The Stream: Too long to only be part of the story.

The Big Screen: A hilarious Ariana Grande and a powerful Cynthia Erivo.

The Final Bill: A dazzling and entertaining movie with musical moments elevated by its lead performances.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Jon M. Chu
Writers: Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang
Genre: Fantasy, Musical, Romance
Rating: PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material.
Runtime: 2 hours 31 minutes
Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions, SKY Studios
Platform: In theaters November 22, 2024
Notable Trailers: Last Breath, Paddington in Peru, A Minecraft Movie, The Fire Inside, Mufasa: The Lion King, The Bad Guys 2, How To Train Your Dragon (2025)

Hey, Streamers! Like Gladiator II, which currently in theaters, Wicked (Part 1) was a long time coming to the big screen. The musical was originally first on Broadway in 2003, and ever since audiences have clamored for a big screen adaptation. Finally, Elphaba, Glinda and the citizens of Oz have made their big screen debut in the first part of this two-part musical extravaganza. In Wicked, green-skinned Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who has uncontrolled magical powers, accompanies her younger sister to Shiz University where she meets popular rival, Glinda (Ariana Grande). As Elphaba and Glinda navigate their differences, they must confront mysterious and a potentially nefarious plot when they meet the powerful Wizard of Oz. Gravity defying and green-tinted hijinks ensue.

Okay, I’ll get the biggest issue out of the way immediately. This movie is 2 and a half hours long and it only tells part of the story. I understand that people want to get their money’s worth out of a trip to the theater, but movies don’t have to be so long to tell a compelling story. Wicked is only the first part of an entire story, so is this really a 5-hour story told in pieces? While the majority of the movie moves at a good pace and doesn’t seem to lag, it does suffer from a story that feels drawn out and ends when it feels like it’s just getting started.

Other than that, Wicked brings a modern version of Oz to life. This Oz is filled with color and life. The production design throughout the movie is awe-inspiring as there is always something interesting to look at. The costume design is equally wonderful. The fantasy of Oz is on full display, and it deserves a venture to the big screen. On top of that, this movie is populated with a talented roster of actors. Ariana Grande has great comedic timing and a very funny take on the role of Glinda. Who knew Ariana could move like she does! Also, we all know she’s a great singer and she really brings it and blends so beautifully with Cynthia Erivo. On that note, Cynthia is a powerhouse – both vocally and her emotional acting. She’s a showstopper, which is good for those hoping audiences want to come back for Part 2. Grande and Erivo almost justify the need for this story to be broken into 2 parts.

Overall, the story, the production and the performances come together even if I think the story is stretched beyond its limits and the two-part structure dulls its impact. Luckily, the leads distract enough to make this an engrossing piece of entertainment, fun for the entire family.

Ultimately, Wicked delivers on the spectacle, humor and music. At two and a half hours, it is too long, especially since it seems like the story is just getting started when it ends; but the movie has enough going on that it doesn’t get boring. Great costumes and production design will keep your eyes engaged while Ariana Grande’s great comedic timing and beautiful voice mixed with Cynthia Erivo’s powerful presence make this musical compelling and cheer-worthy. Pick up a big box of popcorn for this blockbuster worthy of a trip to the theater.