Wicked (2024)

Release Date: December 20, 2024
Director: Jon M. Chu
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum

Let me start with a confession: I’m not really a “musicals” kind of person. Give me explosions, awkward rom-coms, or some dystopian sci-fi, and I’m happy. But Wicked has been hyped up for years—people claiming it’s life-changing, the best thing to hit Broadway since... well, ever. So, I thought, “Why not?” I strapped on my 3D glasses, grabbed the free slushie Cineworld threw in (thanks for that, by the way), and braced myself for 2 hours and 40 minutes of musical extravaganza in glorious 4DX. And yes, a few drinks may have been consumed beforehand. Always helps, right?

What unfolded was a visually stunning and vocally powerful film that felt like being serenaded at a fancy dinner party where you don’t know half the songs. Sure, I didn’t walk out a converted musical fanatic, but for what it was, Wicked did its thing—and did it well, mostly.

A Tale of Two Witches

The story kicks off with Glinda (Ariana Grande), descending into Munchkinland in full-on fairy godmother mode to announce, “Ding dong, the witch is dead.” Talk about starting strong, right? The movie then flashes back to college days, where we meet Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a green-skinned young woman ostracized by her own family for being different. As someone who’s spent my fair share of time avoiding judgmental relatives at Christmas, I immediately felt for her. Elphaba’s the kind of outcast who could start a Tumblr blog about it, except this is Oz, and they’re more into flying monkeys and broomsticks than Wi-Fi.

Enter Galinda—or “Glinda,” as she insists on being called later—a bubbly, blonde, pink-loving queen bee played by Ariana Grande. She starts out as the stereotypical mean girl, but as the story unfolds, she and Elphaba are forced to room together and—surprise!—develop a genuine, if unlikely, friendship.

Their dynamic is the heart of the film, and thank goodness Erivo and Grande deliver. Erivo’s Elphaba radiates vulnerability and determination, and she makes you root for her with every note she belts out. Grande, on the other hand, leans into Glinda’s comic dorkiness, blending her usual diva charm with just the right amount of self-awareness. Together, their chemistry soars, particularly in quieter, emotional moments like a beautifully understated dance sequence where their friendship solidifies.

Songs You’ve (Probably) Already Heard

Even as someone who doesn’t listen to Broadway playlists on Spotify, I recognized songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.” These are bangers—I get why they’ve become iconic. “Defying Gravity” is the kind of number that makes you feel like you could flip a table and quit your day job, and Erivo absolutely nails it. Her vocal control is jaw-dropping, and when she hits the high notes, it’s like being punched in the soul (in a good way).

Grande’s “Popular” is another standout, bringing some much-needed levity. It’s flashy, campy, and perfectly timed. She bounces around with enough energy to power a small town, and the hot pink lighting adds to the scene’s Barbie Dreamhouse vibe. The production value here is top-tier, with Nathan Crowley’s set design and Alice Brooks’ cinematography creating a visual feast that immerses you in Oz. Whether it’s the swirling greens of the Emerald City or the intricate details of Glinda’s wardrobe, everything feels meticulously crafted.

The Cast Brings the Magic

The supporting cast deserves a shout-out too. Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton fans, rejoice!) charms as Fiyero, the roguishly handsome prince who somehow becomes the object of both witches’ affections. His big musical number, “Dancing Through Life,” is a whirlwind of elaborate choreography set in a rotating library that’s straight out of an Escher painting. Bailey proves he’s not just a period drama heartthrob—he’s got serious musical chops too.

Then there’s Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, the sorcery professor with a sinister streak. Yeoh oozes elegance, but there’s always a glint of danger in her eyes, making her character fascinating to watch. Peter Dinklage lends gravitas as Dr. Dillamond, a goat professor (yes, you read that right) whose struggle reflects the film’s broader themes of oppression. And Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard? Let’s just say he’s a “playfully evil” delight, hamming it up in a way only Goldblum can.

Themes That Don’t Quite Stick the Landing

Now, let’s talk about the heavier stuff. Wicked tries to weave in themes of authoritarianism, discrimination, and fearmongering, which are baked into its DNA. The Wizard rules through deception and oppression, minorities are silenced, and Elphaba faces constant prejudice. These ideas are undeniably relevant, but the execution? A bit clunky. One minute, you’re marveling at a glittering dance number, and the next, the film slams you with dark oppression metaphors that feel jarringly out of place. It’s like watching The Sound of Music and then suddenly getting 1984 shoved in your face.

The tonal shifts make the film feel overstuffed. At 2 hours and 40 minutes, there’s a lot crammed into this first installment (yep, it’s a two-parter), and not all of it lands smoothly. While the big emotional beats hit their mark, the pacing occasionally drags, and some moments feel underdeveloped.

The 4DX and 3D Experience

Let’s talk about the 4DX experience. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re riding a broomstick while being pelted with gusts of air and occasional water sprays, this is your movie. The added effects are fun but borderline distracting—at one point, my seat shook so hard during a flying monkey chase scene that I almost spilled my slushie. Still, it added a layer of immersion that kept things entertaining, even during slower moments.

Final Thoughts

So, did Wicked make me a musicals fan? Nah. But it wasn’t a bad way to spend an evening, especially with the free slushie and a couple of pre-show cocktails. The film is visually stunning, the performances (particularly from Erivo and Grande) are top-notch, and the songs are as iconic as everyone says. But at the same time, the tonal inconsistencies and overstuffed runtime hold it back from true greatness.

For musical lovers, this is probably a dream come true. For casual viewers like me, it’s a mixed bag—a solid 6 out of 10. Go in with tempered expectations, and you’ll likely find something to enjoy. Just don’t expect it to “defy gravity” in terms of storytelling.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(6 out of 10 stars)

Until next time, keep your slushies cold, your drinks strong, and your movie picks questionable. Cheers! 🍷