Wicked - Movie Review

Summary

In this review of *Wicked* (2025), directed by John M. Chu, the reviewer, initially skeptical about musicals, is pleasantly surprised by the film's engaging direction, stunning practical sets, and strong performances. Despite some CGI use, the film’s immersive sets and choreographed musical numbers stand out. Ariana Grande impresses with a humorous and evolving performance, while Cynthia Erivo delivers a breathtaking portrayal with her powerful voice. The movie blends deep emotional themes with lighthearted fun, and despite being split into two parts, it offers a sense of closure. Fans and newcomers alike will find much to enjoy in this unexpected gem.

Takeaways

• 😀 The *Wicked* movie, directed by John M. Chu, is an adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.
• 😀 The film features a strong mix of practical sets with minimal CGI, creating an immersive experience.
• 😀 Despite the expectation of heavy CGI, the film uses it sparingly, with notable exceptions like flying monkeys and talking goats.
• 😀 Ariana Grande delivers an unexpectedly strong comedic performance, keeping her character engaging despite being unlikable.
• 😀 Cynthia Erivo gives an outstanding performance as Elphaba, with her powerful voice and emotional depth.
• 😀 The film explores themes of depression, loneliness, and social outcasting, making it more than just a fun musical.
• 😀 The choreography and camera work are dynamic, with constant motion that helps keep the film’s lengthy runtime engaging.
• 😀 Even though *Wicked* is split into two parts, it offers closure and doesn’t feel incomplete, unlike other recent movie franchises.
• 😀 The film’s direction emphasizes strong blocking, camera movement, and dynamic performances that heighten the energy.
• 😀 The chemistry between the lead characters, especially in their playful conflict, adds a fun, engaging layer to the film.
• 😀 Despite being skeptical about the genre, the reviewer was genuinely surprised by how well the film was made and executed.

Q & A

What was the reviewer's initial exposure to *Wicked* before watching the movie?

The reviewer had only heard their friends sing the songs at karaoke and had never seen the Broadway musical or listened to its soundtrack beyond those events. They were also familiar with *The Wizard of Oz* but didn’t know the story of *Wicked*.

How did the reviewer feel about musicals before watching *Wicked*?

The reviewer admitted that musicals tend to be lower on their list of favorite genres. While they don't hate musicals, they aren't typically excited about them, though they are open to watching them.

What aspect of *Wicked*'s production surprised the reviewer?

The reviewer was surprised by the use of practical sets and minimal reliance on CGI. They had expected the movie to be a CGI-heavy spectacle, but instead, the film incorporated many real, built sets, which added to its authenticity.

How did the reviewer describe the direction and choreography of *Wicked*?

The reviewer praised John M. Chu's direction, highlighting his use of dynamic camera movements and well-composed shots. The choreography was described as masterful, with impressive blocking and crowd scenes that kept the movie constantly in motion.

What was the reviewer's opinion on Ariana Grande's performance in *Wicked*?

The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by Ariana Grande's comedic performance, noting that she was very funny and brought charm to a character who could have been unlikable. They appreciated how Grande's performance kept the audience engaged despite the character's flaws.

What stood out about Cynthia Erivo's performance in the film?

Cynthia Erivo’s performance was described as the standout of the movie, with her powerful singing voice giving the reviewer chills. They praised her ability to portray emotional depth and endearing qualities, particularly in dramatic scenes.

How does *Wicked* explore deeper emotional themes while maintaining a lighthearted tone?

The movie strikes a balance by addressing themes of loneliness, depression, and the struggles of feeling like an outcast, while still delivering fun, bubbly sequences. This dual approach allows the film to resonate with both serious and lighthearted audiences.

Did the reviewer feel that *Wicked* was successful as a two-part movie?

Yes, the reviewer felt that *Wicked* worked well as a two-part series, with the first part feeling complete and not leaving the audience hanging. They appreciated that even though it was part one, it still delivered a satisfying narrative.

What did the reviewer think about the decision to split *Wicked* into two parts?

The reviewer acknowledged the recent trend of splitting films into two parts, but felt that *Wicked* benefited from this approach. They found that the first part had a clear beginning, middle, and end, and didn't suffer from feeling incomplete, unlike other films that split their story without resolution.

How did the movie's visual presentation contribute to the overall experience?

The movie's visual presentation was praised for its use of practical sets, a limited but effective use of CGI, and intricate design details like the campus and train. These elements contributed to a rich and immersive viewing experience that surprised the reviewer, who had expected a more artificial feel.