Wicked Movie Review

“Wicked” is based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.

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That book is based on L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the 1939 film adaptation. After the Maguire book came the Broadway musical by lyricist/composer Stephen Schwartz and playwright Winnie Holzman; everything about the musical was and still is a triumph, so here is the movie version.

The musical occurs in the Land of Oz before Dorothy is ever there. And, in case you’re unaware, there are other books by Gregory Maguire. There’s Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men and Out of Oz. Perhaps we’ll see these in the spotlight someday? The narrative we’re focusing on now is book one in his series. You may have seen the black and green cover on the shelves. It sort of flies out at you. Whether on stage, at home, or at the theater, “Wicked,” still on stage, connects us all to our childhood. Everyone heard about the yellow brick road when they were growing up. We all remember snuggling with the family near the television and watching “Wizard of Oz” for the first time, don’t we?

Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) allows our kids to enjoy this fable as we did. Ariana Grande (Galinda) and British entertainer Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) give it everything they have to become a part of this mythological history. “Wicked” works very well on stage, but can it be the same without the energy of live performers when it’s almost three hours long? That asks a lot of an audience. This story centers around the behaviors of the Wicked Witch of the West or Elphaba and her self-absorbed sorceress friend, Galinda, or is it Glinda? I’ll let you find that out while you watch. For the purposes here, let’s say Galinda. She’s commonly known as the Good Witch.

As I mentioned, this is a revision of the origin story, which takes place before Kansas native Dorothy enters the picture. It’s based on their friendship before they become who they are when their full potential is realized. They meet in the land of Oz at Shiz University. Galinda, the beautiful blonde adorned in pink, is about the only person not turned off by Elphaba’s green skin. Pink and green go well together, after all. Galinda also believes, “Strangers are just people we’ve never met.” Good! Elphaba needs that friend. She has a sister who her father favors. Her sister gets everything; she’s even going to this university. When everyone assumes Elphaba is, too, she lets them. She and Galinda room together and become very close. Sweet moments come from this friendship, a new experience for Elphaba. A series of events leads Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) to take an interest in her, leading to an outstanding duet called “The Wizard and I.” Once heard, it’ll be hard to get out of your head.

Being noticed by Morrible leads to even more firsts. She’s about to be taken to meet the Wizard! This is where we hear Jeff Goldblum’s rendition of “A Sentimental Man.” It’s magical. In fact, all the musical numbers are, but this is so touching, explaining how he sees himself as the father of everyone in Oz since he was never a father. Goldblum shines here, as does Grande in the vivacious “Popular.” There isn’t one bad song. Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, as the handsome Fiyero, sings “Dancing Through Life,” telling you all you need to know about him. And the song “Defying Gravity” adds more stunning vocals, showing you that this was the perfect cast to handle what’s asked of them.

Since the film does drag occasionally, it is two hours and forty minutes long, which is the one big negative I found: you’re never uninterested. By the way, part two is coming a year from now. While walking out of this movie, all you’ll be able to think about are the glorious performances. Your mind will recall the production as a whole, and you’ll get a tickle inside, making part two suddenly something you’re chomping at the bit for. See this on the big screen. See it now and prepare for a dazzling land you won’t want to leave.

You must discover the answer to the question, “Are people born wicked?” Are they, or do circumstances required of them turn their heart cold? That’s for you to answer.