Wicked (2024) - Movie Review

Wicked - A Grand Adaptation of the Beloved Musical

Rating - 9/10

“Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”

    The long awaited film adaptation of Wicked finally brings the beloved Broadway story to the big screen, and it does so with plenty of spectacle and heart. The movie manages to capture the magic that made the stage show such a phenomenon while also carving out its own identity with lavish visuals, strong performances, and some truly powerful musical numbers.

    Cynthia Erivo absolutely shines as Elphaba. Her voice is incredible and she brings so much depth to the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West. Ariana Grande is equally strong as Glinda, leaning into the bubbly comedic energy of the role while still finding moments of vulnerability. Their chemistry together is the emotional anchor of the story, and their friendship filled with ups, downs, and ultimately heartbreak makes the film resonate beyond the songs and the fantasy trappings.

    The production design is gorgeous, giving Oz a grand and colorful dreamlike quality. The retro fantastical costumes and sweeping set pieces make the world feel alive while still grounded enough to support the darker themes of prejudice, corruption, and the nature of good and evil. The songs that fans know so well, especially Defying Gravity, hit with real force. It has the kind of showstopping energy that makes you want to applaud even in a movie theater.

    If there is a flaw, it is that the pacing can sometimes feel uneven, especially when trying to translate a sprawling stage production into film. A couple of side characters do not get as much development as they could, but the central story of Elphaba and Glinda is so strong it keeps everything glued together.

    At its core, Wicked is about friendship, power, and the danger of judging people by appearances or fear. It is funny, emotional, and dazzling to look at. While nothing will ever fully replace the experience of seeing it live on stage, this movie version is a worthy and satisfying adaptation.

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