Wicked Part 1 is now playing in theaters and is already poised to have a big weekend ahead with $19.2M made in Thursday night previews and grossed over $117 million for the weekend overall. Here are my thoughts on the newest film! Mild spoilers ahead if you have not seen the movie just yet.
Review
I went into Wicked not knowing anything about the original broadway musical and it was better for it. From the opening scene, you get a sense of the aftermath from the rest of the film and you are told that there will be a tragic ending with the main characters.
This film is shot gorgeously with detailed camera movements from Jon M. Chu. I often said “wow” while watching the movie because there is not a moment of the camera staying still. Everything is in motion. As you may wonder about the main characters Elphaba & Glinda, (played by Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande) they are the heart of the movie and steal every scene they are in. Songs like ‘Popular’ and ‘Defying Gravity’ will be the talks of the town, but I was more impressed by the dramatic tension that holds the film together in between musical numbers. Those two were absolutely casted well and deserve major awards buzz in 2025. And I cannot forget about the extended cast and extras in this movie. Everyone did a great job in the songs and choreography as I was tapping my feet on almost every song. It was that good.
A thing I loved about the movie is that it isn’t just a song and dance every two seconds, as the story takes its time. There were a couple of songs that I didn’t know were continuing because the story allows the characters to go in and out of song and “regular acting”. It was really cool to see. I also appreciated the scope from the world of Oz and the practical sets. It feels good to see that in this modern day of filmmaking.
Final Thoughts
Wicked Part 1 isn’t just a musical, it’s a movie experience like no other and arguably is the best stage-to-screen adaptation in movie history. It’s a story about navigating a world where you may not be accepted by the people around you and I think everyone can relate to that no matter where they come from. I loved this film and I cannot wait for the second part. Go see this in the movie theater where it belongs!
