Directed by: Jon M Chu
Written by: Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox; Based on the musical play with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman; From the novel by Gregory Maguire
Duration: 160 minutes
MPA rating: Rated PG for scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material.

Cynthia Erivo – Elphaba Thropp
Ariana Grande – Galinda Hoogland
Michelle Yeoh – Mrs. Morrible
Jonathan Bailey – Fiyero Tigelaar
Marissa Bode – Nessarose Thropp
Peter Dinklage – Doctor Dillamond
Ethan Slater – Boq Bosman
Andy Nyman – Frexspar Thropp
Jeff Goldblum – The Wizard of Oz
Bowen Yang – Pfannee
Bronwyn James – ShenShen
Courtney Mae Briggs – Mrs Thropp
Sharon D Clarke – Dulcibeer

The iconic Broadway musical Bad finally makes the transition to the big screen with the first part of a two-part film. To clarify, the theatrical stage adaptation is taken from Gregory Maguire’s original novel of the same name, a revisionist take on L. Frank Baum’s novel of the same name. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Bad inverts the classic children’s novel and offers a story from the perspective of the evil Wicked Witch of the West, also known here as Elphaba Thropp. With the monumental task of satisfying musical diehards and modern moviegoers alike, filmmaker Jon M. Chu successfully threads the needle, creating a satisfying experience that combines the whimsical energy of a live musical performance while taking advantage of the cinematic format .

One advantage of Badunlike other recent film adaptations of popular Broadway musicals, its pacing. Instead of trying to cram the whole thing full Bad In one film, Chu wisely chooses to split the play into two separate films, with the new film serving as the film Bad, part oneas the film’s opening title card indicates. The full one Bad The cinematic experience will be split into two parts, just as the original play consists of two acts. The advantage of the two-company structure makes this possible Part one to take the time and fully develop the main characters, Elphaba Thropp (Erivo) and Galinda Upland (Grande), the magicians destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The Wizard of Oz. Together with the exceptional main characters, Chu offers an incredible immersion in depicting and visualizing the whimsical, fantastic realm of Oz.

Thanks to lead performers Erivo and Grande as they defy all odds in their respective roles as Erivo and Grande, especially in the case of Grande. Erivo and Grande manage to capture the effervescence of their vibrant characters, and they handle the musical and lyrical elements with aplomb. Erivo gives Elphaba lasting dignity and strength, but she is not afraid to show Elphaba’s sadness and vulnerability. Galinda is a challenging role because she represents the comedic side of the magical duo, but Grande also provides the dramatic moments. One of the film’s most wonderfully intimate scenes shows Elphaba dancing and being ridiculed by her Shiz University classmates during a scene in the Ozdust Ballroom. It’s an important scene in which Galinda finally recognizes the trauma she inflicted on her roommate Elphaba, which ultimately sparked their ill-fated friendship. Grande holds her own with the poignant, emotional moments. Both actors share a believable chemistry with their main characters, a crucial element to the story of Bad.

All the actors in the cast disappear into their roles, except for two examples: Michelle Yeoh, as Madame Morrible; and Jeff Goldblum, as the legendary Wizard of Oz. It’s not that their acting is subpar, but their performances and dialogue lack a natural style that fits the Ozian style and world. Their performances are not bad, but sometimes break with the film’s relatively successful sense of immersion.

The acting is excellent, especially during the musical numbers. Bad is incredibly shot and looks visually stunning. Production designer Nathan Crowley does an exemplary job of fleshing out the world of Oz in great detail, conceptualizing how the intelligent animals would function as professors at Shiz University or as employees in the Ozdust Ballroom. Cinematographer Alice Brooks presents the musical numbers with a dynamic energy, while also highlighting the elaborate, practical sets in which the songs take place. The experience of Bad feels transporting and immersive. While Chu presents a world of intelligent, talking animals with computer-generated imagery, the visual effects serve to enhance the film by enhancing the story, rather than creating distractions that break immersion.

The film lasts over two and a half hours. At the same time, the subplot involving the character of Doctor Dillamond (Dinklage) plays out in an underdeveloped manner, but that is one of the aspects that suffers from the two-act structure. In all fairness, several subplots matter Part one will only bear fruit Bad part two will be released in theaters later next year. Hopefully Chu and his cast end things on a high note, because Part one set a high bar. The good news is that Bad part one ends on a note of excitement for the conclusion.