'Wicked' Soars in a Cinematic Masterpiece

Are people born Wicked?

Adapted from the acclaimed Broadway musical, Wicked soared into theaters in 2024. The story follows Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman born with green skin, and Glinda, a charming popular girl, who form an unlikely friendship at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. However, their friendship is put to the ultimate test when they encounter the wizard.

Wicked is a magnificent film that spurred excitement in the theater. I have seen the Broadway show and listened to its popular songs on repeat. When the day arrived to see the movie, it was an unforgettable cinematic experience that left audiences spellbound.

At the heart of this dazzling tale are the outstanding performances between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda. Both channel their character's bubbly and determined personalities. Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship is integral to Wicked, learning that you can put differences aside.

I grew up watching Grande in Victorious as the quirky Cat Valentine. I don’t know why I was skeptical, but my doubts ended upon watching Grande bring Glinda to life and witnessing her infectious energy in the song ‘Popular.’

Not only is Cynthia Erivo an amazing actress, but I had no idea she had a powerful singing voice. I felt chills during the show-stopping ‘Defying Gravity’ (which she sang live). Erivo fully embodies Elphaba, capturing her hidden depths and emotional layers with remarkable authenticity.

Wicked has a great supporting cast. Some characters could have used more fleshing out, primarily being used as comic relief. Roles will probably be expanded more in Part 2.

Let’s start with Jeff Goldblum who plays the wizard. Wicked proves that there is more to the Ian Malcolm we’ve come to know since Jurassic Park. I could watch Goldblum in more musicals because I adored his dancing and singing.

Michelle Yeoh is another talented actress, channeling Madame Morrible’s sinister actions. Credits include Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, and the voice work of Peter Dinklage. Be on the lookout for two iconic cameos.

The film’s visual effects and production design are breathtaking, crafting a vibrant and immersive world of Oz. The gleaming emerald city feels real and alive. One criticism is that the film used too much CGI in some sequences, taking me out of the film. Filmmakers claim they filmed mostly on practical sets with digital CGI added in post-production, but the CG is noticeable in some scenes.

The musical numbers are a highlight. It’s hard not to sing along, though I was humming. More songs include ‘No One Mourns the Wicked,’ ‘What Is This Feeling,’ and ‘I’m Not That Girl.’ ‘Dancing Through Life’ is a poignant and heartwarming scene.

Jon M. Chu had a lot of pressure on his shoulders, adapting a musical that’s been performed on stage since 2003. Wicked isn’t the type of film I expect the director of Crazy Rich Asians to direct, but Chu did an incredible job handling the source material. He comments that ‘Defying Gravity’ is one of the most complicated scenes he’s ever shot in his career.

Chu also introduces fresh elements, like characters and expanding scenes. By the time the film ended, I couldn’t believe it was a two-hour and forty-minute film. It felt like an hour! Some scenes could have been trimmed for time, but every moment in this film is worth it.

Take my advice and see Wicked in IMAX. Seeing Wicked brought out several audience members' inner child. I was in awe and smiling the entire time until my cheeks hurt. This is a marvelous film to introduce kids to the world of Oz.