Wicked (Part One) is a fantasy musical film directed by Jon M. Chu, adapted from the beloved stage musical of the same name by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which itself is loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995). That novel, in turn, was inspired by L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), which also served as the basis for the iconic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Quite a complex web of adaptations, isn’t it?
The movie is divided into two parts, with the sequel scheduled for release in the same month next year. It boasts an impressive star-studded cast, including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Produced by Universal Pictures with a hefty budget of $145 million, the big question remains: Can the popularity of the original stage show and the classic film help this adaptation soar?
To fully grasp Wicked’s story, it helps if you’ve seen The Wizard of Oz (1939). That musical classic tells the tale of young Dorothy’s journey through the magical land of Oz, accompanied by three quirky companions, on a quest to meet the Wizard who can grant their wishes. Along the way, Dorothy encounters Glinda, the Good Witch, and the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked serves as a backstory for these two witches, revealing that they were once close friends.
Galinda, who later becomes Glinda (played by Grande), and Elphaba (Erivo) attend Shiz University, a school of magic. Unlike the beautiful and glamorous Glinda, Elphaba is born with green skin and struggles with her appearance, though she possesses extraordinary magical talent. The film explores their daily lives, rivalries, and eventual friendship. Their journey takes them to the Emerald City, where they meet the Great Wizard (Goldblum) and uncover a grand deception.
The story is essentially a flashback that ties into the events of The Wizard of Oz. Fans of the classic will enjoy spotting familiar moments, such as a glimpse of Dorothy and her companions walking toward the Emerald City. The plot cleverly aligns with the timeline of The Wizard of Oz, starting at the point where the Wicked Witch is declared dead, making this a fascinating dive into what led to that moment.
I haven’t had the chance to watch the stage version of Wicked, which the film reportedly adapts faithfully. However, I can say it draws significant inspiration from the classic movie. Like The Wizard of Oz, nearly half of Wicked consists of musical sequences. If you’re not a fan of musicals, this could be a challenge, especially given its 160-minute runtime. Honestly, the film drags at times and can feel exhausting.
That said, the musical numbers are presented with flair and dynamic performances, featuring impressive vocals from the cast. It’s no wonder the lead roles were given to professional singers. In terms of acting, Cynthia Erivo shines with her expressive portrayal of Elphaba, while Ariana Grande’s performance as Glinda feels over-the-top and lacking in emotional depth. Grande’s singing, however, compensates for her acting, allowing her to shine in the musical sequences.
The film’s large-scale musical scenes are reminiscent of the 1939 classic, featuring grandiose visuals and a plethora of extras. The artistic design is stunning, and compared to Wonka, Wicked is more lavish and grand in scope. However, when it comes to story pacing, Wonka feels tighter and more straightforward, while Wicked tends to meander. Thankfully, the film’s climactic moments are spectacular, delivering an emotional payoff that elevates the entire narrative. It’s one of the best explorations of an antagonist’s origin I’ve seen.
Wicked offers another take on an iconic villain’s backstory, wrapped in a grand musical spectacle. While its length and pacing might test your patience, the climax packs a punch. In my theater, I noticed several parents bringing their kids along, though I doubt younger audiences could fully appreciate the complex plot. The motivations and narrative arcs can feel convoluted, and it’s difficult to fully grasp the story without prior knowledge of The Wizard of Oz. The musical interludes, while dazzling, occasionally disrupt the flow and mood of the story.
My advice? Watch the 1939 classic before diving into Wicked. And brace yourself for the cliffhanger—it’ll be a year-long wait for the second part.
