Wicked
Directed by Jon M. ChuElphaba, a young woman ridiculed for her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.
Cast of Wicked
Wicked Ratings & Reviews
- Matt DavisApril 2, 2025Cocomelon for grown ups.
- vangh1December 13, 2024Every musical number is simply magical, choreography, performance, and set design all come together to make everything look and feel seamless and effortless when of course it's anything but. Both lead performances feel exactly perfect for the character, you get who they are and you buy in. I'm not generally a fan of the whole "Part 1" and "Part 2" release trend (if you're a movie, be a movie. If you're not, be a series) but at least this one warned us on the title card.
- rg9400January 1, 2025Wicked's marketing intentionally hides that it is a Part 1, with none of the official posters or titles using that subtitle. However, as soon as the title card appears, it's clear this is just one half of a larger story. And it feels like it. However, I will say that unlike Dune, this movie does have a climactic ending that seems like a natural peak to the central character arc in this movie. Regardless, coming in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, this half is as long as the entire Broadway musical. Now, I haven't seen the Broadway play or read the book, so I can't really comment on what it adds to flesh out the story. However, it does feel its length, with a variety of scenes feeling a bit superfluous. Because they are clearly saving up major conflicts and moments for the second half, there also seems to be a lot of arcs that feel underserved within this movie. It's hard to comment on the setup done in this movie without seeing the second part, but that in of itself is a natural flaw in deciding to split it into two. I thought the interactions between Galinda and Elphaba were great, but I wasn't as engaged when Fiyero or Nessa were on screen. I think the movie could have spent more time developing some of the sociopolitical commentary. I liked the concepts, but they felt very surface-level in the movie. For such a long movie, it almost feels easy to forget they even exist considering the limited screentime. I get that the focus is on Elphaba, but her story easily parallels those elements. A few other comments from my side. I'll readily admit that this type of music is not my taste, and I found most of the songs either forgettable or annoying, but I liked the choreography in them. I think the set design and costuming is really great, but the lighting ruined so much of it. It feels way too brightened, washing away all the contrast and bright colors. I was the most impressed with Ariana Grande. I went in with very low expectations, but her performance and comedic timing was fantastic and the highlight of the movie for me. Overall, this is an entertaining movie that feels underserved by the decision to split the story into two movies.
- parktool69December 30, 2024Perfection. They killed every part of this. Didn't care for the guy from bridgerton. His face freaks me out.
- HarmonyApril 2, 2025I love it but make it free my lil sis can't watch it bc you made us pay for it and demon slayer
- COCOMarch 29, 2025It’s like Dune but for theatre kids.
- crazeejoeMarch 29, 2025Wicked is amazing.
- Curtis JonesMarch 9, 2025I didn’t know anything about this movie but I was NOT disappointed. I loved it. What an emotional roller coaster! 5/5
- justlarissa33March 24, 2025Wicked is a mesmerizing cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The film tells the untold story of the witches from L. Frank Baum's classic novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", offering a fresh and captivating perspective. The story follows the complex and unlikely friendship between two young witches, Elphaba and Galinda, as they navigate their lives at Shiz University. Along the way, they discover their own strengths, weaknesses, and passions, leading to a journey of self-discovery and growth. The performances of the actresses playing Elphaba and Galinda are phenomenal, with undeniable chemistry on screen. The film's music is equally impressive, with memorable and catchy songs that will leave audiences humming the tunes long after the credits roll. The production design and costumes bring the magical world of Oz to life in a way that is both faithful to the original story and freshly imaginative. Overall, Wicked is a must-see film that will captivate audiences with its magical music, memorable performances, and captivating storyline. Whether you're a fan of the musical or just looking for a cinematic treat, Wicked is an absolute must-watch.
- branndon96March 6, 2025Great musical and story of what led to the two witches in The Wizard of Oz. The wicked witch of the west and Glinda the good witch south. It’s a long movie clocking in over 2 1/2 hours. But the present day cinematography and effects are what really brings this old location we last seen from a movie that came out in 1939. Draw back to life with even more wonder to the world of Oz.
- Ryan BrenizerMarch 6, 2025Yes the cinematography is muddy. But OMG the choreography.
- ScottDecember 18, 2024I had to hold some space for a bit on this one. There are parts that I think improve on the musical, but I think it ultimately culminates into a movie that doesn't totally gel. As to what didn't: Ariana Grande was unfortunately a lot of it. She's a terrific singer, often a funny actor, but I often felt like she couldn't bring those two things together. A lot of the nuance of Glinda's performance was informed by my preexisting knowledge of the stage production and I don't think I would have been able to understand it from her performance alone. Jon Chu's direction also cut both ways. In striving for a very dynamic camera I think it also made the production numbers very visually confusing. In a dance-heavy musical you almost never see feet. Cynthia Erivo was incredible. The contrast between Ariana trying to evoke Kristin Chenoweth's Glinda (non-derogatory) and Cynthia putting her own spin on Elphaba was very well-done and I think their chemistry together did elevate the movie. Jonathan Bailey was the clear standout for me. Dancing Through Life has never been more than a passing point for me but I think it's my favourite number in the movie. Overall it's enjoyable, but not what I would call a definitive performance and since part 1 and 2 were filmed back to back, I fear the future is limited.
- VarunDecember 4, 2024This genre isn’t my usual cup of tea but it was a decent watch. The production design went completely bonkers, with gigantic set pieces filled with a variety of colours and intricacies, it easily captures you into its fantasy word. Some sets were a visual feast but I think others looked a bit too manufactured and flat, it needed more style as well as coarseness to stay grounded. Most Part 1 movies these days have a self-contained entertaining plot, I can’t say the same here as the first 2h10m are just an establishing backstory with only the last 30 minutes seeing some thrilling moments. I did get a bit tired from the runtime, however I can’t say each minute of the movie isn’t spent well, the characters and relationships are strongly developed and have their different arcs. I watched this in IMAX and was bummed that some of the songs’ lyrics didn’t have clarity, so I was completely lost as to what they were saying which is crucial to the plot. It could be that the sound wasn’t mixed well, or the voices sound muddled when it’s too loud or maybe my hearing just sucks. The musicals are just alright, didn’t personally find anything catchy. The only 2 musical scenes I remember a week later is the library one because it had some cool and fun choreography and the dance party which was beautifully presented with emotions. All the actors are on their A game. The costumes and makeup are on point. The movie does a pretty good job of handling humanity’s xenophobic tendencies. The humour is chill, it could be better. Although the outcome is obvious, the ending is very riveting and the VFX is fantastic, it’s got me enthused for Part 2. This is definitely worth the IMAX experience.
- SpoonsJanuary 1, 2025Wicked (2024) is a grand, unapologetic return to the kind of classic big-budget musicals that Hollywood rarely gets right anymore. From its lush set design to its heartfelt performances, it’s a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—a larger-than-life spectacle with genuine emotional depth. Expanding on the stage production’s story, the film takes its time to explore the relationships and themes in greater detail, adding new layers without ever feeling bloated or losing its charm. Ariana Grande shines as Glinda in a way that feels inevitable, like she was always meant for this role. Her comedic timing is razor-sharp, her vocals are dazzling, and she manages to bring a warmth and humor to Glinda that makes the character undeniably hers. Her chemistry with Cynthia Erivo is electric, and their duets are nothing short of spine-tingling. Every musical number is a showstopper, blending the magic of the stage with the possibilities of cinema. Despite all the noise surrounding the film’s pre-release controversies, Wicked rises above it all. The pretentiousness some feared is nowhere to be found—instead, this is a film with heart, humor, and an infectious joy. It knows when to dazzle and when to pull back for the quieter, more emotional beats, making it far more balanced than you might expect. For fans of the stage production or just lovers of musicals done right, Wicked delivers. It’s a celebration of the genre, steeped in nostalgia but still modern enough to feel fresh. This film will be popular with people who enjoy The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables, or classic musical spectacles like The Wizard of Oz.
- jackmeatFebruary 27, 2025My quick rating - 7.5/10. I was quite pleased to see this flick bring the land of Oz to life in a dazzling and beautifully realized way, crafting a compelling backstory that adds depth to the classic Wizard of Oz lore. The film follows the unlikely friendship between the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and the bubbly, aristocratic Galinda (Ariana Grande) as they navigate their destinies at Shiz University, eventually transforming into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. The joke here did get dragged out a bit too much LOL. Visually, the world of Oz looks absolutely stunning, with rich production design, breathtaking costumes, and seamless CGI that enhances the magic rather than overwhelming it. It’s no surprise the film received Oscar nominations for its visuals and sound design—every scene is meticulously crafted to pull us deeper into this enchanting world. The cast is another major highlight. Erivo brings a quiet intensity and confidence to Elphaba, while Grande fully embodies the self-centered yet charming Galinda (later Glinda), making for a dynamic duo that carries much of the film’s emotional weight. Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz is a perfect casting choice—his signature charisma and enigmatic presence add layers to the character. And, of course, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible is simply fantastic, as she always is. The film also excels at weaving in elements of Wizard of Oz while still standing on its own, giving more depth to familiar characters and their journeys. The musical numbers, while impressive in scope and execution, weren’t necessarily my thing (musicals peaked at Little Shop of Horrors for me), but they serve the film well and will undoubtedly please fans of the genre. One minor drawback is the runtime—I found it slightly too long, though the pacing is generally strong. I was also caught off guard that this was only Part One (guess I’ve been living under a rock), but that only speaks to how invested I was in the story. Overall, Wicked is a well-made, captivating adaptation that does justice to its source material while creating a unique vision of Oz. It’s deserving of the praise and award recognition, and even for those who aren’t die-hard musical fans, there’s plenty to enjoy.
