A Spellbinding Spectacle That Doesn’t Quite Defy Gravity
On November 22, 2024, "Wicked" crash-landed into theaters, transforming the Broadway juggernaut into a cinematic event directed by Jon M. Chu. Starring Cynthia Erivo as the green-skinned Elphaba and Ariana Grande as the bubbly Glinda, this musical fantasy adapts the first half of the 2003 stage show, itself a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz" based on Gregory Maguire’s novel. With a $150 million budget, dazzling visuals, and powerhouse vocals, "Wicked" aims to enchant both die-hard fans and newcomers. As of March 12, 2025, it’s grossed over $733 million worldwide and snagged ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. But does this Oz odyssey soar as high as its iconic anthem "Defying Gravity," or does it stumble under its own weight? Here’s my take after diving into this emerald-hued epic.
The Tale: Friendship and Fate in Oz
"Wicked" opens with Glinda (Grande) descending into Munchkinland, announcing Elphaba’s demise to a cheering crowd, before flashing back to their college days at Shiz University. Elphaba, mocked for her verdant skin and untamed magic, clashes with the privileged, perky Galinda. Forced to room together, their rivalry blossoms into an unlikely friendship, tested by a meeting with the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and rising oppression in Oz. The film ends on a cliffhanger—mid-story, with "Wicked: For Good" slated for November 21, 2025—leaving Elphaba’s rebellion and Glinda’s transformation dangling tantalizingly out of reach.
The narrative tackles hefty themes: prejudice, power, and identity, wrapped in a whimsical Ozian shell. It’s a slow burn, spending nearly 160 minutes on setup, which pays off in emotional beats but can feel like a long broom ride to nowhere if you’re not already invested.
The Stars: Erivo and Grande Steal the Show
Cynthia Erivo is a revelation as Elphaba. Her voice—raw, soaring, and soul-shattering—turns "Defying Gravity" into a cinematic earthquake, earning every Oscar buzz it’s garnered (she’s nominated for Best Actress). She imbues Elphaba with quiet fury and vulnerability, making her ostracized witch a figure of aching relatability. Ariana Grande, meanwhile, proves doubters wrong as Glinda. Her soprano sparkles in "Popular," a pastel-hued standout, and her comedic timing—honed beyond her pop-star roots—adds fizz to every scene. Their chemistry is the film’s heartbeat, a push-pull of opposites that grounds the fantastical stakes.
The supporting cast dazzles too. Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero brings swoon-worthy charm, though he’s undercooked until Part 2, presumably. Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible oozes authority, while Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard is playfully sinister, if vocally outmatched. Bowen Yang and Ethan Slater pop in briefly, hinting at more to come.
The Craft: A Visual Feast with Flaws
Jon M. Chu, fresh off "Crazy Rich Asians," flexes his flair for spectacle. The production design (Nathan Crowley) and costumes (Paul Tazewell) are Oscar-worthy triumphs—think Emerald City spires piercing the sky and Glinda’s bubblegum-pink gowns swirling in "Popular." Alice Brooks’ cinematography sweeps through Oz with grandeur, though some post-production color tweaks veer into garish beige territory, dulling the magic. The choreography, especially in "Dancing Through Life," pulses with energy, making the 2-hour-40-minute runtime bearable when songs kick in.
Stephen Schwartz’s score—unchanged from Broadway—remains a mixed bag. "Defying Gravity" and "Popular" are undeniable bangers, but lesser numbers like "Dear Old Shiz" drag, especially with muddy sound design that buries lyrics in early scenes. Splitting the musical in two amplifies this bloat; subplots about talking animals and Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) feel like filler, begging for tighter editing.
The Highs and Lows
"Wicked" shines brightest in its leads’ performances and visual splendor. Erivo and Grande elevate every note and glance, making their bond the film’s emotional core. The "Defying Gravity" finale—Elphaba soaring above the Emerald City, cape billowing—is a goosebump-inducing peak, promising a Part 2 worth waiting for. It’s also a rare musical that justifies its big-screen leap, expanding Oz beyond stage constraints with sweeping fields and magical forests.
Yet, it’s not flawless. The pacing lumbers, especially in the first act, as it over-explains Elphaba’s backstory and Shiz’s cliques. The tonal shift from bubbly satire to dark authoritarianism (animals caged, minorities hunted) feels heavy-handed, clashing with the lighter moments. Splitting the story—unlike a standalone "The Wizard of Oz"—leaves it feeling incomplete, a gamble that won’t fully resolve until 2025. For non-fans, the hype might not match the payoff.
The Verdict: A Mixed Potion
I’d give "Wicked" a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a technical marvel and a vocal showcase, with Erivo and Grande delivering career-defining turns. For theater buffs, it’s a faithful love letter; for casual viewers, it’s a dazzling—if overlong—escape. But it doesn’t fully defy gravity. The bloat, uneven tone, and half-told tale hold it back from greatness, leaving me charmed yet restless.
Should you see it? Yes—on the biggest screen possible, ideally in Dolby Atmos, to soak in its spectacle. It’s a cultural phenomenon (those $70 million VOD sales in its first week prove it) and a testament to musical cinema’s enduring pull. Just brace for a journey that’s more marathon than sprint, and cross your fingers that "Wicked: For Good" ties it all together. For now, it’s a bewitching brew—potent, imperfect, and impossible to ignore.
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This review balances praise for the film’s strengths (performances, visuals) with critique of its pacing and structure, fitting a blog’s conversational yet analytical vibe. Let me know if you’d like tweaks!
This review balances praise for the film’s strengths (performances, visuals) with critique of its pacing and structure, fitting a blog’s conversational yet analytical vibe. Let me know if you’d like tweaks!