Experience the Musical Journey of Wicked like Never Before

The Wizard and I

In this iconic song, Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba. She effortlessly navigates the challenges of the "no father is not proud of you" line, transporting us into Elphaba's world. Even with Michelle Yeoh's brief appearance at the beginning, Erivo's performance remains solid throughout. The practical Shiz sets add to the charm, making this a standout moment in the movie.

However, as Elphaba runs out to the cliffside, the artificiality of the CGI backgrounds and confusing lighting take over. It's a small flaw in an otherwise great performance, but it does detract from the overall impact of the song.

Defying Gravity

"Defying Gravity" is truly a showstopper. Erivo and Ariana Grande's harmonizing is unbelievable, sending shivers down our spines. It's the most potent moment in the show, and their voices blend together seamlessly. The extended sequence at the end, with Elphaba's fall and her encounter with her younger self, is a bit of a letdown. We want to hear the song in all its glory, without the distractions.

But despite these minor flaws, "Defying Gravity" remains an iconic number that justifies adapting the musical to the big screen. It's a moment that will leave you in awe.

Dancing Through Life

Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero steals the show in "Dancing Through Life." His irresistible pansexual charm adds a new dimension to the story, taking the film to the next level. The choreography and sets are truly impressive, especially the underwater Ozdust Ballroom with the Animal band.

Marissa Bode and Ethan Slater also shine in this lengthy sequence. The choice to slow things down and focus on the details pays off, creating a moving moment when Galinda joins Elphaba. It's a perfect encapsulation of the musical's power and the talent of the cast and creative team.

No One Mourns the Wicked

Ariana Grande's Glinda steals the show in the opening number. Munchkinland looks fantastic, and Chu's ability to pull off big production numbers is on full display. However, Grande seems a little overwhelmed by the noise around her, as the scope of the film makes it difficult for her to stand out.

Despite this, the song sets the tone for the film and emphasizes Chu's attention to detail in creating impressive practical sets. It's a great start to the movie.

One Short Day

Erivo and Grande sound incredible together in "One Short Day." The Emerald City looks fantastic and contained, providing a nice contrast to the overwhelming nature of Wicked. The expanded Wizomania featuring original Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth is a fun addition.

While the added exposition may be a bit distracting, the key to Wicked is not taking it too seriously, and this song fits that approach well. It's a moment of joy in the midst of the film's grandeur.

What Is This Feeling?

The split screen in "What Is This Feeling?" is a game-changer. It feels distinctly cinematic and immediately elevates the number to the top tier. The Sapphic undertones are emphasized, adding a new layer to the story. Erivo and Grande's harmonizing keeps the number grounded, making it a true magic trick.

It's a moment that showcases the talent of the cast and the creative team, and it's one of the highlights of the movie.

I'm Not That Girl

Cynthia Erivo fares well in the scenes where Elphaba is lovelorn and teary-eyed. The song itself does a lot of the heavy lifting, but there is an odd flatness to it. The CGI fuzziness makes the whole forest look artificial, which detracts from the emotional impact of the number.

However, Erivo's performance remains strong, and she brings a certain vulnerability to the role. It's a song that could have been even better with a bit more attention to detail.

Something Bad

Peter Dinklage's performance as Doctor Dillamond is a pleasant surprise. He transforms into a goat with impressive CGI, and his singing voice is pleasant if not exceptional. The shadow puppet depiction of the persecution of Animals in Oz is quite effective, distracting from the less impressive CGI creations.

"Something Bad" is better than expected in the Wicked movie, and it showcases the film's ability to tell a story through visuals and music.

A Sentimental Man

Jeff Goldblum's performance as the Wizard is a mixed bag. While he shows real skill in putting together big production numbers, his inherent Jeff Goldblum-ness becomes more glaring in a song that calls for sincerity. The song itself is barely a full number, and it doesn't have much to offer beyond Galinda's high notes.

However, the scene where the Wizard dances around his Oz model is fun, and it adds a touch of whimsy to the film. It's a moment that showcases Goldblum's charm.

Dear Old Shiz

"Dear Old Shiz" is a bit of a disappointment. The song itself isn't particularly memorable, and it's overshadowed by Elphaba's arrival. The introduction of Keala Settle's Miss Coddle doesn't do much to make the song stand out.

Despite this, everyone sounds great, and their voices meld together beautifully. It's just a song that doesn't leave a lasting impression.