I’ve followed *Wicked* since 2010, so my expectations for this movie were really high! And I was completely surprised by how Jon M. Chu managed to give the story a fresh feel. Everyone involved did a wonderful job! The decision to have the actors sing live really worked out well; not a single note felt off. Bowen Yang & Bronwyn James were laugh-out-loud funny as Phannee & Shen Shen. Marissa Bode was fantastic as Nessarose, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her story in Part 2. I'm hoping they include "Wicked Witch of the East" on the soundtrack for Part 2. Ethan Slater did a great job as Boq. I’m eager to see how he becomes the Tin Man in Part 2, since that isn't shown onstage. He changes behind a cabinet, and I hope we get to witness it in Part 2. Michelle Yeoh was excellent in every scene as Madam Morrible; she really captured her wickedness! Jeff Goldblum was amazing as The Wizard! I loved the new version of The Grimmerie! The way it opened up was very striking. Jonathan Bailey was incredibly charming as Fiyero! “Dancing Through Life” had beautiful choreography, and his singing was great! It was wonderful to see how he met Elphaba in this adaptation. I'm curious to see him become the Scarecrow in Part 2. Ariana Grande was absolutely phenomenal as Glinda! She truly embodied the character! I loved her nods to previous Glindas during "Popular." Her voice was so beautiful. It’s clear she put a lot of work into the role, and I can't wait to hear her “I’m Not That Girl (Reprise)." Cynthia Erivo absolutely stole the show as Elphaba Thropp! She really poured everything she had into the character! I’m so excited to hear "No Good Deed" in Part 2; she was incredible. The cameos in One Short Day were a highlight – seeing Stephen Schwartz as The Guard & Winnie Holtzman as an Emerald City Resident was great. It was nice that they expanded Wizomania to include Kristin and Idina telling the story of The Grimmerie, and I loved that Idina performed her Elphie Battle Cry; it didn’t overshadow Cynthia's at the end. This movie was meant to be released in 2024, and I think if it had come out in 2016 or 2019, it wouldn’t have been as well done! I can’t wait for Part 2 and to see how much of *The Wizard of Oz* they incorporate. I hope we get a glimpse of Dorothy's face. 10/10 No Notes.

Source on TMDB