Wicked (2024)
Directed by Jon M. Chu
[Rated PG] 2hr 40min
★★★★
Wicked is a musical fantasy film adapted from the 2003 play of the same name. It follows the story of Elphaba Thropp before she becomes the Wicked Witch of the West seen in The Wizard of Oz (1939). When she unexpectedly gets enrolled at a prestigious university and is paired with Glinda as her roommate, the two aspiring sorcerers initially despise each other but eventually begin to develop a friendship despite their differences.
This film is a fantastic spectacle all around. The expressive music, passionate performances, eccentric costumes, and whimsical production design all contribute to creating an immersive magical world that expands on iconic elements from The Wizard of Oz. Although the major plot developments aren’t particularly unique to this story, the film does make up for it by effectively conveying the narrative through incredible musical numbers that are highly captivating and entertaining. Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are excellent in their roles, and every one of their singing performances is spectacular. In addition, all the actors fit their characters extremely well, and even though some of the more famous movie stars may not sing as well as the professional singers, they’re still good enough that it don’t detract from the few songs they appear in. Overall, this is a beautifully crafted film that honors the play while also enriching the story through its extended runtime.
I recommend Wicked for anyone who enjoys musicals and for fans of The Wizard of Oz or any of its related stories. I usually dislike the musical aspects of movies in this genre, but this film is one of the few exceptions. It provides a wonderful and exciting cinematic experience that is further elevated by its theatrical setting, so anyone interested in seeing this movie should definitely consider watching it on the big screen.
Wicked is now playing in theaters. Click here to watch the Official Trailer.
– Review by Will Hopper