Our Spoiler-Free Review of Wicked: Part 1

Wicked Casts a Spell on the Big Screen

The Land of Oz has never looked—or sounded—so enchanting. Wicked, the highly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical sensation, soars into theaters this week, bringing the untold story of the witches of Oz to the big screen. As lifelong fans of the musical, my family went into the theater with sky-high expectations. After attending an advanced screening on Monday, November 18, I’m thrilled to report that the film exceeded them in every way.

For those unfamiliar, Wicked stars the incredible Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman whose green skin and fiery independence set her apart, and pop superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a bubbly and ambitious young woman who hides surprising depth beneath her sparkling exterior. The two meet at Shiz University in Oz, forming a friendship that will shape their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. The story, which delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the power of self-discovery, captures hearts as it explores the complex bonds between these two iconic characters.

Related: Glinda and Elphaba Meet and Greet at New Wicked Experience in Universal Studios Florida

A Perfectly Paced Tale

One of the most frequent criticisms of the stage production is its brisk pacing, but the film adaptation allows the story to breathe. With a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes—essentially the same length as the full musical—the filmmakers have crafted a richer narrative that gives characters room to grow and relationships time to deepen. The pacing felt natural and immersive, making the time fly by. This expanded format enhances the emotional weight of the story, pulling viewers into every moment.

3D That Enhances, Not Distracts

We opted for the 3D version of the film, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The 3D effects are subtle and immersive, drawing you into the dazzling world of Oz without feeling gimmicky. From the towering halls of Shiz University to the vibrant emerald hues of the Wizard’s city, every scene feels alive, elevating the movie into an unforgettable experience.

A Faithful Musical Experience

For fans of Wicked, the songs are a central part of what makes the story so iconic. We’re happy to report that not a single song from the stage musical has been cut from the film. While many tracks have been slightly adapted for the screen, they honor the spirit of the original and translate beautifully into the cinematic medium.

The soundtrack for Wicked: Part 1 features every song from the first act of the musical, performed by the film’s extraordinary cast. From Ariana Grande’s whimsical take on Popular to Cynthia Erivo’s powerhouse rendition of Defying Gravity, the music is a triumph. These tracks not only elevate the movie but are sure to become a cherished soundtrack for fans new and old.

Here’s the tracklist for Wicked: Part 1:

Disc 1

• A1. No One Mourns the Wicked – Ariana Grande ft. Andy Nyman, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Jeff Goldblum, Sharon D. Clarke & Jenna Boyd
• A2. Dear Old Shiz – Shiz University Choir ft. Ariana Grande
• A3. The Wizard and I – Cynthia Erivo ft. Michelle Yeoh
• B1. What Is This Feeling? – Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo
• B2. Something Bad – Peter Dinklage ft. Cynthia Erivo
• B3. Dancing Through Life – Jonathan Bailey ft. Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode & Cynthia Erivo

Disc 2

• C1. Popular – Ariana Grande
• C2. I’m Not That Girl – Cynthia Erivo
• D1. One Short Day – Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
• D2. A Sentimental Man – Jeff Goldblum
• D3. Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo ft. Ariana Grande

Each song feels like a love letter to the original musical while embracing the grandeur of the big screen. Expect these performances to stay with you long after the credits roll.

Casting Magic

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver performances that are nothing short of spellbinding, but the supporting cast deserves just as much praise for bringing the world of Wicked to life with depth, humor, and heart.

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba: Erivo’s portrayal is pitch-perfect, blending vulnerability with strength as she navigates Elphaba’s journey. Her rendition of Defying Gravity—the climactic number of Part 1—left the theater in awe, with many dabbing away tears. She brings an intensity and emotional depth to Elphaba that honors the character while making it uniquely her own.
• Ariana Grande as Glinda: Grande brings a delightful freshness to Glinda, infusing her quirks with humor and charm. Her take on Popular is a standout moment, and her comedic timing shines alongside her powerhouse vocals. Grande was clearly born to play Glinda.
• The Chemistry: The real magic happens when Erivo and Grande share the screen. Their chemistry is electric, and their vocal harmonies are mesmerizing. Together, they breathe life into the heart of the story—the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda.

The supporting cast is equally exceptional:

• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero: Bailey brings a nuanced take to Fiyero, capturing the complexity of a character who starts as carefree (and a bit obnoxious) but reveals layers of depth as the story unfolds.
• Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard: Goldblum is delightfully Goldblum, managing to be both charming and enigmatic while portraying the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
• Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond: Dinklage’s voice work as Dr. Dillamond is heartfelt and compelling, adding gravitas to the character’s plight.
• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: Yeoh strikes a perfect balance between sinister manipulation and a strangely endearing presence, making Madame Morrible a standout character.
• Ethan Slater as Boq: Slater brings an earnestness to Boq that makes his journey both endearing and tragic, grounding the character with heartfelt sincerity.
• Bronwyn James and Bowen Yang as ShenShen and Pfannee: This comedic duo brings levity and flair to Part 1, with impeccable timing and plenty of laughs as Glinda’s Shiz University cohorts.
• Marissa Bode as Nessarose: Bode shines as Nessarose, embodying the character’s vulnerability and longing with heartfelt precision. Her portrayal adds emotional depth, making Nessarose’s struggles relatable and poignant.

Additionally, there are two characters named in the cast list who I won’t reveal here to avoid spoilers. Rest assured, both deliver amazing performances that fit the film perfectly.

Together, this ensemble cast creates a dynamic, immersive experience that captures the magic of Wicked while introducing new layers to its beloved characters. Their performances bring out the best in each other, making Part 1 a truly unforgettable experience.

Related: New Wicked Experience Opens TODAY at Universal Orlando

A Visual Feast

From the opening moments, Wicked: Part 1 is a stunning visual masterpiece. The sets, costumes, and cinematography create an Oz that feels both fantastical and real. The bold colors, intricate designs, and sweeping camerawork make every scene a treat for the eyes. This is one of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen, with visuals that elevate the story to cinematic greatness.

A Must-See Event

With a 99% score on the Rotten Tomatoes Popcorn Meter and glowing early reviews, Wicked: Part 1 is already a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of the Broadway musical or just looking for an epic holiday movie, this film offers something for everyone. It stays true to the heart of the musical while inviting newcomers into the world of Oz with open arms.

Run—don’t walk—to your local theater to experience Wicked: Part 1 on the big screen. It’s an unforgettable journey into the land of Oz that you won’t want to miss.

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