The Wasteland Reviewer

Wicked (2024) Written Review

What took so long for Hollywood to finally adapt Wicked into a cinematic musical? This revisionist tale about Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) was a successful book and then became one of the biggest Broadway musicals of all time. This was a cultural phenomenon when it arrived on stage as it made Idina Menzel into a huge star as well. This musical has made over $1.25 billion dollars in its run since 2003. The Wizard of Oz is one of the most iconic films ever to grace the silver screen so there is certainly an audience for it. After beginning pre-production back in 2017, Part One of Wicked has finally found its way to the silver screen. 

Does director John M. Chu capture the wonder and big show feel of the stage musical? Chu has been successful with movie musicals previously with In the Heights and he certainly finds that magic again with Wicked. The camera knows just how big and wondrous Oz can be and the scale of this fantasy world is captured impressively. There is certainly an over-reliance on CGI for some of the set pieces making it feel less authentic but there are plenty of practical sets and models as well. Oz comes to life so well in Chu’s adaptation and that is essential for a fantasy like Wicked. The colors are not as bright as the original The Wizard of Oz but there are plenty of vibrant and lively visuals to grab the audience’s attention. The musical numbers have both the feel and scale of a Broadway show but also leverage the film medium to craft some dynamic and engaging sequences. The production design and costuming is exquisite for sure (The Wizard’s three-piece suit is perfection…and I need it). There is plenty of charm, emotion, humor, and sense of adventure that makes this such a wonderfully engaging experience. 

Does the music translate well onto the big screen? “Defying Gravity” (the big climax to the first act of the musical and the finale to this part one) is one of the most exciting and impactful sequences in any film this year. Chu’s whole directorial prowess is on display with this big and bold performance. “No One Mourns the Wicked” sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the show with its choreography and production design. You feel like you are watching a big classical musical from the start. “The Wizard and I” fleshes out Elphaba in an effective way while giving Cynthia Erivo a chance to really shine. “What Is This Feeling?” is one of the best songs in the film with some dynamic editing and a great duo performance from Erivo and Ariana Grande. “One Short Day” is a musical number that has scale, a catchy tune, and is the perfect introduction to the Emerald City. Not every number is a certified banger but there are plenty that are (which is not surprising this musical was such a hit). Each song does engage and captures the magic of this fantastical tale.

Is the story as captivating as the music and world-building? Gregory Maguire’s book certainly presented a whole new way to look at The Wizard of Oz and Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox worked it well for the big screen as well. Elphaba is an empathetic protagonist who has been through so much and the film does such a great job of endearing her to the audience. By the time she has her big climactic coming-out sequence, we are completely sold on this new version of the tale. Glinda has quite the journey as well from self-absorbed narcissist to someone with a truly earnest connection to Elphaba. We are all about their connection and the film leaves plenty more potential for growth and conflict for Part Two. There are plenty of other engaging threads from Elphaba’s sister Nessarose to Boq from Munchkinland who is hot for Glinda to the love triangle brewing with Prince Fiyero at the center. The large subplot of the animals losing rights in Oz and the ability to speak is such an impressive addition that adds some haunting elements to the story. The book and musical were so great with their story first and this new adaptation is quite faithful. You knew this tale would be a great one…even if it is only half the story and the ending feels like quite the cliffhanger. 

Does the cast soar as well when they defy gravity? Erivo is a real star. She can balance moments of vulnerability and emotion with others where she shows her strength and confidence. There is an empathy that Erivo crafts which is essential to the audience connecting with her and her plight. But it is her voice that truly soars high and captures the imagination of the audience. Grande is a huge surprise as she is quite charming, hilarious, and delivers some top-notch physical comedy. She takes the big swing from arrogant narcissist to endearing friend so well over the course of the film. When these two get to perform together and sing, they tear the whole house down. Jonathan Bailey steals many scenes as Fiyero with his big bold performance that is at times hunky and devilishly charming and later becomes vulnerable and layered. Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum do a great job of getting the audience to connect with their unique brands of charisma but there is certainly something unexpected underneath both of their performances. Throw in a dash of Peter Dinklage…then you have quite the ensemble. 

Are you ready for Wicked: Part Two? As the credits roll and “Defy Gravity” dissipates, you will realize you have been in for such a wondrous experience. Even if the story has no real end, the CGI is too much, and the runtime is long, you will be smitten with this big screen adaptation every step of the way.  Erivo and Grande were perfect choices to fill these iconic shoes, and the music truly comes to life in your local movie theater. One year hence…we are ready.