Wicked (#623)


I had the pleasure of being with my daughters for Thanksgiving and because they are moviegoers like me, we went to the movies—twice.  Our first choice was what I thought of as the most hyped, most promoted, most everything movie I ever remember being released, and it should not come as a surprise to any of you that I was totally unaware that this two hour and 40 minute film was only Part 1 of this Broadway adapted hit. WICKED was a grand spectacle and it was spectacular. Starring who I knew to be a pop singer, Ariana Grande, and a star from Broadway, the show is about things that happened before The Wizard of Oz fantasy movie of 1939. Beautifully filmed, it featured great voices singing, marvelous choreography and a story that moved right along as it should. This was one of the few Broadway shows I didn't see when we were living just outside the city, but my daughters, both of whom saw the show on Broadway more than once, said it was true to its antecedent, which is not always true in movies. I wasn't happy that the second part won't come out until next November, and it's quite possible I won't be around to see it, but this part was charming and delightful and should be seen. 89% of critics and 96% of audiences gave this film a well-deserved thumbs up.

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