Wicked: Part One
★★★★ 1/2
When it comes to Wicked, I don’t carry the same emotional baggage as my Broadway-obsessed friends. Sure, I saw the stage production over a decade ago and enjoyed it, but I never caught the fever that leads people to memorize every lyric. It’s a great show, but it’s never been a top-five favorite of mine. So, when the first trailers for the movie adaptation dropped, I was… less than enthusiastic.
The trailers made me fear a CGI overload that would drown out what made the stage show so magical. But, as a self-proclaimed fan of movie musicals, I’m thrilled to report that Wicked: Part One took those fears, melted them like the Wicked Witch of the West and left me thoroughly enchanted.
While Wicked has been around for years, its themes feel eerily relevant in today’s world. The idea of how quickly we accept narratives as truth—particularly when they’re designed to divide us—hit harder than I expected. One of the standout moments comes from the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) himself, who remarks, “The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy.” That line echoes so much of our modern world, and it grounded the fantasy in a way that felt meaningful. Despite its deep themes, the movie never loses its heart. Its message of kindness and inclusivity radiates from every scene, making it feel timely and timeless all at once.
One of my biggest concerns—that the special effects would overwhelm the film—was completely unfounded. The CGI blends seamlessly with the traditional set design and costumes, creating a lush, immersive world that’s both fantastical and tangible. The visuals don’t just support the story; they elevate it. From the whimsical emerald glow of Oz to the vibrant costumes, this movie is simply beautiful to look at.
I went into the movie confident that Cynthia Erivo would deliver as Elphaba, and she does not disappoint. Her performance is raw, nuanced and magnetic. But the real surprise for me was Ariana Grande as Glinda. I’ll admit, I’ve long associated her with her Nickelodeon days and was skeptical about her casting. But she won me over completely. Grande is hilarious, charming and strikes the perfect tone for Glinda. She captures the popular-girl vibe while still showing enough vulnerability to keep the audience intrigued. Another standout is Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. He’s a fresh face for me, but his charisma and chemistry with the cast left me eager to see how his character evolves in Part Two.
While I loved Wicked, it’s worth noting that the runtime might be a hurdle for casual musical fans. Even my daughter, Hallie, pointed out that the movie is longer than the stage play it’s based on. It’s a commitment, but for those willing to dive in, the payoff is worth it.
Wicked is a rare gem among movie musicals. It’s a feast for the eyes, a balm for the soul and a triumph of storytelling. Whether you’re a die-hard musical fan or someone who’s been burned by the genre in the past, there’s something here for everyone. Bring on Part Two—I’m ready to defy gravity all over again.
