This film is a quasi-prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Following the death of the Wicked Witch of the East, Galinda [Grande], the Witch of the West, recalls the earlier life of Elphaba [Erivo] and the trials and tribulations she went through in her earlier years. Through many song and dance acts, an emotional story begins to unfold, presenting that Elphaba has had a hard life, being born with green skin and always been separated from her father and always a step behind her little sister, who was crippled at birth. Over time, she is exposed to going to a "school of arts" where she accidentally presents to the entire school that she has sorcerer-type powers [of sort] that catches the eyes of one of the leading members of the school faculty. During this time there is a political shift against talking animals, who were professors that taught many of the students in important subjects, forcing many of these teachers to leave the school. Later, after some training in her powers she is welcomed to meet the Wizard of Oz at the Emerald City. Elphaba realizes the truth about the Wizard of Oz and begins to rebel against the norms of the society that has been played as a "perfect society."
THE GOOD - Brilliant wardrobe choices and top of the line use of blue screen and practical effects. Singing seems live and dancing performances are well choreographed. The story telling and reboot of the original “WIZARD OF OZ” movie was brilliantly thought out and put to a proper screenplay. Outstanding use of lighting and cinematography!
THE BAD - There’s lots of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) casting within the large ensemble of extras in this film. Every other cut in the film shows a diverse breed of actors from straight, to gay, to transgender, to black actors galore. There is also a showing of “group inclusion” with bullying that hits deep against the leading actress. The bullying presented is very reminiscent of today’s issues with American youths in school ending with the obvious retort of a student whose “had enough.”
POSTMORTEM - This is a spectacular film. I’m not a huge fan of theater-stage type musicals and I was actually getting ready to walk out of the movie during the first 30 minutes. But the production suddenly twisted a direction that was more enjoyable to the male audience, giving a better story line to follow, building towards a disruptive plot line that brought the original film’s plot into view and makes you rethink the prior history; the back dealings that possibly occurred before Dorothy arrived to Oz. There are some tremendous, emotional and song performances by Erivo and Grande that are sure to win them Oscars in 2025.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [4 of 5 Stars]
