Wicked

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage (voice), Andy Nyman, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Aaron Teoh Guan Ti, Sharon D. Clarke (voice), Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Rating: PG
Genre: Musical, Fantasy
2024

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) have a contentious, ever-changing friendship as they clash and connect as Shiz University in Oz. Their friendship is put to the test when they are summoned to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).

Review:

Tim: I have to say, I appreciate and respect what Wicked is as a film- and I'll spend a lot of my review hitting on the multiple obvious strengths. However, there's something about it that rubbed me the wrong way. I'll try to verbalize this as I write, to the best of my (considerably limited) abilities. I still consider this a big success and I acknowledge so many people loved the film. You can't deny all that.

My experience with this story goes way back. I read Gregory Maguire's original novel, which is honestly not that good. It's not great writing and the story is really weak, too. I went to see the play on Broadway though, and I experienced mixed emotions. The first half of the play was one of the best, most beautiful things I've ever seen. I absolutely loved it. The concluding moment with "Defying Gravity", well, I had tears in my eyes. Remarkable. After the intermission, I liked the play a lot less. So, I was torn- absolutely adored the first half, didn't care as much for the second. Going into this film, I expected to like it a lot better, given it's the first half of the story.

And, yes, it's generally all good. The story is what those familiar with will expect. The costumes, the set design, the singing is all top notch. It's a faithful, well-made adaptation that deserves praise. It also made a ton of money at the box office- $432 million domestically, enough for #3 in 2024. The film was also nominated for an astounding 10 Academy Awards. I'm not sure it had a legitimate shot at Best Picture, but it also didn't win for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were both nominated, as Best Actress and Best Supporting, but they didn't win, either. The film managed just two trophies- Oscars for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design. Those weren't surprising and they were well-deserving. Losing Oscars isn't a knock on any film- it's remarkable to get a nomination, but I did think the film would walk away with more. I think this is a very good film, but it's not great enough to truly compete in all those categories it was nominated in.

I struggle a bit with the cast. I know Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande gave good performances. I consciously recognize that. Their singing is without a doubt stunning and beautiful. I have no notes, no criticisms of how they sing. What I struggle with is separating them from their performances. I felt like Erivo and Grande were such a sideshow during awards season- I just never believed them or how they presented themselves. I don't think I like either actress, at all. They acted like they gave the greatest performances ever captured on film, and I think they were both just good. I became so annoyed and exasperated with them, that by the time I watched the movie, their performances felt tainted. I was actively hoping they would both lose. Now, I admit, Erivo throws herself into Elphaba in an impressive way. I don't like her, but I acknowledge her performance was incredible. Grande annoys me- I thought her comedic timing was excellent as Glinda, but I'm not sure she endeared herself the audience. She seemed a bit too one-note in her performance. The other big issue is that Grande and Erivo never fully sell their friendship. Oh, they're excellent as enemies- I believed that. But then, they need to connect and build a friendship. I think this part of the film felt rushed- we're supposed to get sucked into this betrayal, this broken friendship that never fully gets established in the first place. I just didn't believe it and it felt clunky to me.

Another issue I had is that the film takes the first half of the play and expands it further. This wasn't necessary. What we're left with is a half of a play that is a 2 hour and 40 minute movie! That is way too long, given that the story itself really hasn't changed. This is a film that feels stretched too thin. It ends up being overlong long, given the subject matter. Last complaint before I hit some more positives- in the play, "Defying Gravity" was the showstopping moment. Elphaba is center stage, singing this nearly perfect song, all eyes on her, as she lifts off the ground and embraces her new identity as the "Wicked" witch. It's the ideal, stunning, jaw-dropping climax of the first half of the play. Here, director Jon M. Chu leans too heavily into the CGI. Elphaba is flying around (and yes, there's some stunning visual effects here), but it takes the focus off just her. I was waiting desperately for that song, that reveal, and it feels like it was "good" here, not great.

I do want to acknowledge that despite my complaints above, Wicked is an exceptionally good movie. It translates an award-winning play into film exceptionally well. Erivo and Grande are terrific singers and both raise their game for their performances. Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh were inspired casting choices. Jonathan Bailey had some solid moments, as did Ethan Slater. I loved hearing Peter Dinklage's voice. The film offers a beautiful tribute to Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. The songs, the pageantry of the whole production is gorgeously rendered. Chu's attention to detail and care for the material is evident in every scene. I watched the film with my wife, my 10 year-old son, and 6 year-old daughter. It was a great family film that we all enjoyed. So, yes, I want to be clear at the end that I really enjoyed Wicked. The kids are already talking about going to see the sequel in theaters. This movie is a great success. I know it's not a fair comparison to make, but I have to admit, that despite the film's impressiveness, I still vastly prefer the musical stage version.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Wizard of Oz, Sing, Oz the Great and Powerful