Experience the Magic and Mayhem of "Wicked" on the Silver Screen

Running Time and Rating: A Cinematic Extravaganza

With a running time of 160 minutes and a PG rating, "Wicked" takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The movie manages to balance scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive elements, making it suitable for a wide range of viewers. In theaters, it offers a unique cinematic experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

However, the extended runtime becomes evident in the first chapter, "Wicked: Part One." While it retains the same number of songs as Act 1 of the original show, an extra 60 minutes of padding add to the overall length. This gives viewers more time to immerse themselves in the world of "Wicked," but also tests their patience at times.

The Cast: Bringing the Characters to Life

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Galinda, respectively. Erivo's portrayal of the burgeoning sorceress is powerful and beautiful, especially in her ballads. However, director Jon M. Chu sometimes interrupts these moments with too much action, taking away from the emotional impact.

Ariana Grande, on the other hand, shines as the blond mean girl Galinda, later Glinda. Her performance is both fabulous and hilarious, making her the standout in many scenes. Her "Popular" number is a particular highlight.

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible also add depth to the story. Yeoh's performance as the Shiz headmistress is nuanced, and Bailey brings a charm to his role that makes him a fan favorite.

The Story: From Broadway to the Big Screen

Onstage, "Wicked" is a fun and fizzy prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," depicting the Wicked Witch of the West as a misunderstood activist teen. But on the big screen, director Jon M. Chu's film tends to lumber along at times. It switches between fantasy and cozy musical modes, creating a somewhat disjointed experience.

For example, the Act 1 finale, "Defying Gravity," is interrupted by an extended aerial chase scene and an exploding hot air balloon. This breaks the flow of the story and makes it less convincing as a fantasy tale.

Despite these challenges, the story still manages to capture the essence of the original show. The friendships between Elphaba and Galinda, and the various crushes among the characters, add a layer of humor and heart to the narrative. But there is also a dark social underbelly to the story, as animals are caged and losing their voices.

The Visuals: Bridging the Gap with "The Wizard of Oz"

Visually, the sets of Shiz, Munchkinland, and the Emerald City are obviously soundstages. This gives the movie a unique look that bridges the gap between the original Broadway production and Victor Fleming's classic "The Wizard of Oz." While the locales are occasionally fantastic and Hollywood retro, they never feel truly believable or taken seriously.

The appearance of original Broadway stars Chenoweth and Idina Menzel in a strange fan-service cameo is a bit of a misstep. It detracts from the overall story and could have been cut without losing anything.

The Imbalance: Act 1 vs. Act 2

"Wicked" has always been an imbalanced show, with Act 1 having all the best songs and Act 2 focusing more on the plot. This imbalance is evident in the first film, which feels like a lot of setup for something more exciting in 2025. Even after nearly three hours of sitting, viewers may not feel as though they've gotten to know the characters very well.

Like Elphaba needs Galinda, "Wicked" needs its second half to truly shine. As we wait for the next installment, we can only hope that it will bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.