If you only see one more movie in theaters before the end of 2024, it should be Wicked. Between the larger-than-life talent, the vibrant set design, and the uniquely intricate costumes — this production excels on the big screen.
If you aren’t familiar with the story, Wicked begins at the end of The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy has melted the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) is celebrating with the munchkins of Munchkin Land. Glinda recounts how she and Elphaba (The Wicked Witch), were dear friends at one point in their lives. The film details Elphaba’s journey of finding herself, building friendships with unlikely companions, fighting for what she believes and losing loved ones because of it — to put it vaguely. The story proves that every “villain” has a backstory and not all is what it seems.
Having been lucky enough to have seen the Broadway show, it can be said with good authority that this movie definitely does that production justice. This cinematic adaptation expands upon the fanciful world of Oz in a way that only film can. Audiences are engulfed by beautiful imagery and large-scale dance numbers that can be expected in a film directed by Jon M. Chu. Fans of the Broadway production will be happy to know the film has found a way to stay mostly true to the original score, while providing a delightful artistic shake-up on favorites such as “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.”
Every role in this film is perfectly cast. No notes.
Ariana Grande’s voice is the ideal fit for the delicate and bubbly Galinda. Her knack for impressions is obvious as there are moments in the film that sound as if Kristin Chenoweth (Broadway’s Galinda) is speaking. This writer was less familiar with Erivo’s singing talents, but she nailed everything from the music to her beautifully strong portrayal of Elphaba learning to love and accept herself and her power. If you’ve seen these women interact both on film and on the press tour, there is no denying this witchy pair have the perfect chemistry. On the topic of chemistry, Jonathan Bailey exudes the ideal blend of cockiness and charisma for Prince Fiyero, while Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard is both iconic and intimidating particularly when you see his giant metal face barking orders. Michelle Yeoh is graceful and amazing as always, even while breaking our hearts, and though all we hear of Peter Dinklage is his voice, it is more than enough to make even non-animal lovers empathetic to his talking goat character, Dr. Dillamond’s plight for protecting animal rights in Oz.
The film has a lengthy 2 hour and 40 minute runtime (nearly the length of the Broadway show) so it’s no wonder this film was split into two parts. This this first film ends right where intermission lands in the show, so viewers are still treated to a powerful ending while waiting a full year to return to Oz. A large reason for the extended time in Part 1 of the film was to provide a more comprehensive look into Elphaba’s childhood and relationship to her sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), growing up, which was one of the few excellent additions made to the overall plot when compared to the stage production. Fans of the book Wicked should be aware that much like the Broadway version, it greatly differs from the original story by Gregory Maguire.
Dedicated Wicked production fans will be delightfully rewarded by a few other surprises within the film, that this writer dare not spoil here. This is a great family-friendly film to watch over the holidays. And while you will definitely be tempted to belt out the lyrics to your favorite songs, please try to remember that there’s “no place like home” to sing out loud.
