'Wicked' review: Erivo and Grande bring the magic in exhilarating musical adaptation
Courtesy of Universal
Roughly two decades since its Broadway debut and with over $1 billion in ticket sales, Jon M. Chu’s cinematic adaptation of “Wicked” has arrived in theaters to much fanfare and anticipation. The musical is cherished by a legion of fans around the world, and thankfully, the film doesn’t disappoint. It’s a grand, magical experience, grounded by two powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande that evoke the Technicolor splendor of old-school movie musicals. Although it’s only the first half of the story (the opening credits label it “Part One”, with a “To Be Continued” at the end), and some of the visuals may feel a bit wonky (CGI is a tool the original “Wizard of Oz” director, Victor Fleming, never had to contend with), “Wicked” excels because of its rich characters, the vibrant chemistry between Erivo and Grande, and its pacing, which allows the story to breathe without rushing. Some might even argue that the film version works better than the stage production, though I’ll refrain from starting a riot.
With a magnificent production design by Nathan Crowley and costumes by Paul Tazewell, it’s clear that Chu spared no expense in creating a fully realized world of Oz—one that is easy to get lost in. It’s a prime destination for families seeking a much-needed escape this holiday season. After everything that’s happened in the past few weeks, we could all use a win right now, and “Wicked” delivers just that. However, none of this would work without the one-two punch of two lead actresses who understand every nuance and instinct of their characters.
The first is Erivo, no stranger to Broadway, having earned critical acclaim and a Tony for her role in “The Color Purple.” As Elphaba, the green-skinned outcast, Erivo captures the character’s complexity and vulnerability. “Wicked,” of course, serves as a prequel, exploring Elphaba’s origins and how she would eventually become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. Her journey begins when she’s admitted to the prestigious Shiz University, where the enigmatic headmistress, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), discovers the magical power Elphaba harbors. Intrigued, Morrible becomes her mentor.
This sets the stage for a rivalry with her fellow student, Glinda (Ariana Grande, delivering a career-best performance), who’s used to always getting her way and never facing real challenges. What begins as a feud eventually blossoms into a friendship, one that culminates in the show-stopping number "Popular." Their bond will be tested, particularly when a crackdown on talking animals sweeps across Oz and the dashing, Prince Charming-like Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) enters the picture, forcing the two to confront their beliefs and what they stand for.
There’s been much discussion about the film’s runtime, which exceeds two and a half hours—especially considering the stage musical is about the same length. But in the context of film, the pacing works. There’s not a moment I’d cut, and it never drags. The momentum is consistent, building from the opening number all the way to Elphaba’s soul-stirring "Defying Gravity," which brings the film to a thunderous and emotional conclusion.
Erivo and Grande are both poised to find themselves in the Oscar conversation this year, though the next film in the series will likely offer a more substantial showcase for Erivo, while Grande steals the spotlight in this installment. The pop star uncovers every facet of Glinda, giving a performance that’s part Elle Woods from “Legally Blonde” and part Regina George from “Mean Girls.” While Grande has shown off her comedic chops on “Saturday Night Live,” her portrayal here reveals a fresh, bubbly side to the Grammy-winning artist. And though he only appears briefly toward the end, it’s clear that Jeff Goldblum is the perfect choice for the Wizard.
Infused with infectious energy and peppered with delightful cameos and nuggets, “Wicked” is a treat for audiences of all ages. It arrives at a time when many could use an escape from the current state of the world, making it an even more welcome experience. The only downside is that we’ll have to wait over a year to see the story’s conclusion on the big screen. It can’t come soon enough.
Grade: B+
WICKED opens in theaters Friday, November 22nd.
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