If you’re unfamiliar with the plot of Broadway stunner, Wicked, fear not, director Jon M. Chu’s (Crazy Rich Asians) big screen adaptation is a splashy note-for-note faithful interpretation of the acclaimed musical. If your gateway is Gregory Macguire’s book by the same name, expect more committment to the musical’s book than his source material.

Wicked, a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, tells the story of the classic’s central villian Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West and it’s symbol of goodness, Glinda the Good Witch of the South. It’s story opens with a Glinda arriving in Munchkinland in a glimmering bubble. To confirms for the citzenry that the witch is dead. It’s a majestic start complete with a spectacular ensemble number. 

Under Chu’s stewardship OZ comes to sparkling life. There are recognizable set pieces as well as a more expansive look at the land of OZ.  The film adaptation retains the “PG” light touch by inferring much more than showing the darkness decending upon the land. Cynthia Erivio and Arian Grande-Butera are hands down a triumph as the film’s Elphaba and Glinda. Both their vocals and dramatic interpretation of the leads distinguish their performances from any that’ve come before. In this meticulously built world the duo lead their talent-packed ensemble to create one of the best film-adaptation of a stage production ever. Wicked offers plenty for those longing for bright and colorful escapism. You’ll laugh, gasp, and be amazed at each cinematic success (enough to forgive its varied visual effects shortfalls). 

The narrative leans heavily on its cast for its emotional peaks and valleys and they more ably respond. Christopher Scott’s propulsive choreography delivers again and again. Erivo’s blend of stoicism and defensive boldness aid a growing necessary edge. While Grande’s pitch perfect switches between self-absorbsion, ambitious, perky benevolence adds the bounce and flair. Each balancing out the other in a delightful chemistry. But Holzman and Fox’ decision to add only hints of the novel’s deeper themes expose a script that fails to fully serve the narrative underpining all the visual pizzazz.

Every shallow plot point and thin (secondary) character development between musical numbers turns into glaring oversight in the spotlight of Wicked’s exhaustive runtime. So. if you were hoping that the extended (2 hours 40 minute) runtime – and cutting the story into two films – meant more (extremely important) parts of Macguire’s Wicked would find its way into the screenplay, well then you’ll likely come away disappointed. Perhaps the second half of this story coming November of 2025 will fill in those gaps. But despite this missed opportunity hindering Wicked from truly defiying gravity, its technical prowess behind and in front of the camera are worth a watch. Chu’s sprawling production brings this origin story to life such verve and vibrancy your inner song-and-dance loving kid will not leave dissatisfied.

Wicked opens in theaters Friday, November 22.

♦♦

Director: Jon M. Chu

Writers: Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum

Runtime: 2 Hour 40 Minutes

Synopsis: Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.

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