Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
“Wicked the First” thrilled me to the bones and deeper; it accomplished what a fine film should: stunning, innovative scenario, based on the fantastical book by Winnie Holzman and bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. Composer Stephen Schwartz delves into the depths of his creative cache and scores in “Wicked: For Good”; actors Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo (“Glinda” and “Elphaba”) in repeat roles soar as fully developed personalities, perfection and flaws intriguingly balanced until life throws an unanticipated curve ball; in an era so worth reveling in. Cinematographically, artfully, exquisitely executed; the familiar, expected and magnified. The idiosyncratic message fittingly delivered. Oz, so like today’s world is in a state of flux, mendaciously ruled by a diminished “Wizard” (Jeff Goldblum, exceeds expectations) and manipulated by “Madame Morrible” (Michelle Yeoh, a gold medalist in the untoward); a love triangle featuring the traditional and the contemporary; animal activists getting their “day in the sun”. “Water” no longer an ignoble instrument of demise.
Director Jon M. Chu with astounding adroitness answers the compelling questions of “The Wizard of Oz”: “Nessa” (Marissa Bode, Elphaba’s sister) and her ruby-diamond slippers, and their ultimate possession by “Dorothy” and the tornado that forges her future; filling in the blanks is an integral, satisfying, fun aspect of the movie. Sequels oftentimes disappoint but in rare occasions (“Godfather II”) surpass the original; “Wicked: For Good” is surprisingly adept in concluding the traumas of sugary “Glinda” and savory “Elphaba”. Their human attributes are blatantly exposed, leaving viewers’ license to judge. The animation’s dexterous enhancement of the scenario does not detract from the message: goodness is inherent in all individuals, Glinda and Elphaba are better because of their bond; there is something wildly, wickedly wonderful about “Wicked: For Good”.
FOUR STARS!!!!
Peneflix
