Wicked is the first of a two-part film adaptation of the stage musical of the same name. Serving as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the film takes place in the Land of Oz. The film follows green-skinned Elphaba’s studies at Shiz University, showing her path to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West, alongside forming an unlikely friendship with who would later become known as Glinda the Good Witch of the North. From director Jon M. Chu, the film has an ensemble cast that includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.

I think it was a byproduct of growing up in the Midwest, but I never cared for The Wizard of the Oz. There’s no denying the impact the film had, but the constant references always drove me nuts, especially if I was anywhere but Kansas. We have also been in an incredibly strange year for musicals. Not only have I seen this many musicals in one year, but there hasn’t been a single one that has impressed me, except for Emilia Pérez. Needless to say, I wasn’t that excited for it, but I couldn’t pass up seeing what would be my last press screening with Universal this year. Given the hype as well, I had to take the opportunity to see this, even if that meant taking a break in the middle of the movie.

I’m happy to report that this film is amazing. I haven’t felt this type of magic from a film since the Harry Potter movies. There’s so much lore that is explored that gives reason why this first part is longer than the entire musical. The film takes a really unique approach to its story through its characters. By giving these characters more depth, the film is able to utilize every single minute of its runtime that flies by with its incredible direction and energetic editing.

I understand there has been some controversy with how Erivo responded to the fan-made edits to the posters. I didn’t initially understand why she felt that way, but after talking to other viewpoints on the matter, and especially after seeing the film, I can see where she is emotionally invested in this character. Erivo has always impressed me, but her performance here easily puts her in my top 10 performances from an actresses of the year. Her character has to go through a lot as someone people are not nice to. Anyone that is nice to her is either using her or don’t stay in her life for very long. Given how much passion she puts into the role, I don’t blame her at all. She’s even shared how she wished she could have reacted differently, and it’s all good. We’re all human.

Ariana Grande is just as equally amazing. I was surprised by her, because I don’t think I have ever seen her is anything before. I could easily see her get an Oscar nomination alongside Erivo. Where Erivo is reserved and self-conscious, Grande is confident and calculated. She is often the funniest character and yet the one that balances out Erivo’s character. Without these two, I am sure we could have gotten a much different film.

Jon M. Chu directs this film with so much passion as he completely understands how to expand this first part into an epic runtime unlike anything I have ever seen before. It’s easy to understand why he was chosen as the director for this. His work in dance/music genre movies began in 2008 with Step Up 2: The Streets. He’s 45 now, but he would have started this work in his late twenties, which is an incredible accomplishment. All of his work has lead up to this amazing display that shows how a film can balance a musical with humor, action, and characterization. He manages to capture so much emotion in every musical number.

Of course the runtime worried me. I couldn’t look at the time throughout the film, but I had a funny feeling where the film was on its runtime at certain points. The film has a poignant arc that truly justifies this be a part one. There’s so much depth and lore that kept me invested and wanted me to know more. Where I initially had issues with some plot points, I found out that part 2 would fully realize those plot points, so I can’t take issue with that. The editing is infused with so much energy and precision. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this get an Oscar nomination for editing.

Alongside the editing, I can also see the film get a few more nominations for its production & costume design. I learned beforehand that the film using almost no visual effects. I would more so say that at least 75% of the film relies more on practical effects based on its location. The rest of the film uses CGI on talking animals, as well at that robotic face that Oz uses. That’s probably where the film faults most as the CGI does not always look great, almost taking you out of the submersion that the film is already giving. Nonetheless, the film still looks great with its attention to detail, especially with its costume design, giving each character their own definitive wardrobe that fits perfectly with their personality. The cinematography pairs well with the costume design & location to give something meaningful with its color palette. On top of that, the cinematography also works in tandem with the editing.

In their supporting roles, everyone understands their assignment perfectly. Jonathan Bailey exudes the right tone for the film, and even surprised me at times that the film was given a PG rating. There are even a few other elements outside of this where I was a little surprised that this film was still given a PG rating. Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode work great in their roles. Peter Dinklage surprised me, where Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum were icing on the cake.

One of the most surprising aspects of the film is also one of the most important and that has to do with the themes. Throughout history we have seen a lot of how politics has influenced so many things. This film manages to capture the effects of it without coming across one-sided. Erivo’s character presents how history has not been kind to those different from others or has been for another’s gain. It also shows how political leaders will incite evil acts as a way to gain power instead of bringing people together. This film shows why its so important to get the other perspective before making a definitive answer. I am surprised knowing that this will certainly make at least a billion dollars knowing the political messages the story conveys. While the film is quite entertaining, the film also manages to convey themes that I hope will spark healthy dialogues amongst others.

Overall, Wicked exceeded my expectations with a film that is not only simply entertaining, but manages to present some incredibly important themes that ring true today. Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande equally star in what could be Oscar-nominated roles. While the first half is longer than the entire musical that it is based on, it has a lot of wonderful depth that makes every single moment matter. I get the phenomenon now. I will be there again next year for part 2.

VERDICT: (Amazing )