The Verdict
"Defying gravity with its magical pairing of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande,Wicked's sheer bravura and charm make for an irresistible invitation to Oz."
"Fly, do not run, to seeWicked, a bewitching musical experience chanted by a spellbinding cast."
Movie Review and Other Insights
Wicked is a visionary Kids & Family, Musical, Fantasy, Adventure film directed by the acclaimed Jon M. Chu (Marc Platt). Released in theaters on Nov 22, 2024, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Marc Platt Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film features a runtime of 2h 40m.
The story follows wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway's The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Leading the cast are star performers Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated PG for Some Scary Action|Brief Suggestive Material|Thematic Material, Wicked delivers a SDDS audio experience presented in a Digital 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "Defying gravity with its magical pairing of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande,Wicked's sheer bravura and charm make for an irresistible invitation to Oz."
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Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"Wicked will likely never win over skeptics or those who have an allergy to earnestness, but longtime devotees of the admittedly silly but big-hearted musical will fall in love bringing newcomers into their club."
"Is it enough for Wicked to be a better version of those live-action Disney remakes, one with more tactile sets, defter direction, and better leading performances? Maybe."
"Indulgent and unwieldy as it is, Wicked is a thrill, at times wildly funny, heart-soaring, and ultimately inspirational in spite of itself."
"Does do some things right but its need to try and appeal to a younger audience does trip it up at times. Still the last quarter of the film does offer a glimmer of hope for Part Two so let’s hope the next trip over the rainbow has a little more promise."
"Ariana Grande (who plays co-lead Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (who plays Elphaba) have a dazzling chemistry onscreen that’s hard to miss. You could recommend the movie on the strength of their performances alone."
"A sumptuous, glamorous, bedazzled and ardently faithful spectacular-spectacular."
Audience Reviews
phenomenal singing and world building but color scheme seemed washed out
The most amazing! Everything about it! Love the songs!
Liked the surprise tie-ins to the well known tale. Uh...I always really, ah...enjoy... the work, yes the work of Jeff Goldblum. Dislike the music in the second compared to the first part.
Greatest finale of all time. Elphie and Glinda
I loved the plot and the music and the cast.
I had previously seen Wicked on Broadway and LOVED it. I was actually skeptical as to whether the Movie (or in this case Movies) could live up to the Live production…. It actually SURPASSED my expectations. The movie was SO well done!! EVERYTHING about it, Beginning to end was SO STUNNING! !! I can’t wait to see them both again, and again, and again!! 🤩
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wicked released?
Wicked hit theaters on Nov 22, 2024, Wide. It became available for streaming on Dec 31, 2024.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 2h 40m. It falls under the Kids & Family, Musical, Fantasy, Adventure genre, featuring a sound mix in SDDS.
Who is the director of Wicked?
The movie is directed by Jon M. Chu. The script was penned by Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox.
Who are the main actors in Wicked?
The top billed cast includes:
- Jon M. Chu as Director
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Ethan Slater as Boq
Why is Wicked rated PG?
It is rated PG (Some Scary Action|Brief Suggestive Material|Thematic Material)
Which studio produced the movie?
Wicked was produced by Marc Platt Productions and distributed worldwide by Universal Pictures.
About the movie
NEWWicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway's The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Director
- Jon M. Chu
- Producers
- Marc Platt, David Stone
- Screenwriter
- Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
- Distributor
- Universal Pictures
- Production
- Marc Platt Productions
- Genre
- Kids & Family, Musical, Fantasy, Adventure
- Release Date
- Nov 22, 2024, Wide
- Run Time
- 2h 40m
- Rating
- PG
- Sound Mix
- SDDS
- Aspect Ratio
- Digital 2.39:1