Before watching Jon Chu’s adaptation of Wicked, I felt like the only person who had never seen the famous Broadway musical. I didn’t grow up in a family that attended musicals, although we did enjoy the music from Cats and Fiddler on the Roof. I was never involved in any theater productions in high school; however, The Wizard of Oz (1939) is one of my favorite films, which made me curious about this new film. Promotional items seemed everywhere: journals, throw pillows, ornaments and a plethora of pink and green merchandise.
If they’re marketing it this aggressively, it has to be good. Right?
Although the film has a long runtime, I’m a huge fantasy fan, so I was ready to endure it. As a mom, I appreciate the time away from my usual responsibilities, which allow me to indulge in a giant bucket of popcorn. From the opening scene and title card, I was captivated and transported to the land of Oz.
Part one of this stunning reimagining of the stage play explores what defines a person as “wicked.” We follow Elphaba’s journey from childhood to Shiz University, where she meets Galinda (aka Glinda) many years before the tornado brings Dorothy to Oz. It sounds simple, but this story has so many layers and themes.
There are also plenty of Easter eggs for Oz lovers, including the ruby red slippers, the melodies of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and the story behind why the yellow brick road is yellow.
Jon M. Chu is known for directing musical films, including In the Heights (2021) and Step Up 2 and 3D. He has also produced concert films for Justin Bieber. His most outstanding achievement is Crazy Rich Asians, a movie that has garnered several accolades.
Regarding Chu’s team for Wicked, Winnie Holzman was perhaps the most crucial person, who penned the award-winning 2003 stage play. Chu initially saw the show as a film student during its pre-Broadway preview run, and he hoped to direct the movie version one day. Now, that’s what I call “manifestation.”
And he isn’t the only one who manifested this dream of working on Wicked. Ariana Grande first saw the play when she was just 10 years old and expressed to Kristin Chenoweth, well-known for her Broadway role as Glinda, that she wanted to play Glinda one day. Additionally, there are photos of Ariana portraying Dorothy in a school play. These experiences inspired her to use her full name, “Ariana Grande-Butera,” in the credits of this film as a tribute to her younger self.
It’s hard for me to express the masterful prowess of Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. These two women capture their characters so well through their musical numbers and mannerisms; their absolute chemistry is dazzling. Their chemistry off-screen is inspiring and emotional. This movie means so much to them; they know how much it means to their fans.
I can see an Oscar nomination for both ladies next year.
I was also thrilled to see Bowen Yang cast as one of Glinda’s college friends. Most people, like me, will know him from his work on Saturday Night Live. He brings a unique sense of humor and energy to his character that only Yang can deliver. He reminds me of friends I had during my college years. I’m glad to see him transitioning toward movies instead of television, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Jonathan Bailey plays Prince Fiyero, who many people will recognize from the Netflix series, Bridgerton. Ethan Slater plays Munchkin Boq Woodsman, who some may know as the musical version of SpongeBob. Pop-culture enthusiasts will know him as Ariana’s current boyfriend. Marissa Bode, as Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, is fantastic as well. Peter Dinklage is the voice of a talking goat-history professor. Michelle Yeoh plays the Dean of Sorcery, Madame Morrible. Jeff Goldblum is the Wizard. I could go on and on. It is just an incredible cast of personalities that gives this movie its magic.
The budget for this film was $145 million, which explains why the set design and costumes are as enchanting as the story of Oz, itself. Chu aimed to make Oz feel as real as possible for the viewer, which is one reason the colors appear more realistic. While several critics argue that the colors should be more vibrant and they feel muted, I don’t entirely agree. The color palette strikes a balance between being dreamlike and grounded in reality.
One way Chu achieved this was by hiring a farmer to grow 9 million tulips in every color! Next year, the tulips will be open for public viewing, allowing everyone to experience Munchkinland for themselves. I hope I can click my heels and be there for that!
Practical sets were critical to Chu in creating a lifelike atmosphere in Oz. A total of 17 stages and four backlots were utilized, with two being the size of four football fields each. I loved every aspect of the set design, especially that of Shiz University. It reminded me of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the Harry Potter films, but even more enchanting and dazzling. That may be why Wicked is such a success: millennials like me, who grew up with Harry Potter, are embracing this more grownup, yet familiar story.
I say “grownup story” because of the themes it presents. On the surface, it appears to be a tale of love, friendship and family. However, if you look deeper, you will discover themes of prejudice, marginalization and oppression, which, from what I’ve heard, are the main focus points on which the original novel is based. I won’t delve too deeply into why these themes are presented, as it may spoil the film. However, it is something to keep in mind and reflect on afterward.
I love movies that skillfully present thought-provoking topics, allowing audiences to interpret them uniquely.
As I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t familiar with the play, so I didn’t know any of the songs from the soundtrack. However, “Defying Gravity” has been on repeat in my house ever since I saw the film. The powerhouse vocals of Cynthia and Ariana’s stunning soprano create a truly breathtaking experience. The opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” sets the tone for the movie with an exhilarating sense of anticipation as it announces, “The witch is dead.” Ariana showcases her impressive vocal range, proving she is more than a pop singer. I was genuinely impressed.
In most scenes, while filming, the two performers delivered their vocalizations live, eschewing lip-syncing. I cannot imagine the physical strength required to do that while also being there to witness such greatness.
The final number, “Defying Gravity,” is a sequence that will live in my mind forever. Cynthia’s vocals are stunning, filled with emotion that truly touches your soul. This is one of the reasons viewers are in tears at the end of the movie. Her raw emotion and the powerful orchestra create a beautiful and unforgettable scene. Elphaba’s character is highly relatable, which makes her story significant to so many people. Add music to that human experience, and you create movie magic.
Overall, I would give Wicked a perfect five out of five stars. It is awe-inspiring, and I find myself thinking about it often. There aren’t many movies I’ve seen more than once in theaters, but I am seriously considering watching this one again — if I can find a babysitter!