Kayla Forsyth

The much looked forward to Wicked (2024) soared onto the big screen this week, bringing the beloved Broadway musical to life with dazzling visuals, a great cast, and an enjoyable musical score.

This is a must-watch for fans of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz; it absolutely captures the magic and heart of its source material.

The first part of director Jon M. Chu’s musical (he directed Crazy Rich Asians) tells the story of Oz, the supposed Wicked Witch of the West (better known in this story as Elphaba) and Glinda, the Good Witch, before Dorothy was brought in on a tornado.

The casting was perfect, with Ariana Grande delivering a standout performance as Galinda and every scene featuring her had me in stitches. She embraced the character's charm, wit, and quirks, bringing a delightful energy that perfectly contrasted with Cynthia Erivo’s more grounded and emotional portrayal of Elphaba. Together, their chemistry lit up the screen, their complex friendship at the story’s core.

Glinda and Elphaba are roommates at Shiz University, where the professors are talking animals and Michelle Yeoh is the headmaster. Most of the action takes place at Shiz, before the characters head to Emerald City to see the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).

Musically, Wicked exceeded my expectations. Songs like Defying Gravity and Popular were elevated on the big screen, and longtime fans and new viewers will surely enjoy it all.

Visually, the film was a feast for the eyes. The CGI brought Oz to life, from the shimmering Emerald City to the landscapes of Munchkinland. The costumes and settings were amazing – every moment there was something new, bright and amazing to look at.

The pacing at times was a bit erratic – remember, this film goes for more than two-and-a-half hours. Some moments soared, a few may have dragged, especially in the film’s first half. The slower pace may lose some viewers’ attention, but the climactic scenes more than made up for it.

Ultimately, Wicked offers a visually stunning, emotionally resonant journey through Oz. It’s a magical ride you won’t want to miss, and best seen on the big screen. I am looking forward to part II of this story when it comes to our theatres next year. 8/10