This year’s must-see cinematic showdown has arrived, and Wicked: Part I is the clear winner in the face-off with Gladiator 2. The long-awaited adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway hit delivers a dazzling experience that honors the original while expanding its world in bold, imaginative ways.
Adapting beloved stage musicals for the big screen can be risky. For every triumphant reimagining like Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, there’s a misfire like Cats. The challenge lies in balancing theatrical exuberance with cinematic intimacy, all while finding the right cast to handle the complex demands of song, dance, and acting.
After years of speculation, director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) has crafted a lavish, old-Hollywood-style spectacle that lifts both its characters and the audience into the stratosphere.
A Tale of Two Witches, Perfectly Cast
Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and she’s nothing short of spellbinding. A Tony and Grammy winner, Erivo brings her powerhouse vocals and emotional depth to a role that demands both. She captures every nuance of Elphaba’s journey from lonely outcast to righteous rebel, delivering a performance that feels as monumental as the film’s sweeping sets.
Opposite her is Ariana Grande as Galinda (later Glinda the Good Witch). While Grande’s sparkling soprano and charismatic energy suit the bubbly, image-obsessed Galinda, she occasionally struggles to match Erivo’s emotional gravitas. Yet, their chemistry as frenemies-turned-allies drives the story’s heart, making their duets electric and their rivalry compelling.
A World of Wonder, on a Bigger Canvas
The film opens with a flashback to Elphaba’s troubled childhood, introducing her family’s disdain for her green skin and her father’s favoritism toward her disabled sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode). These early scenes, paired with Shiz University’s Hogwarts-meets-Harvard setting, immediately expand the Wicked universe beyond the stage’s confines.
Elphaba’s rise at Shiz, thanks to her untapped magical powers, sets her on a collision course with Galinda. Their rivalry deepens when both fall for the charming Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey of Bridgerton fame, in a delightful performance). Meanwhile, Elphaba’s growing awareness of political oppression in Oz—particularly the silencing of animals—sets the stage for her moral awakening.
This subplot, more fleshed out here than in the stage musical, gives the story higher stakes. Oz’s transformation into a dystopia where animals lose their ability to speak introduces timely themes of authoritarianism and resistance.
Spectacular Songs and Staging
The magic of Wicked lies in its music, and this adaptation wisely retains all the iconic numbers that made the stage show a sensation. From the playful "Popular" to the defiant "Defying Gravity," each song is staged with ingenuity and flair.
The production design by Nathan Crowley (known for The Dark Knight trilogy) dazzles, whether in the revolving book-filled hamster-wheel library or the gleaming, Art Deco-inspired Emerald City. Meanwhile, Christopher Scott’s choreography adds a modern, dynamic touch that keeps the energy soaring.
A Triumph for Fans and Families
At 2 hours and 40 minutes, Wicked: Part I runs long, but it never feels bloated. Its pacing, lush visuals, and emotional core keep audiences enthralled, making it an ideal pick for family holiday viewing.
This Wicked isn’t just a rehash of The Wizard of Oz—it’s a full reimagining, offering fresh perspectives on justice, friendship, and identity. With its irresistible blend of spectacle and substance, it deserves to enchant audiences and become a box office hit.
For those who love musicals—or The Wizard of Oz—Wicked is an unmissable cinematic experience. Let’s hope Part II keeps this magic alive.
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