(Life Through the Lens - Photo Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

“No wizard that there is or was is ever gonna’ bring me down!”

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You have two options in art: make or remake. They each have their place. To “make” is to create from scratch, to be filled to bursting with original energy and enthusiasm. It is painful and soul-baring. To “remake” is to adapt, reimagine, reinstall. It is using what is there to birth what could be.

The pull to remake can keep an artist lazy and dull; it can stagnate a medium, rendering it tired and empty. The urge to make can devastate an artist by taking passionate pathways to dead ends or leaving the artist void of spark.

The road to creation is difficult — let no one tell you otherwise. If inspiration is calling, take whatever vehicle available to fruition. If you MAKE, embrace the pregnancy pains and potential disaster. If you REMAKE, take hold the charge of extended ownership, giving of yourself completely on another’s foundation.

America circa 1974: “groovy” bell bottoms and Nixon out-the-door… oh, and a meteorite crashed into Oklahoma containing an alien of unimaginable power quickly discovered then exploited by the U.S. military. How did I forget that Trivial Pursuit tidbit?

***

When the mysterious power known as Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves) was in mortal danger, lead scientist Gerald Robotnik and his granddaughter Maria attempted to aid in his rescue and disappearance. The effort was foiled, and an accidental explosion killed little Maria. To cover up the possible embarrassment, Shadow and Gerald are hidden so far away as to be forcibly forgotten.

Time passes. A blue hedgehog and his strange friends save the world a few times. Life on earth has prevailed into a period of peace… and cookouts. Then the past catches up with the present — Shadow escapes and begins to wreak a revenge-filled and insatiable havoc. The loss of Maria is a pain that demands pain in return. Sonic (Ben Schwartz) is called into action but is outmatched. Who is even behind this destruction?

Sometimes the enemy of your enemy is your friend, so… welcome to the team Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey)?! Old friends, new enemies, new friends, old enemies turned new friends, new enemies turned new friends… a little bit of everything.

Because of my oldest son, I am a big Sonic fan. His excitement is contagious! I wish everyone could see the pure joy he emits when in Sonic’s presence. Let’s just say, “Sonic 3” is a big win to that aficionado! It has gained his seal of approval.

As the previous movies have shown, director Jeff Fowler can balance material and moments. He sculpts the universe well while still enjoying the ride. The writing by Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington gives worthy fan service and continues the creative comedy.

Schwartz is fun as Sonic yet again. James Marsden is a fantastic straight man for the wildness as Tom. Reeves is great as newcomer Shadow delivering the right amount of angst and anger. But, come on, this is Jim Carrey’s movie; his comedic genius is again on display. His untamable energy is liberating! This franchise hit gold when it unleashed Carrey. It hit platinum when it let him play two characters simultaneously!

As long as Robotnik is driving, the Sonic-verse can extend forever as far as I’m concerned!

REPORT CARD: “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.”

Assessment: Sonic and Robotnik continue to delight

***

Yeah, sure, the Wicked Witch is dead. But who is the Wicked Witch, besides the current puddle that sits before you, soaking your Nikes.

It all started when the governor’s wife had an affair with a traveling salesman; stop me if you’ve heard this one. As if the affair wasn’t bad enough, the affair created a child named Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). That child had green skin and not, like, subtle green either. Like neon green. The highly visible green made her an outcast right away, even from her own family. Tack on a hyper-strong magic that Elphaba cannot control, and you’ve got quite a social pariah a-brewin’.

When Elphaba’s younger sister goes to university, Elphaba escorts her and is quickly overwhelmed by the spirited yet studious atmosphere of Shiz University. It is a place for everyone to belong (especially if that person contains unmatched magical potential). Although her dad would never allow her to pursue her own happiness and fulfillment, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), Shiz’s own dean of sorcery studies, spots her and instantly recognizes the possibilities. Game recognizes game, you know? Pull a few strings, and Elphaba now attends Shiz.

The last-second change in enrollment forces Elphaba to room with campus queen Galinda (Ariana Grande), who was promised her own room. Not a good start to this relationship! One is prissy and particular (not to mention “popular!”) while the other is miscolored and opinionated. After a few songs, though, we a’ight.

In a world where magic is fading, what’s left is held in high regard… or is it? The more you dig, the more life feels manipulated and stunted. Even the animals are forbidden from speaking now! When a chance is presented to Elphaba to meet the great Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), who can grant any wish, all she can think of now is reinstating the basic freedom stolen from the animals.

Facades are made to fade. Reputations crumble in the face of reality. When you allow them to, that is.

The hype — oh my, the hype! The beloved Broadway musical has now made it to Hollywood. As someone with no connection to the play, I am not blown away. It is certainly a strong musical, but I am not seeing much more than that.

Director Jon M. Chu does OK, embracing some of the magic while getting lost in the rest. The screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox is faithful to the play but lacking in character development; a movie could merit more. The music by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz is hit-or-miss for me — some songs are forgettable while others are sensational. The cinematography by Alice Brooks, along with the art direction by Jordana Finkel, has real beauty. The production design by Nathan Crowley, although lauded for its practicality, gets quieted at times by unnecessary CGI. The costume design by Paul Tazewell is a surefire Oscar favorite.

Erivo is spectacular; her acting is good enough, but her voice is breathtaking. I felt Grande’s performance was lacking; next to Erivo, she comes off ordinary. Erivo should be Oscar-nominated, but Grande seems a stretch.

Apart from the theatrical, its theme of fighting oppressive systems is biting. That last scene and song… wow.

REPORT CARD: “Wicked.”

Assessment: Through the hype lives a decent movie.