Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
- "Wicked" translates well to the big screen, retaining much of its stage magic.
- Ariana Grande impresses as Galinda, capturing the character's charm and humor.
- The film is entertaining and family-friendly, though some scenes may scare young children.
"Barbenheimer" took the world by storm last summer. Everyone was talking about the incredibly serious and depressing "Oppenheimer," which opened the same day as the fun and optimistic "Barbie." Both went on to do gangbusters at the box office.
It's not getting the same press, but let's be honest — "Glicked" is on par with "Barbenheimer."
Two of the most anticipated movies of 2024, "Gladiator II" and "Wicked," opened on the same day in late November. The former is a brutal swords-and-sandals epic, and the latter is a beloved musical.
I already had the chance to tell you my thoughts on "Gladiator II," and now I have the opportunity to spill my guts about the other half of "Glicked," the long-awaited "Wicked."
The movie is based on the global Broadway musical hit "Wicked," which is based on a novel of the same name. Fans of the musical have been waiting decades to see Elphaba and Glinda — or is it Ga-Linda — on the big screen. You all know the music, the characters and the story, but how does it translate to the cinema?
While some of the impact and goose-pimple-inducing moments from the stage version were lost on the big screen, I have to admit that most of the magic is intact, and there are a few parts where the cinema is the medium this story was made for.
The World of Oz
In the late 2000s, my wife and I lived in New York City. While there, we had the good fortune of winning the "Wicked" lottery for front-row-center tickets for the biggest musical in the world.
While I usually enjoy musical theater, it is not always my go-to. For me, a little goes a long way. Then I saw "Wicked." The music was stirring, the story intriguing and the sets engrossing.
I was in awe of the magnitude of the backdrops and sets on a live stage. Shiz University and the Emerald City were impressive. But, as great as it was, my imagination had to fill in some of the gaps to take in the magnitude of what these locations were supposed to represent. While I was impressed with the sets, they didn't quite capture the enormity of this world.
"Wicked" on the big screen gave me the Oz I've been looking for all these years. The film's moving vistas, sweeping landscape and bustling metropolis are on full display — and they are a joy to take in. Given the opportunity, I could have wandered the streets of the Emerald City for hours to inspect the grand architecture and intricate detail in the production design.
It's interesting because I am often a stickler for CGI in movies. If it's not quite right, it easily pulls me out of the world I am trying to immerse myself in. The CGI in "Wicked" is not perfect and is clearly fake at times, but it works in this world. Oz is a fantastical land, and if it all looked real and based on reality, that would have felt out of place.
Director Jon M. Chu did a wonderful job of mixing practical effects with computer-generated images to create a sense of authenticity and a nod to the stage productions that came before.
The film version of "Wicked" gave me the Oz I have been looking for all these years, and it was a wonderful visit.
Ariana Grande does Galinda justice
Kristin Chenoweth was the original Galinda in the Broadway play, and she was the perfect fit. She is brilliantly talented, adorable and the right amount of narcissistic. I am not well versed in Grande's career until now, but I truly believed I would just be thinking how she couldn't hold a candle to Chenoweth.
I was wrong.
Galinda's comedic timing and overall character are among the main reasons "Wicked" has been a Broadway staple for many years. The character is vital to the heart and funny bone of the production, and Grande was a wonderful choice for the movie.
Just like in the stage production with Chenoweth, you couldn't wait for Grande to come back on stage. She is brilliantly funny, and you quickly fall in love with her despite all the flaws to which she is completely oblivious. Grande captures Galinda's innocence and ego, and she has the singing chops to match.
If there are any out there who were pessimistic about Grande's ability to Galinda, I ask you to give her a chance. I'm glad I did.
It is wildly entertaining
The main reason I go to the theater is to be entertained, and "Wicked" delivers on that front. As most of you know, the music is infectious, and I'm guessing as you're thinking about it, you're probably humming "I think I'll try defying gravity" to yourselves right now.
The music resonates and stirs your soul, just as it does in the play. Aside from the musical numbers and bright visuals, the movie is funny and kept me focused and engaged for the entire two-hour and 40-minute runtime.
If you're looking for a good time at the movie theater and a reason to sing a few lyrics — and if you can find tickets — you should watch "Wicked" this weekend.
What parents should know
Much like the stage version, "Wicked" is very tame. It's a great movie for the family, as long as your family likes musicals. There is no sex or language to speak of, and aside from throwing things and some angry magic, there is no violence.
There could be some scary moments for young audiences, but the movie's PG rating is fitting.
Conclusion
I had a fun time at "Wicked." If you're a fan of the original musical or the music, I think you'll enjoy it, as well. If you do not like musicals, this is not a movie for you. This is not like Chu's other musical, "In the Heights." This is a musical in every sense of the world, with all the tropes and cliches of Broadway.
There are some missteps and some of the musical numbers don't hit as hard as they do live on stage, but these stumbles are not enough to detract from a fun and entertaining trip to Oz.
Do be warned, however, that this is part one. There is a natural stopping point in the musical where we break for intermission. The movie does the same, but instead of taking 15 minutes to use the restroom and grab a soda and a souvenir, this intermission lasts an entire year, and you must buy another ticket. Part two is scheduled for release in late November 2025.
"Wicked" is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material.
