Warning: Spoilers for Wicked ahead!
Released on November 22, 2024, a movie version of the beloved Broadway Musical was brought to theaters. Wicked, a new movie that follows our protagonists Elphaba and Galinda as they make their way through Shiz Academy (College) and learn the true meaning of friendship. Keep reading to find out what different Montrosians think about the movie and what the final rating is!
When asked the question “Do you like Wicked,” out of 56 people, 94.6% replied yes. What’s hard to dislike about this powerful movie that has you follow an action packed and meaningful plot that takes you through the Pre-Dorothy Oz? The movie starts with the difficult childhood of Elphaba Thropp, destined to become The Wicked Witch of the West. She is constantly bullied by her munchkin peers because of her green skin.
Fast Forward to college where she is invited to attend Shiz Academy, unexpectedly. As she drops off her sister, Nessa-Rose she loses control of her emotions and performs magic. A much adored and magical teacher named Madame Morrible persuades Elphaba to stay and learn how to empower and control her magic.
As the year at Shiz gets on a roll, music numbers start to appear. 39.3% chose Defying Gravity as their favorite song. Close behind are Popular (16.1%) and What is This Feeling? (14.3% ).
These brilliant songs came from the original Broadway show of Wicked sung by Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristen Chenoweth (Galinda). 50% of the responders watched the broadway show and 32.1% of the responders say that they liked the Original Musical better. The Movie turned out to be wonderful and the casting was no exception. With Ariana Grande playing Galinda, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the acting and singing was very spectacular.
All together this movie was given the predominant vote of 5 stars! It was highly enjoyable and explored the topics of self worth, true friendship, and what’s really important. Elphaba shows courage and the realization of what’s truly important by turning down the option of being liked after a lifetime of being detested, and deciding to take the side of truth. Galinda grows up and shows us her comical side along with her self courage that is really expressive throughout the movie.
We are able to learn from each of these characters as they prove themselves worthy of being at Shiz in day to day life as well as attempting magic. We can each take something away from this movie. This movie teaches us to always choose what’s right even when the whole world is against you.
By Gabri Ottaviani ‘30, Staff Writer
30gottaviani@montroseschool.org