The Magic’s There, But So’s the Meandering
IMDb rating: 7/10
Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is a visually stunning, emotionally rich retelling of the witches’ backstory, brought to life by powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Erivo’s Elphaba is a revelation… her defiance and vulnerability make the green-skinned outcast impossible not to root for, while Grande’s Glinda sparkles with charm and conflict. The film’s lavish sets, costumes, and choreography immerse you in Oz, and the iconic songs still soar.
Yet, for all its magic, Wicked struggles with pacing. At nearly three hours, it feels bloated; trimming 30-40 min would have tightened the narrative without sacrificing depth. The story’s emotional core (friendship, betrayal, and the cost of power) gets lost in the spectacle at times.
Still, it’s a grand, entertaining ride, and my daughter’s enthusiasm (and demand for Part II tomorrow) speaks volumes. Here’s hoping the sequel delivers more focus and less filler.
7.5/10: A feast for the eyes, if not always the attention span.
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