Wicked Part I is a visually dazzling, two-part film adaptation of the beloved stage musical, but with a runtime of over two and a half hours, Part I often feels bloated.
Director Jon Chu brings his trademark flair to the musical numbers, capturing the high-energy choreography and intricate dance sequences that are a joy to watch. The chemistry between Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba is electric, with both actresses delivering standout performances.
The movie ultimately feels like it’s trying to do too much without moving the plot forward meaningfully. Despite this, the sheer scale and spectacle of Wicked make it an undeniable cinematic event, but I have a few questions.
Letter Grade: A