I’m a lot more conflicted on this than I thought I’d end up being, because I can’t think of any time I’ve had so many problems with a movie I still wholeheartedly enjoyed. 

In short (because I’m far too tired to write the full essay on this that I want to), the color grading and lighting that everyone has been complaining about really drags the film down, especially for such an electric musical and sort-of-prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the musical sequences are hit and miss, it never feels like it warrants its lengthly runtime or that it’s a part one, and as a result ends up feeling incredibly incomplete by the time it’s over, but at the same time it soars as a musical, has some rather effective comedic and dramatic beats, and sets up an engaging story with unique history and interpretations of its preexisting characters. The sequel is still nowhere near my most anticipated movie of next year, but I won’t say I’m not at least curious how this story will wrap up. 

I can kind of see where so much praise is coming from, because it can be really exciting at its high points, but I don’t think those high points are able to save the film completely.