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If you’re unfamiliar with the plot of Broadway stunner, Wicked, fear not, director Jon M. Chu’s (Crazy Rich Asians) big screen adaptation is a splashy note-for-note faithful interpretation of the acclaimed musical. If your gateway is Gregory Macguire’s book by the same name, however, expect more committment to the musical’s book than his source material.

Wicked, a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, tells the backstory of the classic’s central villian Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West and it’s symbol of goodness, Glinda the Good Witch of the South. It’s story opens with a Glinda arriving in Munchkinland in a glimmering bubble. To confirm for the citzenry that the witch is dead. It’s a majestic start complete with a spectacular ensemble number. 

Under Chu’s stewardship OZ comes to sparkling life. There are recognizable set pieces as well as a more expansive look at the land of OZ.  The film adaptation retains the “PG” light touch by inferring much more than showing the darkness decending upon the land. Cynthia Erivio and Ariana Grande-Butera are hands down a triumph as the film’s Elphaba and Glinda. Both their vocals and dramatic interpretation of the characters distinguish their performances previous iterations. In this meticulously built world the duo lead their talent-packed ensemble to create one of the best film-adaptation of a stage production ever. Wicked offers plenty for those longing for bright and colorful escapism. You’ll laugh, gasp, and be amazed at each cinematic success (perhaps enough to forgive its varied visual effects shortfalls). 

The narrative leans heavily on its cast for its emotional peaks and valleys and they than more ably respond. Christopher Scott’s propulsive choreography delivers again and again. Erivo’s blend of stoicism and defensive boldness aid a growing necessary edge. While Grande’s pitch perfect switches between self-absorption, ambition, and perky benevolence adds the bounce and flair. Each balancing out the other in a delightful chemistry. But Holzman and Fox’ decision to add only hints of the novel’s deeper themes, and darker direction, expose a script that fails to fully serve the narrative underpining all the visual pizzazz.

Every shallow plot point and thin (secondary) character development between musical numbers turns into glaring oversight in the spotlight of Wicked’s exhaustive runtime. So. if you were hoping that 2 hours 40 minutes – and cutting the story into two films – meant more (extremely important) parts of Macguire’s Wicked would find its way into the screenplay, well then you’ll likely come away disappointed. Perhaps the second half of this story coming November of 2025 will fill in those gaps. But despite this missed opportunity hindering Wicked from truly defying gravity, its technical prowess behind and in front of the camera are worth a watch. Chu’s sprawling production brings this origin story to life such verve and vibrancy your inner song-and-dance loving kid will not leave dissatisfied.

Wicked opens in theaters Friday, November 22.

♦♦

Director: Jon M. Chu

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum

Synopsis: Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.

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Kriss said the Insanity Check is back and well, there’s now 2 in less than a week. Because…podcasting is cheaper than therapy.  Dpalm got tricked into joinig into the mess. Enjoy

Kriss is has moved over to BlueSky, same handle as Twitter: Insanityreport.bksy.social

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Tennessee stinks, yeah I said it

Mike Tyson is damn near 60

You can see the bigotry at fights these days

Remember old Twitter? It’s Blue Sky now, keep up

Eat shit Brian Kelly

How dare you believe in the Falcons, you should know better

Guest: Kriss – @InsanityReport – MTR Network

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There’s only one thing that would bring Kriss and the Insanity Check back from podcast retirement and that’s the absolutely insanity that is the spitefulness, dumbness and racism that would elect Trump a second time…giving him not only the popular vote but the Senate and House. All because of racism, sexism and the fact that the average American has the thought process & attention span of a 15 year old on TikTok. 

Ro and Brandon join Kriss as they talk about the complete stupidity of the “American People” when it comes to not understanding their own finances, how the economy works and why Trump’s initial picks for coveted cabinet positions are even worse than the first term. 

The one moment of Zen/happiness is The Onion completing the troll of Alex Jones and buying InfoWars in auction. 

This is cheaper than therapy so the Insanity Check will be coming back on a more regular frequency (TBD). No premium content. No donations. No notes. Just 

Kriss is moving over to BlueSky, same handle as Twitter: Insanityreport.bksy.social

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LeBron setting records at 40

The universe needs Mike Tyson to put a quick end to Jake Paul

Thanks Tennessee for reminding me how much I hate your football team

CFB Playoff discussion is just killing time, but it’s kinda fun!

The Cowboys are hilarious

Guest: Felder – Felder on BlueSky – It’s Felder – HITDPod Shop

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Where in DPalm and Ro take turns trying to convice each other what should be the next series to breakdown and dig into on Super Tuesday Recap. Come for a few lingering thoughts on Agatha All Along and stay to see which shows they can convince the other to add to their watchlist on: Next on Super Tuesday Recap …Maybe.

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Dad Corner brought to you by the evolution of Halloween

I hope Florida keeps Sun Belt Billy for 45 years

Carson Beck is fine, stop asking questions

The playoff is dumb and bad and also good and fine

Soon to be 10-Windiana!

Object permanence is hard to overcome

Remember when LSU/Bama used to matter?

Guest: Felder – It’s Felder – HITDPod Store

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Ro and Dpalm are back discussing the final three episodes of new Disney+ show Agatha All Along S1: Death’s Hand in Mine/ Follow Me My Friend; To Glory at the End / Maiden Mother Crone. 

When the answers have been in front of your face the entire time, and yet you’re still locked-in right til the end, that’s when you know you’ve truly been entertained.  Come for the episode(s) breakdown and stay as we dig in to the meta-narrative playing out in this wickedly crafted storyline in this second episode (of three): End of ‘the Magician’s’ Road…

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Happy Anniversary!

Cam is back, and we’re still friends after UGA did that to Texas…Mostly

People need consequences, and I for one celebrate Jason Kelce

Football weather is a lie

Florida Hate Week ended properly, eventually

FSU, WYD

Jayden Daniels brought new life to DC

LOL Saints

Guest: Cameron Hawkins – @CeeHawk – Uncrowned presented by Yahoo

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Award winning podcaster slums it on a Felder Friday

Get these dad fits off

I’m back in on Bron and Lil’ Bron

Let’s hear it for your 4-1 Columbia Lions!

Remember those few minutes when Texas thought they had a chance?

Hitting people IS a strategy

What if Vandy beats Texas?

More football numerology

Guest: Felder – @InTheBleachers – HITDPod Etsy Store 

Joel D. Anderson – @byjoelanderson

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