This movie was my Super Bowl. I got dressed up in my pink twice to go see it, and it really was just as good the second time as it was the first.

“Wicked” originated as a novel by Gregory Maguire, which was published in 1995. It was the first in a four-book series and was inspired by the “The Wizard of Oz” franchise, particularly the character of the Wicked Witch of the West. The “Wicked“ book was later adapted into a Broadway musical, and then the movie. It follows Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) through her time at Shiz University, through making friends with Glinda the Good Witch, fighting her world’s unjust system, and developing her magical powers. 

Cynthia Erivo, a musical and film star, was Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande-Butera’s Glinda. Both of them are excellent actors, with Erivo’s microexpressions truly making her performance, and Grande-Butera nailing Glinda’s tactlessness when meeting anyone who could be considered different, as well as Glinda’s evolution as she got to know Elphaba. 

For me, “What is this Feeling” was the star of the show, obviously excluding “Defying Gravity.” Grande-Butera and Erivo’s tone and expression while performing, as well as the synchronized dancing and singing from the ensemble, really did remind me of the feeling of getting to know that person who sets your teeth on edge, just by existing. It was a beautiful representation of teenage girls who are truly frenemies. I also really enjoyed “Dancing Through Life,” with Jonathan Bailey nailing his role as Fiyero and making me like him, no matter how brainless he seemed (and how many books he stepped on). 

“Defying Gravity” was beautiful, emotional, and jaw-dropping. I will never forget Cynthia Erivo belting that song upside down as she flew on her broomstick. I cried real, genuine tears. It was that incredible. It just goes to show how well both Erivo and Grande-Butera knew their characters. 

I was also absolutely in love with all of the costumes, from Glinda and Elphaba to Boq. They fit the character’s personalities so perfectly, and they did an amazing job of making who the stars of the show were clear, even in a crowd. I appreciated Glinda’s signature pink, and Elphaba’s signature black, as well as Boq’s orange and blue and Fiyero’s princely navy and gold attire.

So… even if you’re thinking “I’m Not That Girl,” you should take no less than “One Short Day,” because though this film is “Popular,” it deserves every bit of attention that it’s receiving!