Wicked (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

My Take – Nostalgia cinema is indeed here to stay. While last year saw Wonka (2023), the origin story of Willy Wonka, a central character in the 1964 Roald Dahl novel, made particularly famous by Gene Wilder‘s portrayal in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), turn out to be a major critical and box success, this weekend takes us back to the world of Land of Oz.

Acting as the first of a two-part film adaptation of the 2003 stage musical (the second-highest-grossing Broadway show of all time) by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, that itself is loosely based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire; which in turn is based on L. Frank Baum‘s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, its sequels, and its 1939 film adaptation.

Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In The Heights), the film promised to capture the magic and depth of all the earlier works while delivering a fresh take that appeals to a new generation. In simple terms, the end result is nothing short of fantastic.

In an era where musicals are deemed unsafe and a guarantee box office poison, the film transcends expectations and matches its polished razzle-dazzle with real heart.

As the narrative unfolds on screen, viewers are treated to not only stunning performances but also a message about embracing one’s differences and standing up against societal norms. This theme resonates deeply in today’s world, making the adaptation not just an entertaining musical but also a relevant commentary on acceptance and empowerment.

Sure, the lengthy runtime, 160 minutes to be precise, might seem unjustified at first but director Jon M Chu’s impossibly slick charm assault of an adaptation zips along so enjoyably that you almost wish it were longer. Leaving one enthralled when the “To Be Continued” pops up on screen.

The story begins in the Land of Oz where the citizens of Munchkinland are celebrating the recent death of the Wicked Witch of the West, and then goes back in time to follow Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), an outcast who, despite possessing magical powers, often faces ridicule and derision because of her green skin, leaving her no choice but to be tough when dealing with others, including the vain and popular Galinda (Ariana Grande).

Both Elphaba and Galinda are newly arrived at Shiz University. Although not enrolled as a student, Elphaba is on site to help her paraplegic younger sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode). But the formidable Dean of Sorcery, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) spots potential in Elphaba and offers her one-to-one tutoring in the art of enchantment, with promises of one day meeting the infamous Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum).

As Elphaba works on mastering her powers and clashes with her reluctant roommate, Galinda, a darker problem involving Oz’s talking animals begins to brew.

Here, director Jon M. Chu takes a glossy maximalist approach to the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West, the villain so memorably played by Margaret Hamilton in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. He uses every means possible to turn the stage show into a cinematic epic.

He takes the classic set of Oz as his starting point, with gigantic sets and a massive cast of dancers and then adds VFX flourishes: talking animals, levitating courtyards and flying monkeys to up the scale. Thankfully, the artificial glow of such heavy effects-work is largely an asset, contributing to the otherworldly air of Oz. His direction brings a fresh perspective to this timeless tale.

He balances the lighthearted moments with deeper emotional beats, allowing for a well-rounded narrative that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. The pacing feels just right, keeping audiences engaged while allowing for moments of reflection on the characters’ journeys.

More surprisingly, he handles the boarding-school comedy with a pleasingly light touch. There’s also the beginning of a romantic triangle following the arrival of the charming Prince Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey), which like a lot of things here, foreshadows the future of the Wizard of Oz narrative.

Yes, the animal story-line, most prominently shown through the character of Doctor Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), is one of the weaker aspects of the overall story. And though Elphaba’s empathy for the animals’ plight is given a more prominent focus, the plot thread doesn’t really mix as well with the more compelling elements, such as Elphaba and Galinda’s friendship.

The relationship is the film’s beating heart, and Erivo and Grande bring it to life with a palpable chemistry that courses through the whole film. This is best shown in the key moment during the standout musical sequence “Dancing through Life.” One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is how it explores themes of friendship, love, and societal expectations through its two lead characters.

The film does an excellent job of delving into their complex relationship, showcasing both their differences and similarities. The musical numbers were never not entertaining, with an energy that allowed the choreography and set pieces to shine, as well as the performances.

Ariana Grande is supremely well cast and brings her own unique personality to Glinda, blending charm with a playful, modern energy that feels fresh and exciting. It’s not just the voice, the singer indeed has an extensive vocal range, but more crucial is her gift for physical comedy, scoring laughs in each and very deliberate scene.

Cynthia Erivo delivers yet another powerful and heartfelt performance, infusing the character with raw emotion and a profound sense of strength. Their on-screen chemistry makes every scene between them unforgettable, elevating the story’s magic and emotional depth.

In supporting roles, Jonathan Bailey brings a certain charm to his character, Michelle Yeoh adds depth to the story and Jeff Goldblum is nicely cast as the Wizard himself. In other roles, Peter Dinklage, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, and Keala Settle also shine. On the whole, ‘Wicked’ is a must-see musical spectacle that delivers the biggest and most colorful experience of the year.