When the much-anticipated Wicked movie adaptation finally hit theaters last week, fans of both the Tony Award-winning musical and The Wizard of Oz were eager to see if director Jon M. Chu’s vision could live up to expectations. After all, this film has been years in the making, delayed multiple times due to the pandemic, and split into two parts (because one film simply wasn’t enough to capture all the “defying gravity” energy). So, does Wicked soar, or does it crash-land in Munchkinland? Let’s dive into this fantastical journey back to Oz and explore whether the film is truly “Oz-car” material (pun intended, of course).
Wicked Movie Overview: A Prequel to a Classic
For those unfamiliar with Wicked, the film offers an alternative backstory to The Wizard of Oz, focusing on two witches: the green-skinned outcast Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and the perky, pink-loving Glinda (Ariana Grande). They form an unlikely friendship while studying at Shiz University, though their paths diverge as Elphaba embraces her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda rises to become the Good Witch of the North. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and adapted from the hit Broadway musical, the movie dives deep into themes of power, societal expectations, and the blurry lines between good and evil.
Jon M. Chu, best known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, takes the director’s seat in this sprawling adaptation. His knack for colorful, energetic musicals is evident throughout Wicked, which is visually stunning and packed with larger-than-life set pieces. The film certainly doesn’t shy away from spectacle, but does it deliver the same emotional impact as its stage counterpart?
Performances: Erivo and Grande Steal the Show
Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is nothing short of magical. Erivo, already an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, brings both vocal prowess and emotional depth to the role, effortlessly transforming into the misunderstood young witch. Her rendition of the iconic song “Defying Gravity” is sure to send shivers down spines and might just propel her into the Oscar conversation. With her captivating presence and raw vulnerability, Erivo embodies the complexity of Elphaba’s character arc—from misunderstood outsider to powerful sorceress.
Ariana Grande, known more for her pop stardom than her acting chops, surprises many with her turn as Glinda. Her comedic timing, along with her bright and bubbly persona, fits the role perfectly. While early skepticism surrounded her casting, Grande proves her detractors wrong by adding depth to the character, balancing Glinda’s ditzy surface with moments of genuine emotional gravitas. Their chemistry together is one of the film’s standout elements, with both actresses delivering performances that elevate the film beyond simple spectacle.
Visuals and Production: A Feast for the Eyes (Mostly)
Visually, Wicked is a dazzling experience. From the moment the camera sweeps into the vibrant and bustling world of Oz, it’s clear that Chu aimed to deliver a feast for the eyes. The landscapes—from the towering spires of the Emerald City to the whimsical halls of Shiz University—are rich in detail, making the land of Oz feel both familiar and fantastical. Chu’s use of color and space shines in scenes like Glinda’s descent in her iconic bubble and Elphaba’s first flight during “Defying Gravity.” It’s worth noting that the CGI, while mostly effective, does suffer from occasional overindulgence. At times, it feels like the filmmakers might have gone a tad overboard with the digital magic, making certain scenes feel a bit too artificial.
However, one can’t help but appreciate the sheer scale of the production design. Nathan Crowley’s work here is impressive, transforming Oz into a living, breathing world. The costumes, designed by Paul Tazewell, bring both the whimsy of Baum’s universe and a modern flair, particularly in Glinda’s extravagant gowns and Elphaba’s more grounded, earthy aesthetic.
The Music: Hits, Misses, and Nostalgia
For many, the music is the heart of Wicked, and Stephen Schwartz’s beloved score remains as powerful as ever in the film. The movie wisely retains all the iconic songs from the musical, including “Popular,” “For Good,” and, of course, “Defying Gravity.” Erivo’s performance of the latter is a highlight, and the song’s climactic moment is captured in all its goosebump-inducing glory. Grande’s “Popular” is another standout, showcasing both her comedic chops and vocal range.
However, there are moments when the musical numbers, while visually stunning, don’t quite hit the emotional mark as they do on stage. This may be due to the shift in medium; what works in a theater can sometimes feel a bit flat on screen, where the intimacy of a live performance is lost. That said, longtime fans of the musical will likely still find themselves singing along and feeling the nostalgia wash over them.
The Split into Two Films: Necessary or a Cash Grab?
One of the most controversial decisions regarding the Wicked movie was the choice to split it into two parts. While splitting films has worked for some franchises (Harry Potter and Twilight come to mind), many questioned whether Wicked truly needed to be divided. After seeing the first part, it’s hard to say if this was the right call. The pacing, at times, feels a bit slow, and there are moments when it seems like the film is padding its runtime to justify the two-part structure. However, given the scope of the story and the complexities of the relationships it explores, there’s an argument to be made that a single film might have felt rushed.
The film ends with a climactic rendition of “Defying Gravity,” which serves as a fitting conclusion to the first part. But whether audiences will be willing to wait a full year for the second half remains to be seen. The success of the two-part strategy will largely depend on how well the next installment ties everything together.
What Works and What Doesn’t: A Balanced Verdict
What works in Wicked is the sheer spectacle of it all. It’s a visually stunning film with strong performances, particularly from Erivo and Grande, and fans of the musical will find plenty to love. The music remains as enchanting as ever, and Chu’s direction brings a modern energy to the classic tale. The emotional beats, particularly in the portrayal of Elphaba’s and Glinda’s friendship, are handled with care, offering a deeper exploration of their characters than what we saw in the original Wizard of Oz.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The CGI can be a bit overwhelming at times, and the decision to split the movie into two parts leads to pacing issues that detract from the overall experience. It’s also worth noting that while the film is family-friendly, some of the darker themes and political undertones may go over the heads of younger viewers, making it a bit of an odd fit for the G-rating it received.
Final Thoughts: Wicked’s Spellbinding Start (With Room for Improvement)
Overall, Wicked (Part 1) is an ambitious adaptation that mostly succeeds in bringing the magic of the Broadway musical to the big screen. With stellar performances, particularly from Erivo and Grande, and jaw-dropping visuals, it’s an entertaining spectacle that fans of the musical won’t want to miss. That said, the film’s pacing issues and reliance on CGI may leave some viewers feeling like the magic is a bit too manufactured.
Will Wicked win over a new generation of fans and earn the accolades it clearly seeks? Only time will tell. But for now, it’s safe to say that this spellbinding journey back to Oz is off to a promising, if imperfect, start. Let’s just hope Part 2 can stick the landing.
