Wicked Movie Review: The much-anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked has arrived, but fans of the Broadway musical and newcomers alike might find themselves feeling divided. While Wicked brings some strong performances, notably from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the first part of this two-part adaptation falls flat. It feels overly drawn out and fails to captivate in the way the musical has for years. The film doesn’t manage to live up to the grandeur of the Broadway show, leaving many questioning whether splitting the story into two parts was truly necessary.
Wicked: A Prequel That Doesn’t Soar
One of the most critical points about Wicked is that it isn’t a complete adaptation of the hit Broadway show, but only the first half. The title, Wicked Part One, leaves little to the imagination, and the film ends with the dreaded words, “To Be Continued.” After nearly two and a half hours, viewers are left hanging, waiting another year for the second half. This decision, though not new in the world of film adaptations (think Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows or Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning), still feels frustrating, especially given the lack of payoff in this first installment.
Wicked – Official Traile-2
For those unfamiliar with the Wicked story, it’s a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, diving into the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Set in the magical land of Oz, the film opens near the conclusion of The Wizard of Oz and explores the relationship between the two witches, starting when they were university roommates at Shiz University. It’s a tale of friendship and rivalry, with Elphaba (Erivo) and Galinda (Grande) navigating their vastly different personalities and the challenges of being women in a world that doesn’t quite accept them.
A Strong Cast That Can’t Save the Story
Erivo brings a raw, emotional depth to the character of Elphaba, a young woman born with green skin and telekinetic powers that make her feel like an outcast. Grande shines in her portrayal of the self-absorbed, blonde beauty Galinda, though her performance is at times more of a caricature than a character. Despite these strong performances, the film’s pacing and direction fail to elevate the material. The film struggles to find the balance between grand spectacle and meaningful storytelling. The two lead characters feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals, and their conflict doesn’t carry the weight it should.
Wicked – Official Trailer
The supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jonathan Bailey as the handsome Prince Fiyero, are underutilized, with their subplots feeling underdeveloped. Many of these characters are likely to have more prominent roles in Wicked Part Two, but in this first part, they largely fade into the background.
A Visual Feast With Little Substance
Wicked is undoubtedly a visual spectacle. The sets are lavish, the costumes are intricate, and the magical elements are brought to life with impressive CGI. The songs, penned by Stephen Schwartz, are as grand and rousing as expected, but the film struggles to deliver the same level of excitement and energy that the musical did on stage. The lack of dynamic dance numbers and witty dialogue leaves the film feeling sluggish and self-important, as if it’s trying too hard to make a profound statement about the world.
One of the film’s major weaknesses is that it doesn’t take full advantage of its potential for humor and heart. The classic songs like “Defying Gravity” are still present, but they don’t have the same impact in the cinematic context. The film feels weighed down by its own sense of importance, and the message of embracing differences, while timely, comes across as overly simplistic.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re a die-hard fan of the Wicked musical, you may find some enjoyment in seeing the characters come to life on screen. The performances are solid, and the magic of Oz is visually stunning. However, if you’re not already invested in the world of Wicked, this first part of the film may leave you unimpressed. The pacing is slow, the subplots feel filler-like, and the overall experience doesn’t quite live up to the soaring heights of the Broadway show.
In conclusion, Wicked Part One is a visually appealing but lackluster adaptation that doesn’t quite live up to the hype. While it may be more satisfying when viewed as part of a double bill with Part Two, as a standalone film, it struggles to soar above mediocrity. If you’re looking for a truly magical prequel to The Wizard of Oz, you might want to check out Sam Raimi’s Oz the Great and Powerful, which offers a more concise and engaging take on the Oz universe.
Wicked Movie Details:
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Director | Jon M. Chu |
| Cast | Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh |
| Run Time | 2 hours 28 minutes |
In short, Wicked fails to fully defy expectations and will likely leave many viewers wondering if the long wait for the second part will be worth it.
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