.”
Digital Spy added: “The real strength of Wicked lies in the pairing of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Galinda, who excel in their iconic roles.”
What did critics say about the plot?
If you don’t know by now, Wicked is adapted from the stage musical Wicked, by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire.
The BBC was disappointed with the film’s plot. “The movie ends with a song called Defying Gravity, so it’s only fair that this is something that Wicked couldn’t achieve.
“It doesn’t take off. It doesn’t have any great jokes, surprising twists or amazing dance routines that can put you under a spell, and it’s weighed down by underdeveloped subplots and underutilized supporting characters.
Audiences unfamiliar with the stage show may struggle to understand the plot, suggests Slant, as some of the funny performances are designed specifically for loyal fans. “(He continued) long enough for the novice in the evil verses to disappear.”
ScreenRant liked the plot, praising the writers for not changing a successful formula. “Wicked is an almost perfect musical adaptation; instead of adding new elements, screenwriters Winnie Holzman (who wrote the original book for the stage) and Dana Fox let the story breathe.
Meanwhile, Variety commented: “This movie is still a lot, but gloriously so… Instead of being bloated, Wicked has found its proper form.”
The main question on our minds is whether Erivo delivers a good enough version of Defying Gravity, perhaps the most challenging song in the music.
Digital Spy thinks the song could have been better. “There are no complaints about the powerful delivery of Erivo, but the number has been too much, with many action interjections that carry an emotional punch. There is also a strange choice not to end exactly when Elphaba reaches that last note and add some additional flights that are flat.
But others seem to disagree.
USA Today wrote: “Erivo is making money off the Defying Gravity signature… (and) Grande is known as a singer – and she doesn’t disappoint in that area.
Time Out’s review stated, “The songs, especially Defying Gravity which loosens the plaster of the ceiling, tied through the vocal cords, you’d pay top dollar to hear a concert”.
Should it be divided into two parts?
No, thinks The Standard. Curtis wrote: “When Erivo or Grande hits another high note, I imagine even the super-fans want it to go forward.”
Others seem to agree. Indiewire observes, because of the many backstory and mythology of Oz in the film: “This spin on the magical story of the magical land will push the audience to read Wikipedia long and hard after completing it. The running time point is two hours and 40 minutes.
The BBC noted that it was “full of scenes where almost nothing happens at most” and, in terms of cliffhangers, “It was like being kicked out of the theater at intervals”.
