Wicked doesn’t just defy gravity – it also defies some seriously high expectations. As a long-time fan of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s Tony-winning musical, I had my reservations about the film adaptation. But under the direction of Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights filmmaker Jon M. Chu, Wicked emerges as a visually stunning, emotionally resonant cinematic experience that perfectly captures what fans love about the Broadway show.
The casting of Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba was a daring choice, but both actresses deliver performances that are nothing short of spectacular. Grande brings a unique, zany charm to Glinda, while Erivo, in her portrayal of Elphaba, offers a depth and vulnerability that surpasses even my highest expectations. Both stars shine in their roles, making them the ideal Elphaba and Glinda for today’s audience – no small feat given the legendary performances of Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel in the original Broadway production.
When early glimpses of the film raised concerns about over-reliance on CGI, I was pleased to find that Wicked feels as tangible and immersive on screen as it does on stage. The set designs are intricately detailed and enhance the choreography, especially in show-stopping numbers like “Dancing Through Life” and “Popular.” In these sequences, the film truly captures the joy of seeing Wicked live – from the acrobatic movements in rotating bookshelves to Jonathan Bailey’s charismatic performance as Fiyero. The ensemble works together seamlessly, their energy radiating through every frame.
One of the film’s early moments, “The Wizard and I,” solidified Erivo as the perfect Elphaba. Her emotional performance and powerful vocals immediately make it clear that she’s destined to leave an indelible mark on this iconic role. The choreography in “Dancing Through Life” is another triumph, exuding joy and capturing the essence of the stage production in a way that made me think: This movie gets it.
In true Wicked fashion, the large ensemble numbers are where the film truly excels. Choreographer Christopher Scott, in collaboration with production designer Nathan Crowley, brings the world of Wicked to life with dazzling visuals. Director Jon M. Chu, known for his flair for cinematic opulence, blends these elements with effortless style.
The iconic “Popular” number, in which Glinda coaches Elphaba on how to be, well, popular, is a visual feast. The absurdly pink set mirrors Glinda’s bubbly personality, with Grande delivering hilarious physical comedy that makes the number one of the film’s highlights. She channels a Muppet-like energy, balancing silliness with poise, and truly makes the character her own.
Grande’s portrayal of Glinda strikes a balance of elegance and outlandishness that makes her a standout. Her operatic vibrato paired with her comedic timing brings a new energy to the character, while still honoring the essence of Glinda as the charming, flawed, and endearing character we know and love. Despite her prominence, Grande never overshadows Erivo, and their scenes together – especially in the film’s emotional third act – are nothing short of electrifying.
Erivo’s Elphaba is a revelation. Her rendition of “Defying Gravity” is transcendent, turning the song into an anthem of empowerment and resistance. The raw emotion and vocal power she delivers elevate the character to new heights, making her performance one of the most stirring moments in musical film history. This is Elphaba at her most heroic – a figure who will stand against the forces of evil, no matter the personal cost.
While the film is largely successful in its visual storytelling, there are a few hiccups. Some of the CGI animal characters, like Dr. Dillamond (played by Peter Dinklage), fall into the uncanny valley, making them less convincing than their stage counterparts. The animalistic designs, which work well on stage, lose some of their impact when rendered digitally. Likewise, a few of the scenes, such as the Shiz courtyard, feel strangely muted in terms of color, failing to capture the vibrant fantastical nature we expect from an Ozian setting.
That said, these are relatively minor flaws in an otherwise brilliant adaptation. The film remains a faithful translation of the beloved musical, and some surprising moments – including a cameo that elicited cheers from the audience – help elevate it. At two hours and forty minutes, Wicked is a lengthy film, but it never drags. The dialogue remains sharp, the music soars, and the emotional beats land with genuine power.
Both Grande and Erivo are unforgettable, and their performances will undoubtedly be remembered as some of the most iconic portrayals in movie musical history. If the film’s success continues, these two stars will forever be associated with these legendary roles. The movie may only cover the first act of the Wicked story (with the second part due in theaters next year), but it leaves audiences eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Verdict: Wicked is a magical, emotionally powerful adaptation of a beloved musical. With stellar performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, it brings new life to the classic story of Elphaba and Glinda. Director Jon M. Chu successfully translates the stage production to the screen while staying true to its essence, creating a film that will stand as a benchmark for future musical adaptations. If you’re a fan of the musical or simply love a beautifully told story, Wicked is a must-see.
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