Wicked: Part 1 (2024)

When I was a kid, I saw the original stage version of Wicked with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in London. I also saw it a second time but I can’t remember when that was but I’m very familiar with the story, despite never actually being a huge fan of it. The story might have always been floating around in my head the way my brain loves to keep familiar things on an endless special-interest loop but it was always more in a “Yeah, I know this,” not in a “This is my personality now” kind of way. So you’d think I would have checked out Part 1 of the film version just out of curiosity but when it came out, I didn’t. My first reason being because of how hyped it was. I kept hearing about it everywhere I went and that just made me less interested. It wasn’t out of dislike for the story, I just wasn’t a fan to begin with and the hype made it feel more like homework to me than entertainment. I guess it also had to do with how I already knew the story and how I couldn’t stop hearing about it over the years. I can’t even begin to count the amount of times I’ve heard the song Popular. But now, to prepare myself for the sequel, I just finished watching the first movie and I’m kind of ashamed to admit it took me this long to see it because I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. I have reasons for that, too, so let’s follow the yellow brick road back to where it all began.

     Similar to the show, the story follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a fiercely intelligent young woman born with green skin, who seems to have a social life much worse than mine, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), the popular ambitious girl who becomes her unlikely friend at Shiz University. As their bond grows, the forces around them begin shaping the paths that will eventually turn them into the iconic figures of Oz. I told myself I would watch this movie at some point but I guess it’s better to wait a year to finally see it than not at all, especially since the sequel is now in theaters. One thing I like about this film, was the cast. I thought Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both knocked it out of the park with their characters. Their chemistry was amazing and they were both totally well deserving of their Oscar nominations. The cast also includes Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Andy Nyman, Bowen Yang, and Bronwyn James. I thought they all played their parts perfectly for the world their characters are in. Both plays and movies have their limitations and the differences are extremely clear in terms of this film and the stage version. I feel like I really got to see the land of Oz with its incredible set designs and its beautiful visuals. I was worried about the running time of this film but it felt like it went by quickly and I think that’s also what helped improve the story compared to the stage production. I was pretty tired when I watched this movie but it kept me awake and held my attention the whole time. I guess that’s just what happens when a film experience has a positive effect on a stubborn, movie-obsessed snob like me.

     Like I said before, it’s better that I saw this film now than having never seen it. Again, I already knew what would happen but that didn’t take away from the experience I had. With catchy songs, pretty good acting, brilliant directing by John M. Chu, and a fantasy world that was gloriously brought to life, it was pretty enjoyable. Overall, I would have to give this movie a 9 out of 10. If you like musicals, fantasies, or if you’re as hesitant to watch this movie like I was, I’d definitely recommend watching it if you haven’t already. A magical, heartfelt return to Oz that shines brighter than expected.