Review by J1 Reporter Rita Harr

“Wicked” directed by Jon M. Chu beautifully encapsulated a long thought question: are people born evil or made evil? While broadway adaptations are often subpar to the original, this movie adds even more depth and emotion to the story. Musicals are often compressed to fit their showtime slot. “Wicked” destroys this idea by opting to be two parts, each longer than the entire original play; they decide to unpeel even more about the story than the play allowed. With many people today complaining of the long list of upcoming movie remakes, sequels, and spin-offs, one cannot feel this way about the new “Wicked” movie. It is certain to say it added so much more to the story and made the viewing of the story more accessible, as not everyone is privileged enough to see the broadway show.

Released on Nov. 22, “Wicked” is a musical and fantasy movie. It has been a box office success grossing more than $360 million worldwide, thus making it the highest grossing broadway movie of all time. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo the film follows the unknown friendship of Elphaba the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good Witch, showing how they each left imprints on one another’s lives and explains why they are now enemies. The pair meet at a magical school named Shiz University. Immediately from the first day the professors can sense the immense power inside of Elphaba and decide to give her special private lessons to help her powers grow. This makes Glinda jealous, as her dream is to be a sorcerer. While they begin by fighting they eventually become close friends. From there they go on a grand adventure of self discovery, uncovering the truths of their world, and choosing which path they each must follow. 

It can be uncontested to say that the message of the movie would be beneficial to all viewers. By providing an origin story for the 1939 movie, “The Wizard of Oz” it can make one ponder on the motives of villains. In the original movie the Wicked Witch was an extremely one dimensional character. With basic lines and unexplained beliefs, it is hard for the viewer to understand the depth behind the character of the Wicked Witch.  “Wicked” gives one the opportunity to feel true sympathy for a villain, an emotion many movies try to evoke but fail. 

The powerful backstory of Wicked Witch is not the only thing uncovered. The viewers discover that the Good Witch’s pure motives may have not always been so pure. The pursuit of power and esteem makes one look at the witch in a new light. The movie proves that what you see is not always the truth. Giving a powerful insight on the naivety of the viewer to believe in black and white good and evil. 

The movie contained more than powerful themes. The imagery seen in the movie is extraordinary. The director was heard on many accounts explaining his goal of having as little CGI as possible. They planted 9 million tulips, made a working Wizard of Oz head, and even a train. All was worth it as the vibrant colors and realism of the movie further entrap the movie goer into the movie, giving an accurate view of what a physical magical Oz may look like. 

While there are many positives, no movie is perfect. With an emphasis on the relationship between the two witches we see very little of it. The movie spent far too much time building up the world and characters that the plot felt slow at times. The movie spent a majority of it building up the original feud that when the friendship happened it was hard to see the power in it that was needed to show the message of the movie.

With famous actors, extraordinary songs, dances and acting “Wicked” is a must see movie for anyone. You need not be female, male, young, old to enjoy this movie. The messaging and story could be beneficial and entertaining to everyone. All in all, I rate it a 9/10.