Wicked

beautiful piece of queer media. i found myself holding space in the lyrics of defying gravity

Jon M. Chu once again proves his undeniable talent for creating cinematic spectacles that are both visually stunning and emotionally captivating with “Wicked.” This adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical spares no effort in transporting audiences to the enchanted land of Oz. Every detail, from the vibrant streets of Munchkinland to the opulent halls of the Emerald City, overflows with imagination and technical precision. The sets not only emulate the grandeur of the stage production but also expand the universe with an epic scale, while the lavish costumes add layers of personality to each character and setting. Meanwhile, the cinematography amplifies the immersion, using vibrant colors and evocative lighting to highlight both the magic and the melancholy moments.

One of the film’s greatest triumphs lies in its musical performances, delivered with infectious energy and meticulous choreography. Numbers like Dancing Through Life blend music, dance, and scenery to create moments that capture the essence of the stage show while embracing the fluidity cinema allows. Chu’s dynamic camera work skillfully highlights the dancers’ movements without sacrificing scale or clarity. However, it’s in more intimate scenes, like Popular, where the film truly shines—balancing humor, emotion, and visual spectacle to craft a feast for both the eyes and the heart.

At the center of this extravaganza are Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, whose performances bring Elphaba and Glinda to life in ways that honor the characters’ legacy while adding their own nuances. Erivo captures Elphaba’s vulnerability in a breathtaking way, conveying her struggle against rejection and prejudice with a depth that transcends the script. Her powerful voice pairs perfectly with her magnetic stage presence, keeping audiences glued to her every move. Grande, on the other hand, surprises by taking Glinda beyond the expected superficiality, exploring the insecurities and contradictions of her character. Together, they build a relationship that is both humorous and deeply moving, especially in quieter moments like the silent dance that solidifies their unlikely friendship.

“Wicked” excels in weaving heavy themes like oppression, authoritarianism, and discrimination into a narrative brimming with magic and fantasy. Chu boldly brings these issues to the forefront, enriching the story with a contemporary relevance that resonates with today’s audiences. These elements provide a fascinating contrast to Oz’s charming tone, inviting reflection without undermining the whimsical atmosphere. Chu’s approach skillfully balances social critique and magical storytelling, adding depth to the world while amplifying the story’s emotional reach and maintaining its timeless appeal.

The supporting cast also adds significant value to the film’s rich tapestry. Jonathan Bailey exudes charisma as Fiyero, balancing levity and charm in his performance. Michelle Yeoh is commanding as Madame Morrible, radiating a mix of maternal warmth and chilling authority, while Jeff Goldblum clearly enjoys himself as the Wizard, injecting a dose of sinister humor into the role. Peter Dinklage, meanwhile, delivers a poignant performance as Doctor Dillamond, whose journey encapsulates the fight against marginalization that runs throughout the film. These secondary characters help expand the narrative, adding texture to the world Chu so carefully constructs.

“Wicked” is a cinematic experience that demands to be seen, especially for fans of the original material. The film shines in both its intimate moments and its grand visual scale. With passionate performances, impeccable technical direction, and a world overflowing with fantasy, “Wicked” lays a solid foundation for the highly anticipated second chapter arriving in 2025. The promise of an epic conclusion, where themes and storylines will come together more intensely, keeps the magic alive in this adaptation, which manages to dazzle in every carefully crafted detail.

Amazing, amazing, amazing! Wicked is one of my favorite musicals/Broadway productions, i was hoping that this wouldn't get messed up and I was not disappointed.

For those that say it should have been done in 1 movie I feel they have never seen the play. I think splitting it up into two parts like it is when you see it on stage is perfect. Of course it's gonna be longer they adding more dialog then to the play. But great build up for part one to see the second act next year.

I hope when second act is released next year they make one long super cut available.

If you love the play watch the movie!

What can I say, it’s just as incredible, sensational, emotional, magical, etc as the play but even more so as obviously with it being 2x longer and a movie, there was more dialogue added in. And of course the set design too made the audience more emersed. But this is nothing to take away from the A+ broadway show. The casting was impeccable (might be the best casting of Glinda and Alphaba of all time), the sets were game changing, the music was immersive and heart touchingly enjoyable. And on top of all this, to know facts such as them singing live and they spent an insane amount of money to actual build Oz just puts it over the top. I don’t have 1 negative thing to say. Might be the best movie ever.

from start to finish Wicked blew me away with its heart and stunning performances. the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is just very magic and both girls play it so well. Arianda has really impressed me and shown her talents to another level in this movie.

Great film! Faithful to the stage play.
Good performances and a lot of fun.
Lighthearted and enjoyable

Magical, Amazing from beginning to end

A pitch perfect adaptation. Doesn't fix the flaws of the source material in anyway, but certainly improves on what works. Have seen it twice, can't wait to see Part 2.

(2024) Wicked bewitched me with its nostalgic charm. This musical adaptation tells the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch, as they navigate their complex friendship. I'm not typically a musical fan, but this movie's magic felt like home. The characters are wonderfully crafted, each with their own unique personality. Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba was powerful, her presence commanding the screen. Ariana Grande's Glinda sparkled, her charm and charisma shining through. The songs were memorable, and the costumes and cinematography were stunning, transporting me to a world of wonder.

First of all, this is a review of a musical. They have fallen out of favour over the years but if this is still your jam, then this is a show for you.

There are rave reviews, here is a sample of IMDb User Reviews: “I hate musicals but I loved this.” “Not my usual cup of tea but [it’s] hard to fault it.” “One of the best films of the year.” “One of the greatest musicals of all time.”

There are a flood of award nominations: 10 Oscars, 7 BAFTAs, 334 from various organizations and counting

My response is that this excels in every way. The vocals are sensational. Ariana Grande’s range soars to whistle tones. I could listen to Cynthia Erivo’s beautiful voice all day. The costumes and sets are magnificent. (They spent a dime or two on this production.) The songs resonate long after the credits roll. There are expansive musical and dance numbers. The casting and performances are stellar. There were some surprises for me: 1) I didn’t know Michelle Yeoh was in it, nor did I know she could sing, both are happy surprises. 2) Guest cameos. 3) I was surprised that this was part one >grumble grumble<. However, Part Two is scheduled for November 21, 2025. I give this film a 10 (spectacular) out of 10.