"Wicked" Movie Review Round-Up: A Worthy Adaptation Set to Soar at the Box Office

The much-anticipated Wicked movie, a cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, is already generating buzz for being a potential box office hit. Early reviews suggest the film does justice to the Wizard of Oz prequel, with some critics even calling it a superior experience to the long-running stage production. Praises highlight standout performances by leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, though there are mixed opinions about the film's length and its division into two parts. Despite this, the movie is not only Certified Fresh but also Verified Hot, thanks to early screenings.

Here’s what critics are saying about Wicked:

How Does It Compare to the Broadway Show?

  • "Bigger and better." — Sandra Hall, Sydney Morning Herald
  • "The film is still garishly overstuffed, but gloriously so… Instead of feeling bloated, Wicked has found its ideal form." — Peter Debruge, Variety
  • "Wicked will delight fans of the stage production as a faithful adaptation." — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times
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Performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

Critics agree that Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, delivering an emotionally rich performance:

  • "Wicked belongs to Erivo… Her eyes are an expressive window into the character’s lifetime of hurt and exclusion or defiant pride." — David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
  • "Make no mistake. This is Cynthia Erivo’s movie." — Brittany Patrice Witherspoon, Pop Culture Reviews

Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda also garnered attention, with many noting her comedic timing and standout musical moments:

  • "Ariana Grande, in a career-defining role, is delightful as the bubbly, ambitious Glinda." — Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
  • "Her rendition of ‘Popular’ is the highlight of the whole movie." — Kristen Lopez, Kristomania

Together, the duo’s chemistry is undeniable:

  • "Their love/hate relationship is the crux of the movie and leads to some great bits of physical comedy." — Kristen Lopez, Kristomania

Direction by Jon M. Chu

Jon M. Chu’s direction has been praised for blending epic visuals with heartfelt storytelling:

  • "Chu’s direction is pure magic… He perfectly balances Wicked’s massive set pieces with its heartfelt story." — Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
  • "Chu excels at timing shots to match the music precisely, treating Schwartz’s score with invigorating reverence." — Dan Rubins, Slant Magazine

Musical Numbers and Visuals

The musical sequences and visual presentation are a feast for the senses:

  • "Inventively staged and exuberantly performed… When it comes to big ensemble numbers like ‘What Is This Feeling?’ and ‘One Short Day,’ Chu’s more-is-more approach has an undeniable power." — Caroline Siede, Girl Culture
  • "Wicked looks great, thanks to the combination of VFX and world-building practical sets." — Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times

Criticisms and Final Thoughts

While the film has been lauded, some critics expressed concerns over its pacing and CGI:

  • "There are moments that drag, and some scenes seem superfluous." — Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
  • "Occasionally, the film does contain some CGI issues that are noticeable throughout." — Brittany Patrice Witherspoon, Pop Culture Reviews

Despite minor critiques, Wicked appears to have struck the right chord with critics and fans alike. Its rich performances, vibrant visuals, and faithful adaptation make it a must-watch for both Broadway enthusiasts and newcomers. Whether you’re revisiting Oz or discovering it for the first time, Wicked promises to leave audiences spellbound.