'Wicked' Movie Review: A Gravity-Defying Musical Masterpiece

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Walking into the theater, I’ll be honest – I was nervous. How could any movie possibly live up to the Broadway musical that’s become a cultural phenomenon? But Wicked didn’t just meet my expectations – it blew them completely out of the water.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, Wicked tells the backstory of the witches from The Wizard of Oz – before Dorothy dropped in. We follow Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, and Glinda, the popular blonde who becomes her unexpected friend. The film explores their friendship, their challenges, and how they became the characters we know from the original story.

Wicked Movie Trailer

Wicked Movie Review: What I Did and Didn’t Like

What I loved from the first moment, this film is a visual feast. The set design and costumes are so stunning that I’m willing to bet this movie will sweep the Oscar categories for visual artistry. Every scene feels like a carefully crafted painting, bursting with color and imagination. Director Jon M. Chu has created a world of Oz that’s both familiar and totally new.

What’s brilliant is how the movie expands on the stage musical. It’s not just a carbon copy – it uses the power of film to show us Oz in ways the stage never could. The musical numbers are breathtaking, with choreography that makes you want to jump out of your seat and dance. However, I do have a few small critiques – the film is long (about 160 minutes), and some might find the pacing a bit slow in parts. But these are minor complaints in an otherwise magical experience.

The Story

The screenplay is written by Dana Fox and Winnie Holzman. Holzman was actually one of the original creators of the Broadway musical, which gives the film an authentic connection to the source material. Their approach was to expand the stage musical while staying true to its core themes, and they simply nail it.

The script balances serious moments with genuine comedy. It finds humor in the characters’ relationships and personal growth, making the serious themes more digestible. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and feels natural, avoiding the stiffness that can sometimes plague musical adaptations.

Additionally, unlike the stage musical, the film script has the freedom to expand the world of Oz. It uses cinematic techniques to show backstories, explore locations, and create a more immersive experience. The script takes advantage of the film’s ability to show, not just tell.

The Acting

Cynthia Erivo effortlessly transforms Elphaba from a character audiences might know as simply the “Wicked Witch” into a deeply human, complex individual. Her portrayal goes beyond the green skin and misunderstood reputation. She captures Elphaba’s vulnerability, intelligence, and fierce passion. Her voice is stunning, but it’s her ability to communicate deep emotion that truly makes the character come alive.

Ariana Grande’s performance as Glinda is a genuine surprise in this film. Known primarily as a pop star, she completely transforms into Glinda, bringing unexpected depth and hilarious comic timing to the role. She nails the character’s initial superficiality – the popular girl who seems totally self-absorbed. But Grande also shows Glinda’s growth, her genuine heart, and her complex friendship with Elphaba. And, her comedic moments are brilliant – she has a way of delivering lines that’s both over-the-top and completely genuine.

It’s the chemistry between Erivo and Grande that is the heart of this movie. They’re electric together, bringing depth and humor to characters we thought we already knew. Grande, in particular, is a revelation – she’s funny, charming, and steals nearly every scene she’s in. I predict both females will get a nomination for their roles here come award season. However, I think Grande has a solid chance of winning Best Supporting Actress.

Additionally, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard is perfectly weird and wonderful. Goldblum does what he does best – he brings his signature quirky, slightly off-kilter charm to the Wizard. Instead of playing a straightforward villain, he creates a complex character who’s part showman, part fraudster, and part lost soul. His natural ability to be both awkward and charismatic works perfectly for a character who’s essentially a fraudulent leader hiding behind a curtain of magical illusions.

Jonathan Bailey transforms Fiyero from a potentially one-dimensional love interest into a truly compelling character. He captures the prince’s initial carefree attitude – a young man who seems more interested in partying than anything serious. However, as the story progresses, Bailey shows Fiyero’s growing awareness and moral complexity. He brings a genuine sense of internal struggle, making his character’s choices feel authentic and meaningful. There’s a charming vulnerability beneath his confident exterior that makes Fiyero much more than just a romantic lead.

Overall Thoughts

Wicked is more than just a movie musical. It’s a celebration of friendship, acceptance, and being true to yourself. It tackles big themes like prejudice and belonging, but does so with humor, heart, and an incredible soundtrack. This isn’t just a film for Broadway fans or musical lovers. It’s a movie that will touch anyone who’s ever felt different or misunderstood. The story of Elphaba and Glinda is universal – a tale of friendship that survives despite differences, of finding your place in a world that wants to define you.

For fans of the musical, this is everything you hoped for and more. For newcomers, it’s a perfect introduction to a story that has captured hearts for years.