Review of 'Wicked'

Based on the musical of the same name Wicked tells the story of the “Wicked Witch of the West” from the “Wizard of Oz”, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as she struggles against prejudice with her green skin. She is unexpectedly enrolled at Shiz University where she is somewhat ironically assigned to share a room with the completely opposite, prim and stuck up Galinda (aka “The Good Witch”, played by Ariana Grande). Elphaba shows great talent with magic, attracting the attention of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), the Dean of Sorcery Studies, who decides to tutor her privately. Oz is in crisis with animals losing their ability to speak and facing their own prejudice. Elphaba knows there is only one person who can help…the Wizard of Oz himself.

As a huge fan of the musical I was somewhat dubious about this musical adaptation until I saw some clips which showed the amazing sets and great sounding vocals. I was not disappointed. It is particularly when Erivo and Grande duet where their vocal talents are most evident and powerful, sending shivers down my spine. Amazing stuff. Michael Yeoh is surprisingly good as Madame Morrible in regards to her choreography unsurprising given her martial arts training but does not have much of a singing voice and I found the performance quite flat with very little emotion crossing her face (the character twist is perhaps not so much a surprise here as it is on the stage).

The film elaborates on the first act of the musical (it is very clear this is “part 1” in the title card) so don't expect to see the whole story, we will have to wait for about a year (November 2025) for the second act. It is a long film at just under three hours as Chu expands more on the personalities of the characters, elaborates on various story elements and themes (perhaps too much), and extends a number of the song and dance sequences which is all the better for it. The sumptuous colours and over the top sets manage to out do even the “Wizard of Oz” film. Seriously Ozified. It all serves to really draw you into the whole experience though, admittedly, does get to be a bit too much at times. I did note that younger audience members did tend to lose interest and grow impatient as the hours go by…I even question whether this show is suitable for the very young given the dark (no pun intended) subject matter and somewhat serious themes.

Great looking and sounding, this first part of Wicked should really be experienced on the big screen to take in the full spectacle but it is a bit long and may lose younger viewers.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2024-12-31

Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Studio: Universal Pictures

Year: 2024

Length: 160 minutes

Genre: Musical

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1262426/

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