WICKED (2024)

Genre: Musical/Fantasy
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Peter Dinklage
Runtime: 2 hrs 40 mins
Rating: PG (Some Intense Sequences)
Released By: UIP
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 21 November 2024

Synopsis: After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 

Movie Review:

It’s time for Wicked fans to rejoice, because the film adaptation of the beloved musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman has finally hit the big screen. If you haven’t already heard, this is the first instalment of a two part movie event. It has a whopping 160 minute runtime, and that’s about 10 minutes longer (excluding intermission, mind you) than the original stage musical which premiered on Broadway in 2003.

Should you put aside almost three hours to sit through this movie directed by Jon M Chu in the cinema? We are happy to report that whether you are a fan or not, this is going to be one immersive cinematic experience that you shouldn’t miss.

The stage musical was an adaptation of the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which in turn is based on L Frank Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The story is told from the perspective of two friends, Elphaba and Galinda, before and after Dorothy's arrival in Oz. It chronicles the events which results in Elphaba becoming the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda becoming Glinda the Good.

Viewers who have watched the award-winning musical (this writer watched the production more than two decades ago when it played in Singapore) will love every bit that is presented on screen. Films are not limited by the boundaries of the physical stage, and thanks to the story’s setting, this movie takes full advantage of the medium to bring fantastical Oz to life. You have to watch on the movie on the biggest screen possible (catch it in an IMAX theatre if you can) to witness the eye popping colours and enjoy the full glory of Munchkinland, Shiz University and Emerald City.

Even if you are unfamiliar with the musical, you will appreciate the awe inspiring production value of the movie. Besides that, the universal themes of good versus evil, as well as the dangers of power and propaganda are relayed in an engaging manner. You will feel for Elphaba as she faces alienation due to her green skin, and want to stand up for her when she is mocked by the bullies in school. You will celebrate the comradeship when Elphaba and Galinda become friends, and become torn when they are put in a difficult spot during the climax of the movie.

British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, has won a Tony Award, Emmy Award, and a Grammy Award for starring in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, takes on the role of Elphaba. Besides being able to croon the tunes with ease, Erivo’s performance doesn’t disappoint as she navigates the emotions of the protagonist effectively. Ariana Grande is perfectly cast as Galinda, as she gets to showcase her four octave vocal range in numerous songs. She is also brilliantly funny in the role, contributing to some of the most hilarious bits in the movie. We would love to see the pop icon get nominated during award season for her entertaining performance.

Elsewhere, Jonathan Bailey is charming as a seemingly himbo prince, while Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum lend weight to the ensemble as a university dean and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz respectively.

And then there are the songs. Whether you have watched the stage musical or not, you will be emotionally absorbed as the tunes play out on screen. It is reported that Erivo and Grande sang live on set, with the intention of immersing viewers in the experience. It has clearly worked, because you will be tapping your feet to “Popular” as Galinda teaches Elphaba how to fix her wardrobe, and have the urge to stand up and applause after Elphaba sings her heart out in “The Wizard and I”.

Thanks to the superb imagination from Chu and her team, the sets complement the songs. You will love the spinning library as the cast performs “Dancing Through Life”, and want to break out in song when Elphaba sings about breaking free in “Defying Gravity”. When the movie ends with a cliffhanger, you can’t wait to see how the second part releasing next November will bring the story to greater heights.

Movie Rating:

(A crowd-pleaser that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible, this film adaptation of the beloved stage musical is a cinematic spectacle that bursts with imagination and soaring tunes)

Review by John Li