Movie Review: ‘Wicked’

The first part of the adaptation of the wildly successful theatre production is itself a welcome translation to movie format and features stirring lead performances.

(L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Opening in theaters on November 22nd, ‘Wicked’ attempts the ambitious task of bringing the multiple Tony award-winning stage show to screens in two parts (the second will arrive in November next year).

Directed by Jon M. Chu, this musical (yes, it’s definitely a musical despite the trailers and TV spots typically downplaying that concept driven by the fear that audiences don’t always turn out to musical movies given advance notice), hopes to replicate the huge success of the original stage production. But can it?

Will ‘Wicked’ Be Popular?

Ariana Granda is Glinda in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

On the evidence of at least the first part, ‘Wicked’ is shaping up to stand among the better stage-to-screen musical adaptations.

A servant of two masters, ‘Wicked’ has the unenviable challenge of pleasing die-hard fans of the stage version, and to an extent, Gregory Maguire’s book “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” from which both the show and movie(s) derive their story. The movie must also introduce this concept to those who don’t know their Oz from their Elphaba. It manages both tasks adroitly.

Under the guidance of director Jon M. Chu (a man with some serious music bona fides and one other stage-to-film project via ‘In the Heights,’) this is a soaring triumph of a movie, dynamic and clever, and manages to expand on the musical in interesting ways. And though it’s certainly a long one (the first part alone runs to 160 minutes, whereas the stage version as a whole is just 150 minutes), it never feels flabby or a waste of your time.

Script and Direction

(L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba, Ariana Grande is Glinda and Director Jon M. Chu on the set of 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Winnie Holzman deserves a lot of the credit here, having distilled Maguire’s book down for the stage show and now, alongside fellow screenwriter Dana Fox, added back in more of the novel’s darker tones for the movie.

The stage show can only go so far, aiming as it does to entertain the wide swathe of people who come to see it in theatres (to the tune of $1.7 billion so far), but for the movie Holzman and Fox dig a little deeper into some very topical themes, ones that sadly keep needing to be highlighted across much of human history.

After all, the story of those in charge marginalizing people (or in the movie’s case, animals) to manipulate the general populace through fear is one we’ve heard time and again. And apparently we all do need to learn the lesson of not listening those who tell us not to think, or technologically adept shysters who exploit fear and hatred for personal gain over and over again. ‘Wicked’ says as much today about the current political and moral climate as any movie.

(Center L to R) Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), Director Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Granda (as Glinda) on the set of 'Wicked'. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Which is not to say it’s some gloomy polemic. In the hands of the writers and Chu’s direction, the film sparkles with entertainment and invention, driving the great central performances and adding to them with smart set choices and a welcome blend of practicality with digital magic.

This all feels of a piece with both the visual style established by ‘Wicked’ on stage and the original 1939 ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ while expanding and enriching the experience. Creative choreography and canny casting also help matters.

A few quibbles arise later in the film –– while earlier shots are gloriously technicolor, a certain muddiness enters the frame at certain points, and there are some moments that feel like they could better from more polished editing. Yet they don’t hurt the overall impact of the movie.

Performances

The stage show effectively launched (or at least healthily boosted) the careers of Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, and the movie needed two performers who could match their energy. It found them.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Erivo, who has stage bona fides herself, here brings nuance and heart to the story of the misunderstood young woman whose green visage is the spur for hatred among her family and mockery from her peers. She plays the role with stillness and simmering emotion when needed, exploding out at the requisite moments.

The first part of the movie is more her coming of age story –– coming of rage, more like, as she peeks behind the false curtain of misinformation being drawn over the land of Oz –– and Erivo is more than up to the task, raising goosebumps with her performance of acclaimed act one showstopper “Defying Gravity.”

Ariana Grande as Glinda

Ariana Grande is Glinda in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Grande, whose onscreen career outside of her pop star duties has been limited, truly gets a moment to shine here. She channels Chenowith’s ditzy energy (with sly undertones) but also makes the role her own, a twitchy, cheery bundle of energy and privilege who works so well against Erivo’s more grounded character.

Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard

Jeff Goldblum in 'Wicked'. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Goldblum’s own offbeat energy is a great choice for the Wizard, who has his own plans for Oz. He’s charismatic and weird, but also digs deep to find some inner darkness.

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

Michelle Yeoh is Madame Morrible in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

As Shiz University’s sorcery teacher, Yeoh brings big Hogwarts energy to the role, but also her own imperious style to the role. She may not be up there with the leads in terms of singing, but she really makes Morrible her own.

Supporting Cast

Jonathan Bailey is Fiyero Tigelaar in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

‘Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey makes for a great, charming Fiyero, the prince who catches Glinda’s eye (and Elphaba’s), and he’s got the right tone for the part. Ditto Marissa Bode as Elphaba’s sister, who loves her sibling but also harbors resentment.

Final Thoughts

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Given the two-part structure, ‘Wicked’ will ultimately be judged on how it sticks the landing after Elphaba takes to the skies at the end of this first offering.

But as a film itself, the first part is an impressive spectacle infusion with emotion and satire and stands out in the pantheon of movies take from stage shows.

‘Wicked’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.

Wicked

"Everyone deserves the chance to fly."

PG2 hr 41 minNov 22nd, 2024

Showtimes & Tickets

Elphaba, an ostracized but defiant girl born with green skin, and Glinda, a privileged aristocrat born popular, become extremely unlikely friends in the magical... Read the Plot

What’s the story of ‘Wicked’?

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths.

Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West…