‘Wicked’ defies expectations, a fearless movie-musical | movie review

Wicked, the long-awaited adaptation of the smash Broadway musical, finally flies its way into theaters

Wicked is a bold, vibrant movie-musical that celebrates its Broadway roots with expansive musical numbers and captivating performances. Director Jon M. Chu's adaptation embraces the magic of the original, expanding the world and deepening the characters. With stunning chemistry between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, this film is a must-see for musical fans.

Wicked is in theaters on Nov 22.

In recent years, there's been a troubling trend of studios shying away from marketing their movie-musicals as… well, musicals. The Mean Girls remake famously didn't show any songs in its trailer (and some audience members were shocked when the characters started singing), and director Todd Phillips humorously insisted his movie Joker: Folie à Deux wasn't a musical. When asked to describe it he basically defined what a musical is. That's why director Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked (sometimes subtitled The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz) is such a refreshing and magical experience. With expansive, dynamic musical numbers that fill the screen, a fast-paced rhythm, and larger-than-life characters, Wicked is proudly and unapologetically a musical.

Full disclosure: I didn't grow up with a deep love for Wicked. In fact, I was actively not a fan (I was more of an Avenue Q person during the great Broadway war of 2004). Maybe there was some personal bias there, but I've always felt that Stephen Schwartz's iconic score and the dazzling production were overshadowed by a plot-heavy story, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped characters. That's why, despite the backlash from some fans, I actually thought splitting the movie into two parts—keeping the two acts of the stage musical separate—was a smart choice. And I'm happy to say, I was right.

One of the smartest decisions in Wicked's adaptation is knowing where to expand the story. Sticking mostly to the first act of the musical, the film opens with Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande) announcing to the citizens of Munchkinland that the Wicked Witch of the West is dead. The townspeople rejoice, dancing and tearing down wanted posters of the green-skinned witch, even burning a wicker statue of her ominous figure. From the very beginning, Chu's grand and vibrant direction is on full display, with dancers filling every corner of the set (and yes, it's a real set, not CGI!). Christopher Scott's choreography matches the large-scale action, adding drama and flair. While the design clearly nods to The Wizard of Oz, it takes creative liberties, modernizing and expanding the world.

The plot quickly jumps to a flashback of Glinda's first day at Shiz University, when she was known as Galinda Upland. She's eager to impress the headmistress, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), and learn sorcery. But things take an unexpected turn when the green-skinned Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo)—who will later become the Wicked Witch—accidentally unleashes her powers while protecting her wheelchair-user sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode). Morrible, impressed by Elphaba's abilities, invites her to study sorcery, which sparks a rivalry with Galinda. This rivalry sets the stage for a story of self-discovery, friendship, and unexpected bonds.

In a lesser movie-musical, certain moments, like Elphaba's backstory, might have been relegated to just dialogue. But in Chu's hands, even these moments maintain the talk-singing style of the stage production, keeping the story flowing with rhythm and energy. The screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox takes its time, fleshing out the world and its characters. The students at Shiz, for example, become characters in their own right, thanks in part to Galinda's hilarious minions (played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James). The expanded focus on Ozian history, including talking animals, gives the story a deeper sense of lived-in complexity.

But what really sets Wicked apart is how the film brings its most iconic musical moments to life on a grand cinematic scale. Take Fiyero (a charming Jonathan Bailey), who performs the joyful and rebellious “Dancing Through Life” in a Shiz University library that's been transformed into a spectacular set. Bailey and his dancers glide, twirl, and leap across bookshelves in a thrilling, acrobatic performance that feels both theatrical and cinematic.

At its heart, though, Wicked is a story about two young women who find friendship in each other. Erivo's Elphaba, ostracized and defiant in the face of bullying, delivers her first major song, “The Wizard and I,” with a stunning vocal performance that conveys both her strength and vulnerability. Her portrayal adds layers to the character, making her feel even more complex than in the stage version.

On the other hand, Grande's portrayal of Glinda is effortlessly comedic, capturing the character's ditzy, privileged, and slightly bratty nature. At times, she completely steals the scene, nailing the character's comedic timing and delivery. Her performance during “Popular” is pure musical theater golden camp—her take on the iconic scene feels fresh, like it's always been meant to be performed that way. It's an Oscar-worthy turn.

But it's the chemistry between Erivo and Grande that makes Wicked* soar. Their dynamic is electric, and their energy together makes it easy to believe in their growing bond, even as they face adversity. As the two of them venture to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), their connection feels real, and the final half-hour of the film—culminating in the iconic “Defying Gravity” number—is breathtaking. With thrilling action, musical perfection, and two watershed performances, it's a moment that encapsulates everything that makes Wicked so special.

Will Wicked have mainstream appeal? That's yet to be determined. However, its fearless approach to adapting a Broadway musical for the screen will have fans and skeptics leaping to their feet. It captures the raw feeling of watching live theater. The kind of live theater that makes your heart skip a beat and makes you stare in wonder at the sheer talent and audacity. Then again, that's what it takes to defy gravity.

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Hey! I'm Karl. You can find me on Twitter here. I'm also a Tomatometer-approved critic.

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Karl Delossantos

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Hey, I'm Karl, founder and film critic at Smash Cut. I started Smash Cut in 2014 to share my love of movies and give a perspective I haven't yet seen represented. I'm also an editor at The New York Times, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and a member of the Online Film Critics Society.