Phil Roberts 
Wicked is a dazzling visual spectacle that falls short of brilliance. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera deliver powerhouse performances that overcome some truly eye-rolling dialogue to whisk us back to Oz with a musical blast.
The magic of The Wizard of Oz is iconic. Aside from the classic original, no other adaptation has come close to replicating its brilliance. Sure, Return to Oz delivered a fun, darker take on the material, but without the musical, lighter tone, it failed to become the legitimate successor we hoped it would be. In truth, the only adaptation to come close was the incredible Broadway Stage production Wicked. Designed to give an origin story to the Wicked Witch of the West and her longtime adversary, Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, the show was a triumph. But can this beloved stage show triumphantly transition to the big screen?
The big-screen adaptation, which features the talents of global megastar Ariana Grande-Butera, Broadway star Cynthia Erivo, and Jon M. Chu’s directorial vision, is finally arriving in cinemas this Friday – and the buzz is very promising. But even with this wealth of talent, can the film genuinely deliver the experience we are hoping for? Or is this latest attempt to bring the Land of Oz to life another lifeless cash grab?
REVIEW
Fear not, Oz fans, because Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is a dazzling visual spectacle that works wonders with its material but falls short of brilliance. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera deliver powerhouse performances that overcome some truly eye-rolling dialogue to whisk us back to Oz with a musical blast. The cinematography is breathtaking, the score is superb, and the musical numbers are flawless. However, fans of the original movie will be put off by the narrative changes that cast an unfavorable light on some of the IP’s legacy characters.
Ultimately, the film will effortlessly delight fans of the stage performance but alienate those who adore Judy Garland’s legendary feature film. Those of us who have never seen the stage show may wonder what all the fuss is about. But make no mistake, this film is a memorable experience that will charm its intended audience in abundance. Admittedly, the three-hour runtime may seem excessive to some, but the time flies by so swiftly that it never feels drawn out.
RETURN TO OZ
The plot of the film mirrors the Broadway show to perfection. It follows Elphaba Thropp, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda Upland, the future Good Witch of the North, as they begin their journey to magical prominence. Elphaba is a green-skinned outcast shunned by Oz society for her bizarre looks. Glinda, on the other hand, is highly regarded and revered by all. Despite both coming from prominent families, their reception couldn’t be any different. However, one thing separates them: Elphaba can wield magic. Glinda aspires to gain magic.
Unlike the classic Judy Garland adventure, Glinda is depicted as a self-centered, self-absorbed, spoilt brat. Conversely, Elphaba is humble, respectful, and eager to earn her place in Oz. However, despite their differences and hilarious teething problems, both find themselves drawn together as they enroll in Oz’s illustrious Shiz University. But as the plot unfolds and the duo’s destinies come to fruition, we soon discover something rotten at the core of Oz.
SHIZ WHIZZ
What follows is a story on multiple fronts. Elphaba finds herself under the wing of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), the Dean of Sorcery at Shiz University, while Glinda finds herself on the sidelines. All the while, a more profound and sinister mystery surrounding the animals of Oz begins to reveal itself, and the fallout promises to change the landscape of Oz forever.
Whisking us along on this journey through Oz are the breathtaking musical numbers the production is famous for. Greg Wells, Stephen Oremus, and Stephen Schwartz have worked wonders to update the musical numbers for the big-screen adaptation, and they elevate the film at every step. Much of this success can be credited to the incredible performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Both actors were destined to portray these characters, and that is reflected in their performances. Moreover, their on-screen chemistry is electric, making the songs all the more impactful. Both actors pour their heart and soul into the material, and the audience will feel their commitment with every fiber of their being. The movie also taps into the positive message of acceptance, and it becomes the backbone of the story.
GORGEOUS VISUALS
The musical numbers are brought to life even more powerfully thanks to the stunning special effects created by ILM. The Industrial Light and Magic team, renowned for their work in shaping the landscapes of the Star Wars universe, has invested the same passion and dedication into building the magical Land of Oz. For the first time since Judy Garland’s outing, Oz explodes into life and becomes a character in its own right. Right from the start, the landscape of Oz is brought to life in stunning detail. From the iconic Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, the picturesque landscape of Oz feels fresh and lush while feeling hauntingly familiar.
Only Judy Garland’s film has accomplished striking the right balance between a stage production and a cinematic experience, resulting in a timeless classic. Wicked takes this feat to the next level, featuring a stunning array of practical sets beautifully complemented by breathtaking CGI landscapes. This combination creates one of the most lush and exquisitely rendered visuals ever captured on film.
DISASTROUS DIALOGUE
The only major drawback in the film is the eye-rollingly bad dialogue featured throughout. The Wizard of Oz is timeless because of the expertly crafted screenplay. Wicked often unravels because the screenplay boasts a contemporary polish that utilizes many phrases and blasts of modern slang. It’s a trait that is becoming all too familiar in contemporary fantasy films, and it only serves to erode the believability of a faraway fantasy land. Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox’s screenplay also leans into tired cliches that wear thin after a while. Although I understand the need to stay as close to the original material as possible, many of the cliches that work on stage don’t necessarily translate to film.
The film tends to come off as a bit too cheesy at times. While it’s not a significant flaw, it does hold the movie back from reaching its full potential. Younger viewers will likely be charmed by the childlike whimsy and the ridiculous moments of clumsy dialogue. However, those of us seeking a more well-rounded and thought-provoking cinematic experience might feel a bit let down.
PERFORMANCES
Fortunately, the supporting cast’s performances compensate for the film’s frequently whimsical tone. Michelle Yeoh shines as the enigmatic Madame Morrible, showcasing her impressive range as she continues to evolve as an actress. There’s even a delightful moment where she displays her musical talents, bringing an additional layer of enjoyment to her role. Similarly, Jeff Goldblum, portraying the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, makes a notable impression. Though his screen time in the first act is somewhat restricted, Goldblum breathes life into the character with his signature flair.
His performance is often subtle but always memorable, as his unique quirks align perfectly with the Wizard’s persona. Unfortunately, like Yeoh, he is somewhat hindered by the silly dialogue; however, his captivating charm ensures that his quirky interpretation elevates the material, making it feel less burdensome. Jonathan Bailey shines as Fiyero Tigelaar, the Winkie prince and somewhat of a love interest to Elphaba and Glinda. The playful campiness of his character aligns perfectly with the film’s overall tone, making him one of the standout elements of the story.
It will be fascinating to see how his character develops, but if the expected twists occur, they may not come as a surprise. In truth, that sums the film up in a nutshell. It’s a bold, imaginative spectacle boasting lush and well-rendered cinematography but lacking the necessary substance to make it truly epic. Yes, it looks impressive, and the songs are glorious, but the heart and soul of the film are lacking – and that is a hurdle even the brilliance of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo cannot overcome.
VERDICT
Overall, Wicked is a gloriously imaginative and expertly rendered walk down the Yellow Brick Road. The songs are outstanding, and John Powell’s score beautifully captures the essence of the musical, adding significant depth to the overall journey. The special effects by ILM are nothing short of spectacular. The original Elphaba and Glinda actresses, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth are allowed their well-deserved moment of recognition, and the essence of Judy Garland’s classic is preserved and refreshed for a new generation of fans.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera form an extraordinary duo, and their on-screen chemistry sparkles, creating moments of genuine enchantment. Both actresses fully immerse themselves in their roles, creating an unforgettable experience. While Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West is legendary, Cynthia Erivo delivers a performance that stands shoulder to shoulder-with her iconic predecessor. Surprisingly, Ariana Grande-Butera gives a standout performance that dismantles any notion of her being a one-dimensional artist. Those who doubt her versatility will be in for a well-deserved wake-up call after watching Wicked. Her performance is a rare gem, earning her a spot in the awards conversation, and it would be shocking if she were overlooked. Her work deserves all the acclaim it gets.
So, grab your friends and set off for an adventure down the Yellow Brick Road. While the dialogue might make you roll your eyes, and some character changes may seem disrespectful to the original story, the journey is worth the three-hour runtime. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll sing! But you’ll never forget this trip to Oz. Bring on Part II!
We’re off to see the Wizard…
Wicked returns us to Oz in cinemas from Friday.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
