Film Review: Wicked (2024) – A Spectacular, if Safe, Trip to Oz
★★★★☆ (4/5) | Director: Jon M. Chu | Genre: Musical/Fantasy

Defying Gravity—But Playing It Safe

The long-awaited Wicked film adaptation finally lands like a burst of emerald smoke, delivering dazzling visuals, powerhouse vocals, and a heartfelt core—even if it sticks a little too faithfully to its Broadway roots. Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), this first installment (covering Act 1 of the musical) is a lavish, crowd-pleasing spectacle that will thrill fans, though it may leave some craving more daring reinvention.

The Good Witch (and the Misunderstood One)

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba is spellbinding—her Defying Gravity is worth the ticket alone, balancing raw vulnerability and soaring defiance. Ariana Grande’s Glinda, meanwhile, nails the comedic beats (Popular is a campy delight) and evolves convincingly from shallow to soulful. Their chemistry crackles, making What Is This Feeling? and For Good emotional highlights.

Oz in Bloom: Visual Splendor

The world-building is sumptuous—from the candy-colored whimsy of Shiz University to the ominous grandeur of the Emerald City. Chu’s flair for vibrant spectacle shines, though some CGI backdrops feel oddly weightless. The flying sequences (especially Elphaba’s broomstick liberation) are breathtaking, thanks to seamless VFX and dynamic camerawork.

The Script: A Mixed Elixir

While the musical’s wit and heart remain intact, the film’s pacing sags in quieter moments. New scenes (like a young Elphaba’s backstory) add depth but disrupt momentum. Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard and Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible are underused—though their performances hint at richer potential for Part 2.

Music & Magic

Stephen Schwartz’s score remains iconic, with orchestral expansions (and a few lyrical tweaks) that feel fresh. The decision to split the story into two films pays off here, letting songs like I’m Not That Girl breathe without rush.

Verdict: A Worthy Adaptation

Wicked doesn’t reinvent the yellow brick road, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a faithful, gorgeously crafted love letter to the musical, elevated by Erivo and Grande’s star power. Bring tissues—and stay for the mid-credits tease of Part 2’s darker turn.

For Fans Of: The Wizard of Oz, Les Misérables (2012), belting in your car.
Skip If: You hate musicals or green makeup.

Standout Moment: Defying Gravity’s climax—pure cinematic euphoria.
Did You Know? The film’s green-dye formula was custom-made to avoid staining Cynthia Erivo’s skin. Now that’s magic.