The whole animal "sub plot" is pretty essential to the overall plot ... you remove it, you remove Elphaba's character development into what she becomes.
True. The animal subplot is at the heart of the conflict with The Wizard, so it's absolutely essential. Spoiler for Part II: the lion cub that was rescued from the classroom grows up to be The Cowardly Lion (we have already met the Scarecrow and the Tin Man as well). So without the animal subplot there is no Cowardly Lion.
@@rickwiese5438please don't post spoilers. I saw a comment from someone today where are they said they're going to try to avoid spoilers for the next year because they've never seen the show. there's simply no reason to type it in a comment someone might happen upon, without even doing an actual spoiler warning like this: SPOILER ..... .... ... ... .. SPOILER HERE. please either edit or delete your comment, even if one person gets a non-spoiled experience, it will have been worth it.
12:07 I believe the reason Ariana Grande will be nominated for Supporting Actress instead of Lead Actress along with Cynthia Erivo is because when the musical came out in 2003, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were both nominated for Best Actress at the Tony awards which meant only one of them could win. Idina Menzel won, which then lead people to feel like Kristin Chenoweth was snuffed for a Tony since she was equally as deserving. Nominating Cynthia and Ariana in different categories assures they can both deservedly win their awards rather than repeating history. People still have mixed feelings about this, but I believe that is the reason for this decision.
In fairness, the animal plot is really integral to Elphaba's 3rd act turn (and it's the origin for Oz's flying monkeys). Without the culmination of that mystery she has no reason to turn against the Wizard in the finale.
I'm also not the target demo, went to see it with the wife and kids and really, really, enjoyed it. This is how people must've felt when they went to see the Wizard of Oz in theaters. Not kidding. It was that good.
This is the first movie in a very long time that I actually want to see again. It was absolutely fantastic. I laughed, I cried, I ran the gamut of emotions. Truly exceptional!
As someone who has never seen the Broadway play and not a big fan of musicals in general, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I thought both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo did a phenomenal job. Can’t wait for part two next year.
@ it was a joke I’m not delusional enough to think he would be watching a Nickelodeon show, like all jokes there’s a bit a truth because I think the younger people knew she had some comedic timing(even if it wasn’t film caliber acting) but like this wasn’t a serious comment at all dude
I just saw this movie last night with my friends, and all I can say is that it was Epic, a masterpiece, and way better than I was expecting. Bravo to both actresses and the director. This is Oscar caliber🎉🎉🎉
Ariana's acting skills are not that surprising, she has been on Broadway, if I remember correctly she was actor first on Nickelodeon and then started her career as a pop star.
no, it's the entire point in the musical too. It's literally the entire crux of the conflict. "I heard some rebel animals are giving her food and shelter!", the cowardly lion? the flying monkeys? Dr. Dilamond? c'mon y'all... 😅
@@marigolden_mariposa Definitely is. Im just saying that the book is packed with that. A whole lot more than what the musical shows. The book is quite dark and political.
I’ve seen it twice already. It’s fantastic. Proper old school musical with the modern touches. Cynthia and Ariana both deserve the best actress nom. Wouldn’t be surprised if it cleans up in the awards season
I saw both this and gladiator 2 with my girlfriend and I didn't expect to enjoy this film more but I did. She was crying by the end of the movie as well. It really was a great movie going experience.
My expectations were high, I tried to bring them down but it was impossible once the reviews came in. I’ve seen the musical several times and as a musician I find it hard to watch film musicals without being critical. Spielberg’s West Side Story did nothing for me, Cats a disaster, Les Miserables completely overdone. This film didn’t just meet my expectations they blew them right out the roof and into the stratosphere. Even if you aren’t into musicals, just go for the fun and spectacle. The people who made this film weren’t doing it for the money and it shows. Go see it. Now.
Legit some of, if not the, best orchestrations of these songs. Apparently there's even more score which I can't wait to hear in the movie, I haven't seen it yet, as there's a score album on December 6 with that music by John Powel.
John is right about the movie but wrong in criticising what category the actors are positioning for Oscars. Elphina (Cynthia Erivo) is UNDOUBTEDLY the lead character. Even if she does have slightly less screentime and dialogue than Glinda (Ariana Grande), which I honestly don't even believe is the case. It's definitely Elphiba's story and told mostly from her POV, she is the lead character/actor for sure.
Had zero interest in this movie, but I respect John for praising it when it would be easy to bash it, and I'm now mildy curious to watch it at some point, if only to see some old-school, grand-scale Hollywood filmmaking.
Yay, John! I'm glad you liked it. I really haven't liked the trailers but you are one of the fairest and most thoughtful reviewers around and I always appreciate your thoughts.
This whole thing of telling the audience to not sing along with the movie is ridiculous the only way to see Wicked up to this point was a live performance and guess what, the audience is not allowed to sing during the live performance. Everyone who has seen the show more than likely knows how to behave in a theater. Honestly as a theater brat myself I had a bigger problem not clapping after each song. I let myself applaud as soon as the big ‘To be continued’ popped up on the screen.
I can tell you that Ariana Grande is very likely playing Megara in the upcoming Hercules/Hades Disney live action. Also seems like she is campaigning to play Audrey Hepburn in a biopic.
Me and my boyfriend went to see it last night and it is perfectly phenomenal I want to see it again after Gladiator. Thank goodness we had a double feature
Just came back from seeing it. It's a film that I thought was fine during the first 30-40 minutes, i enjoyed it more when the friendship began to form, and by the third act I was really liking it. I even got a little choked up when the Wicked Witch sang Defying Gravity and only one other film has done that for me this year and that is Inside Out 2.
It’s more in my age range. Ariana Grande was a standout in her Nickelodeon days. She played the comedic relief so well even back then, it was wild how much better she’s gotten
As a former theatre kid who mostly interacts with other current and former theatre kids, all of whom have been waiting for this movie for a decade, I sometimes forget not everyone is intimately familiar with the entire plot and music of Wicked 😂
You mentioned Dune 2, I'm very happy to hear it's your favourite. I saw somenoe in a comment saying the other day that it was a classic holliwood bate and switch and listed Dune part 2 as an example of "wOkEness". I haven't seen the Dune stuff yet but honestly, I thinjk people are becoming way, too, synical for their own good.
I’m a Wicked fan, so I knew I would like it, but I haven’t felt this way about a movie in years - it blew my mind. I was also put off by Cynthia freaking out over the fan art, but I forgot about all that within the first few minutes because I was instantly captivated! And the animal subplot makes a lot more sense in act 2 and how it all ties into the Wizard of Oz 👍🏻
Loved your review John ... was almost as enjoyable as watching the movie. Nothing better than hearing someone's reactions when their expectations for something are far exceeded beyond their wildest imaginations. As far as the subplot of the animals in the film ... that will come more into play in the 2nd part ... you got a hint of what's ahead at the end of this film as it starts to become clear what the Wizard and Madame Morrible are planning in regards to having total control over everything in OZ. Now my question is ... has the film sparked your interest enough to want to try and see the stage version when you get the chance?
I am similar to John, I don't know much about Ariana Grande. I walked away being like I didnt know she was funny. Her and Cynthia did amazing. I enjoyed Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey stood out as well. My expectations were high going in and it didn't disappoint.
Loved it, Ari is for sure the MVP. Cynthia was good, there were some moments in which I didn't love some of the choices they made but overall it was good.
the animal subplot is really important to elphaba’s character arc though. that’s the driving force behind her decision to turn against the wizard at the end of the movie.
I am glad to see that it was great. I have read some brutal reviews from some reputable outlets, mainly upset over the length of the film (and that it will be a 2nd part). Some even claimed they didn't care for the acting. Because you go deep into acting, direction, cinematography, you truly review film. I really hope many of the viewers feel the same way as you. Honestly the critics surprised me as they really acted as though they did not know it had a 2nd part and eviscerated it with their reviews.
I loved this movie but I'm very afraid of how part 2 will turn out. As someone who is a fan of the musical, the 2nd half is significantly worse than the 1st half. The best musical numbers are in part 1. Part 2 is also incredibly rushed and the plot is sometimes nonsensical in order to incorporate the story of the Wizard of Oz. Here's hoping Jon M Chu is able to flesh it out a bit more and maybe even add in some rewrites to make it flow better.
My prediction is that they are going to make some changes/additions regarding the animal subplot, and Nessa's slightly problematic disability plot from the show. While the first part is very faithful to the show, I think part 2 will have more deviations and additions.
Great review John. Totally agree. Not my demographic either - lol. 62 yr old guy whose walking trip got cancelled by UK storm Bert and a trip to see Wicked filled my diary. I've seen the stage show and yes its superb but this left my jaw on the movie theatre floor! Excellent in every way. Cheers Chris
Did people forget Ariana was an actor first before starting her music career?
Lot of ppl don’t know that.
Yeah I first knew her from Victorious and Sam and Cat years before she launched her music career
Very true. People forgot she can act
Victorious wasn't John's era. He obviously isn't aware of that show.
A lot of people here aren't Victorious or Sam & Cat watchers.
The whole animal "sub plot" is pretty essential to the overall plot ... you remove it, you remove Elphaba's character development into what she becomes.
Not surprised about Ariana. She was on Broadway when she was 12. She gets it.
The animals part is important. Wasn't Cynthia's charater raised by a bear. She is connected to animals.
Grande's Cat Valentine carried Nickelodeon for like 5 years
The Animals subplot is not a subplot. Its THE plot. without it, theres no story.
True. The animal subplot is at the heart of the conflict with The Wizard, so it's absolutely essential. Spoiler for Part II: the lion cub that was rescued from the classroom grows up to be The Cowardly Lion (we have already met the Scarecrow and the Tin Man as well). So without the animal subplot there is no Cowardly Lion.
@@rickwiese5438please don't post spoilers. I saw a comment from someone today where are they said they're going to try to avoid spoilers for the next year because they've never seen the show. there's simply no reason to type it in a comment someone might happen upon, without even doing an actual spoiler warning like this:
SPOILER
.....
....
...
...
.. SPOILER HERE.
please either edit or delete your comment, even if one person gets a non-spoiled experience, it will have been worth it.
Well Ariana was an actress first.
I don't think he ever seen Sam & Cat.
The little subplot about the animals IS THE WHOLE POINT JOHN.
The entire thing you could say
And the fact that the wizard is behind it all
12:07 I believe the reason Ariana Grande will be nominated for Supporting Actress instead of Lead Actress along with Cynthia Erivo is because when the musical came out in 2003, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were both nominated for Best Actress at the Tony awards which meant only one of them could win. Idina Menzel won, which then lead people to feel like Kristin Chenoweth was snuffed for a Tony since she was equally as deserving. Nominating Cynthia and Ariana in different categories assures they can both deservedly win their awards rather than repeating history. People still have mixed feelings about this, but I believe that is the reason for this decision.
In fairness, the animal plot is really integral to Elphaba's 3rd act turn (and it's the origin for Oz's flying monkeys). Without the culmination of that mystery she has no reason to turn against the Wizard in the finale.
I'm also not the target demo, went to see it with the wife and kids and really, really, enjoyed it. This is how people must've felt when they went to see the Wizard of Oz in theaters. Not kidding. It was that good.
This is the first movie in a very long time that I actually want to see again. It was absolutely fantastic. I laughed, I cried, I ran the gamut of emotions. Truly exceptional!
As someone who has never seen the Broadway play and not a big fan of musicals in general, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I thought both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo did a phenomenal job. Can’t wait for part two next year.
Ariana Grande was an actor first
Wicked is fantastic. The last 20 minutes are euphoric
John’s never seen victorious…
he was probably 30-35 when that came out of course he didn't
@ it was a joke I’m not delusional enough to think he would be watching a Nickelodeon show, like all jokes there’s a bit a truth because I think the younger people knew she had some comedic timing(even if it wasn’t film caliber acting) but like this wasn’t a serious comment at all dude
@@jamiepennix30 so was my answer
Obviously….
I just saw this movie last night with my friends, and all I can say is that it was Epic, a masterpiece, and way better than I was expecting. Bravo to both actresses and the director. This is Oscar caliber🎉🎉🎉
The ‘subplot’ with the animals is the entire point of the story lol
And the fact that the wizard is behind the whole thing
3:50 I think a lot of people have forgotten, Ariana was an actress before being becoming a music/pop star.
Glad that somebody came away with the same take as mine. Ariana was a standout performance. I really hope she gets the Oscar for supporting actress.
Ariana's acting skills are not that surprising, she has been on Broadway, if I remember correctly she was actor first on Nickelodeon and then started her career as a pop star.
Best movie I have seen this year
The Animal rights plot is the whole point of the book, less in the musical. Im glad the film brought it back more
no, it's the entire point in the musical too. It's literally the entire crux of the conflict. "I heard some rebel animals are giving her food and shelter!", the cowardly lion? the flying monkeys? Dr. Dilamond? c'mon y'all... 😅
@@marigolden_mariposa Definitely is. Im just saying that the book is packed with that. A whole lot more than what the musical shows. The book is quite dark and political.
Has everybody forgotten Ariana Grande got her start on broadway
I’m a fan of the musical so I was always gonna enjoy this. Ppl in the genre been waiting on this movie for 20 years lol. Look like the hype is earned!
I’ve seen it twice already. It’s fantastic. Proper old school musical with the modern touches.
Cynthia and Ariana both deserve the best actress nom. Wouldn’t be surprised if it cleans up in the awards season
I saw both this and gladiator 2 with my girlfriend and I didn't expect to enjoy this film more but I did. She was crying by the end of the movie as well. It really was a great movie going experience.
I watched it last night expecting to hate it and it was one of the most magical films I've watched this year
I wasnt gonna see it but i saw a great review the other day talking about the practical sets, not all cgi, which impressed me.
The subplot of the Animals is from the book. It's important to how she acts later on. That lion cub.... think about that.
I’m sure the prince will become the Tin Man
Just got home from seeing it with my wife. It’s fantastic!
Popular. Wicked will be so popular 🎵
My expectations were high, I tried to bring them down but it was impossible once the reviews came in. I’ve seen the musical several times and as a musician I find it hard to watch film musicals without being critical. Spielberg’s West Side Story did nothing for me, Cats a disaster, Les Miserables completely overdone.
This film didn’t just meet my expectations they blew them right out the roof and into the stratosphere. Even if you aren’t into musicals, just go for the fun and spectacle. The people who made this film weren’t doing it for the money and it shows. Go see it. Now.
Legit some of, if not the, best orchestrations of these songs. Apparently there's even more score which I can't wait to hear in the movie, I haven't seen it yet, as there's a score album on December 6 with that music by John Powel.
So you could say...something has changed within you... 😊
Wicked is NOT my kind of movie, but after seeing it, I have to admit, DAMN it was GREAT!!
People forget Ariana was on Broadway first before nickelodeon and singing
That was an outstanding movie! And I too, was a bit reserved to watch it. Man, if they don't win any Oscars next year that would be a tragedy.
Wicked is what I wished Joker 2 would be!
I absolutely loved Wicked it’s the best movie of 2024. I can’t wait for part 2.
John is right about the movie but wrong in criticising what category the actors are positioning for Oscars. Elphina (Cynthia Erivo) is UNDOUBTEDLY the lead character. Even if she does have slightly less screentime and dialogue than Glinda (Ariana Grande), which I honestly don't even believe is the case. It's definitely Elphiba's story and told mostly from her POV, she is the lead character/actor for sure.
Indeed there is one lead character, not two.
I'm with you, the movie is about the Wicked Witch of the West, she's literally the titular character.
Glad u liked it, John. Makes me hopeful that more non-musical fans will give it a try and possibly enjoy it.
I’m excited to see it tomorrow night. I’m a hug wicked fan
Had zero interest in this movie, but I respect John for praising it when it would be easy to bash it, and I'm now mildy curious to watch it at some point, if only to see some old-school, grand-scale Hollywood filmmaking.
This movie has MASS appeal. It felt like an instant classic
Yay, John! I'm glad you liked it. I really haven't liked the trailers but you are one of the fairest and most thoughtful reviewers around and I always appreciate your thoughts.
It’s a tragedy John’s never seen Victorious. Ariana was an actress first
I mean sure but it’s not like she got to show off her acting shops in that
He was in his late 30s/early 40s when that aired. He wouldn’t be watching some Nickelodeon show about teen girls unless he’s on a list.
Hes like 40 why would he watch victorious lmao
For those who saw the movie, anyone else get Man of Steel vibes on that one part???
They have said they studied certain movies for that one part.
Now I have to go see this movie
I think it's safe to say that John likes the movie.
This whole thing of telling the audience to not sing along with the movie is ridiculous the only way to see Wicked up to this point was a live performance and guess what, the audience is not allowed to sing during the live performance. Everyone who has seen the show more than likely knows how to behave in a theater. Honestly as a theater brat myself I had a bigger problem not clapping after each song. I let myself applaud as soon as the big ‘To be continued’ popped up on the screen.
I can tell you that Ariana Grande is very likely playing Megara in the upcoming Hercules/Hades Disney live action. Also seems like she is campaigning to play Audrey Hepburn in a biopic.
@@daviidfdez2940 😲😲😲
Me and my boyfriend went to see it last night and it is perfectly phenomenal I want to see it again after Gladiator. Thank goodness we had a double feature
Just came back from seeing it. It's a film that I thought was fine during the first 30-40 minutes, i enjoyed it more when the friendship began to form, and by the third act I was really liking it. I even got a little choked up when the Wicked Witch sang Defying Gravity and only one other film has done that for me this year and that is Inside Out 2.
It’s more in my age range. Ariana Grande was a standout in her Nickelodeon days. She played the comedic relief so well even back then, it was wild how much better she’s gotten
The “little subplot” is the whole point of wicked. Remember this movie is just Act 1
Off topic… Haven’t you seen Wild Robot? It sounded like you were going to watch it. Please watch it if you haven’t watched it yet.
As a former theatre kid who mostly interacts with other current and former theatre kids, all of whom have been waiting for this movie for a decade, I sometimes forget not everyone is intimately familiar with the entire plot and music of Wicked 😂
Going to see this Saturday morning. I saw the musical twice and loved it.
With all the crying from Cynthia and Ariana in interviews, this movie better change my life lmao 🤣
So he didn’t know Ariana is an actual actress. Come on man, you cover entertainment
This is my 2nd favorite movie ever this year behind DUNE 2. Ariana Grande was perfect as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo surprised me as Elphaba
You mentioned Dune 2, I'm very happy to hear it's your favourite. I saw somenoe in a comment saying the other day that it was a classic holliwood bate and switch and listed Dune part 2 as an example of "wOkEness". I haven't seen the Dune stuff yet but honestly, I thinjk people are becoming way, too, synical for their own good.
Totally enjoy it in IMAX! One of the best of the years for sure. Looking forward to part two
Just got out of seeing Wicked!! Omgoodness! This was wonderful!!
As some have pointed out, Ariana was an actress before she started her music career. I’m not surprised she was a standout in it.
This film has made me a Grande fan. I'm as shocked as the next person
I’m excited for WICKED.
Not so much Gladiator..
why not both?
@zhm96 cause she has more than one brain cell
This is my cup of tea and was kinda let down.
John M Chiu also did In the Heights which I really enjoyed
You can see her comedic timing in Scream Queens by Ryan Murphy👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😎
You’re not sure if you would consider tick tick boom a musical? Bro, how?
I’m a Wicked fan, so I knew I would like it, but I haven’t felt this way about a movie in years - it blew my mind. I was also put off by Cynthia freaking out over the fan art, but I forgot about all that within the first few minutes because I was instantly captivated! And the animal subplot makes a lot more sense in act 2 and how it all ties into the Wizard of Oz 👍🏻
just got out of the movie. LOVED IT. I like and see lots of musicals but I was afraid it would be too "musically". it wasn't. I great movie.
Loved your review John ... was almost as enjoyable as watching the movie. Nothing better than hearing someone's reactions when their expectations for something are far exceeded beyond their wildest imaginations. As far as the subplot of the animals in the film ... that will come more into play in the 2nd part ... you got a hint of what's ahead at the end of this film as it starts to become clear what the Wizard and Madame Morrible are planning in regards to having total control over everything in OZ. Now my question is ... has the film sparked your interest enough to want to try and see the stage version when you get the chance?
Ariana Granda been THAT since Victorious 🤣
The subplot with the animals ends up being a huge part in the second act so all of that was a set up for later.
Glad to hear they gave the huge project to a good director and not just anyone for whatever reasons.
I am similar to John, I don't know much about Ariana Grande. I walked away being like I didnt know she was funny. Her and Cynthia did amazing. I enjoyed Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey stood out as well. My expectations were high going in and it didn't disappoint.
This was the same guy that directed Jem and the Holograms. What a bounce back.
Loved it, Ari is for sure the MVP.
Cynthia was good, there were some moments in which I didn't love some of the choices they made but overall it was good.
Ariana Grande was an actor before she was a pop star.
Yes it was as good as the play.
the animal subplot is really important to elphaba’s character arc though. that’s the driving force behind her decision to turn against the wizard at the end of the movie.
I am glad to see that it was great. I have read some brutal reviews from some reputable outlets, mainly upset over the length of the film (and that it will be a 2nd part). Some even claimed they didn't care for the acting. Because you go deep into acting, direction, cinematography, you truly review film. I really hope many of the viewers feel the same way as you. Honestly the critics surprised me as they really acted as though they did not know it had a 2nd part and eviscerated it with their reviews.
Thanks for the review, and I'm going to Wicked in New Zealand tomorrow night. I wasn't sure about going to see it, but I'm looking forward to it now
My 9 year old daughter loves Victorious and Sam and Kat. Arianas a great actress
lol does John not know how the Oscar’s work? If they’re both in the same category it’ll be harder for either of them to win. It’ll be a split vote
The Animals plot is a big deal in the book. I've seen the musical a few times and don't recall it being a major deal in that. But might be forgetting.
It was an element in the musical for sure. I think the movie just had more time to focus on it.
John at 11:02 thinking about the parody title of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping lol. love that movie.
Ariana IS supporting. it’s elphaba’s story
depends on your definition
Nah John's right theyre both leads. But I actually do think Cynthia is the heart of the film and deserves the Oscars push from the studio more
@@randyhambright6547it doesn’t. It’s a fact that Elphaba is the lead character
@@JasonJia909don’t be ridiculous
@@pepsimac lol u mad
Cool! I love you were converted. I never had desire to see this, but I love your take
I'm seeing wicked on Saturday, I can't wait
The sub-plot is directly from the book by Gregory Maguire
He’s not even seen the stage show. LOL. Part one ends at the same part as the stage show does for the interval
wasn't bad, wasn't great..the best song was "defying gravity", and the last 30 minutes was the most powerful moments
It wasn't great? Everyone has been singing high praises about this movie, what didn't you like about it?
That Ariana hook up situation if its true makes me want to support the movie.
I loved this movie but I'm very afraid of how part 2 will turn out. As someone who is a fan of the musical, the 2nd half is significantly worse than the 1st half. The best musical numbers are in part 1. Part 2 is also incredibly rushed and the plot is sometimes nonsensical in order to incorporate the story of the Wizard of Oz. Here's hoping Jon M Chu is able to flesh it out a bit more and maybe even add in some rewrites to make it flow better.
My prediction is that they are going to make some changes/additions regarding the animal subplot, and Nessa's slightly problematic disability plot from the show. While the first part is very faithful to the show, I think part 2 will have more deviations and additions.
Jon M. Chu came a long way from Jem and the Holograms.
For me it went so fast the 2;40 hrs long ,,, I could keep watching more ❤❤❤
Great review John. Totally agree. Not my demographic either - lol. 62 yr old guy whose walking trip got cancelled by UK storm Bert and a trip to see Wicked filled my diary. I've seen the stage show and yes its superb but this left my jaw on the movie theatre floor! Excellent in every way. Cheers Chris
Loved it ❤ fav sequence was “what is this feeling” 🎶
Ariana was crazy amazing! I feel like was the movie
if you watched victorious we already knew Ariana Grande could act. We watched her go from Cat season 1 to Cat season 2
Please someone make a gift of John singing Gravity. That was amazing!