20s Movie Review - Wicked

Director: Jon M. Chu
Genre: Musical/ Fantasy/ Adventure
Runtime: 160 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage. Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang

Description: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Galinda (Ariana Grande), 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.

Review: Anyone who has seen “The Wizard of Oz” knows how it ends with the Wicked Witch of the West. And in case you haven’t caught her fate yet, the opening scene of “Wicked” tells you. Glinda, once her friend, talks about her when she was still known as Elphaba Throbb.

Glinda, then still Galinda, and Elphaba meet each other at Shiz University, where the share a room. At first, they can’t stand each other. They are clearly very different. Elphaba is modest, kind, introverted. Glinda is vain, spoiled and loves attention. Their love-hate relationship drives a funny but also sad and sensitive adventure.

The Broadway phenomenon is turned into a delightful film. The Land of Oz is colorful, the contrast between Glinda and Elphaba (pink and green) looks amazing. My favorite décor was the library (or as Glinda calls it, the book place), but kinda crinched over all these people stepping onto and throwing around book.

“Wicked” is big on plit, acting, music and length. And this is only the first part. Time is taken for certain developments that would be rushed in other productions. The scenes are long and show varying emotions, but never get boring. The almost three hour runtime flies by.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, and Ariana Grande as Glinda are strong, together and apart. Grande really surprised me with her comedic talent and both were really good in emotional scenes.

“Wicked” is one wild and colorful ride, and I can’t wait for part 2.

Rating: 4/ 5