Wicked (Part 1) Review: A Magical and Emotional Return to Oz

Years after taking Broadway by storm, Wicked finally makes its long-awaited debut on the big screen. With Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical is set to captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The global success of the stage production has set high expectations, and the film delivers, adding a fresh layer of magic for those eager to explore the backstory of The Wizard of Oz.

"Defying Gravity" Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

From the very first scene, Wicked transports audiences back to the vibrant land of Oz. The world-building is visually stunning, with Munchkinland, Shiz University, and the Emerald City brought to life in exquisite detail. The film's production design is nothing short of magical, with sweeping landscapes and intricate set pieces that immerse us in a world both familiar and entirely new.

The performances are at the heart of this adaptation. Ariana Grande impresses with her powerful, operatic vocals, especially in her early scenes as Glinda. Her portrayal of the popular, bubbly witch is endearing and, at times, surprisingly grounded. Cynthia Erivo, however, is the true standout. She brings a depth and emotional richness to Elphaba, capturing the character's vulnerability, defiance, and ultimately, her iconic "wickedness." Erivo’s performance, both vocally and emotionally, gives Elphaba the justice she deserves, turning her into a character that we can’t help but love, even as she’s misunderstood.

The visuals of Oz are breathtaking, and the film’s direction ensures that every scene feels like a spectacle. I found myself particularly moved during Elphaba’s solo dance at the Ozdust Ballroom—a hauntingly beautiful moment that symbolizes her inner turmoil and longing for acceptance. The sequence, set to the haunting “Defying Gravity,” is a powerful reminder of why this story resonates so deeply with audiences. It’s a moment of liberation and defiance, both poignant and exhilarating.

"Popular" Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

The film also pays homage to the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie with several subtle easter eggs and references. Keep an eye out for the iconic ruby slippers and some familiar nods to the original, giving longtime fans a delightful sense of continuity. There are also moments that echo the stage musical, ensuring that Wicked enthusiasts will feel right at home while still experiencing something fresh and exciting.

A standout part of the ensemble cast includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, who brings charm and complexity to his role, while Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible is as imposing and mysterious as ever. Jeff Goldblum adds a quirky spin to the Wizard, while Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, and Peter Dinklage round out the talented cast with strong supporting performances.

Directed by Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Wicked Part 1 is an epic, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant film that makes a powerful case for why this story has endured for decades. The film strikes a delicate balance between spectacle and heart, making it a must-see event for fans of the musical, The Wizard of Oz, and anyone who loves a good story of friendship, defiance, and self-discovery.

Opening today in theaters, Wicked Part 1 is best experienced on the biggest screen possible, preferably IMAX, where its grandeur can truly be appreciated. Don’t miss this magical journey to Oz—it’s one you won’t forget.

Read More

Step into the enchanting world of “Wicked” in the newest featurette

“Oz represents a place of magic, so to be able to invite an audience into this beautiful world is exciting.” Jon M. Chu welcomes fans and moviegoers to the wonderful world of Oz, in the highly anticipated adaptation of the hit musical Wicked, in the newest featurette.

Watch the featurette here:
Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, feels that Oz is the land of endless possibilities. “The things you think are impossible, the things you are dreaming about, aren’t impossible at all,” she says.

In the world of Oz, nothing is as straightforward as reality. “Nothing is just one dimension, in the world of Oz,” Erivo explains. “That special magic is palpable,” Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero, adds.

Alongside Erivo is Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda, and she talks about how their characters both search for their inner magic within this world. “Glinda, just like Elphaba, just wants to find her magic,” she says. Erivo also talks about the power within Elphaba. “It isn’t about relying on someone else, it really is about harnessing the power she has, and figuring out how to use that to do good the way she needs to,” she says.

“That’s the most magical part of the whole thing,” Grande adds.

Tickets out now! Head to your local cinema, or check out their ticketing sites to reserve your seats for Wicked, in Philippine cinemas on November 20.

Read More

WICKED movie tickets now on sale!

Don’t miss the chance to be part of one of 2024’s most anticipated movies, as tickets to “Wicked” are now available! The big-screen adaptation to the hit musical phenomenon is coming to Philippine theaters on November 20, but fans and moviegoers can now reserve tickets as early as today.

Watch the announcement, with a snippet from the songs “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” here:

Check out the ticketing sites of your local cinemas to reserve seats for Wicked.

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. 

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Read More

Watch the teaser trailer of Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

TAKE YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE BIG-SCREEN ADAPTATION OF THE RECORD-BREAKING BROADWAY MUSICAL “WICKED,” STARRING ARIANA GRANDE AND CYNTHIA ERIVO

The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy.

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this year.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s “Spongebob Squarepants”) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked opens in cinemas November 27, while Wicked: Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2025.

Read More

Wicked Movie comes in two parts

After the exciting announcement of the cast in November, Jon M. Chu, director of Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights,  is proud to announce that the highly-acclaimed musical movie adaptation will be divided in to two parts, to give justice to elements that might be in danger to be omitted in the full length movie.

Here's the official statement from Jon M. Chu:

SPECIAL WICKED UPDATE / Thank you for all the support these past several months in anticipation of the WICKED movie. We have so many exciting things to share but for now I'm giving you one... or two, rather.

Here's what happened as we prepared this production over the last year, it became increasingly clear that it would be impossible to wrestle the story of WICKED into a single film without doing some real damage to it. As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us all for so many years. So we decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one WICKED movie but TWO!!!! With more space, we can tell the story of WICKED as it was meant to be told whole bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys of these beloved characters.

Cynthia, Ariana, and I -- and all of the cast and crew -- pledge to create nothing less than an experience that honors its foundation for all the fans who've waited for this movie, and to offer a thrilling, fantastical world full of dynamic characters that invites in those who are unfamiliar.

So get ready, because WICKED is finally coming to you on successive Christmas holidays beginning December 2024. Until then, I will be keeping you up to date throughout rehearsals, the shoot, and even editing. Here. We. Go. #WickedMovies

Jon M. Chu

Wicked Movie initially cast Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande as Glinda / Galinda. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, based on the characters and setting of the classic 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film The Wizard of Oz. The first movie is scheduled for release on Christmas 2024 under Universal Pictures.

Read More

MOVIE REVIEW - Lin-Manuel Miranda's IN THE HEIGHTS

Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights came more than just a movie adaptation of the theater musical of the same title but it elevated the excitement, emotions and the lessons that it teaches. Jon M. Chu's vision has given us the better understanding by providing a wider perspective of the community of Washington Heights, aside from its vibrant and diverse neighborhood, each story of the resident were dug deeper to touch your sense and sensibilities.

Knowing the festive music and glorious choreography that is a mixture of hip hop, salsa, mambo and any dance and tune you can think of, you'll get more. Movie magic was materialized that made it look exciting. It will really get you up on your feet. Start with the streets, the pool and especially in that bar scene before the blackout. They really got a powerful ensembles to execute this well and everybody did well. I'm glad that I've seen this as it has given me a better understanding of the musical I saw years ago. The songs are in fact moving and you can feel the cast's emotions through their amazing acting. Actors were well cast they did great. Kudos to Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Gregory Diaz IV, Olga Merediz, the salon girls and everyone.

Let us not forget about the close ties between neighbors. Hope you'll think -- When is the last time you actually talked to a neighbor? What made them special? In The Heights reminds us that people around us may have the same hopes for us, can move mountains for us, can protect us, if we share the same values.

You have to watch the whole movie until the end credits. You'll get something very special from Piraguero Lin-Manuel Miranda in the end for his sweet clap back. ;)

In The Heights is now showing in theaters and streaming via HBO Max. 

* Images via Warner Bros. Pictures

Read More

Behind-the-scenes of Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights

Take a peek behind the scenes of Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights, showing TOMORROW in theaters in the US and via HBO Max!

Director JON M. CHU and concept/music & lyrics/producer LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA on the set

MELISSA BARRERA, DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA and director JON M. CHU on the set

Director JON M. CHU, concept/music & lyrics/producer LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
and ANTHONY RAMOS on the set

MELISSA BARRERA (background l), LESLIE GRACE, writer/producer QUIARA ALEGRÍA HUDES and DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA on the set

Director JON M. CHU and choreographer CHRISTOPHER SCOTT on the set

Choreographer CHRISTOPHER SCOTT (center) on the set

Behind the scenes of the pool dance sequence

Director of photography ALICE BROOKS on the set

In The Heights tells the story of Usnavi, one of the residents of Washington Heights, where there is a kaleidoscope and vibrance of hopes and dreams in the tight-knit community -- and where he does his daily grind while he sings about his homes and dreams.

Read More

Jon Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda team up for IN THE HEIGHTS

Crazy Rich Asians director Jon Chu and the artistic talent of Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton) join in the movie adaptation of a Broadway musical coming this summer of 2021.

In The Heights, featuring a bodega owner who has mixed feelings of closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic after inheriting his grandmother's fortune will be a story of making small dreams big. Shot in New York City where there is a kaleidoscope of stories and dreams makes this movie event a universal experience.

The movie stars Anthony Ramos (“A Star is Born,” Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”), singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (TV’s “Vida”), Olga Merediz (Broadway’s “In the Heights”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s “Rent”), Gregory Diaz IV (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”), Stephanie Beatriz (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Dascha Polanco (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Jimmy Smits (the “Star Wars” films). 

Chu directed the film from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes, based on the musical stage play, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and concept by Miranda. Miranda, Hudes, Scott Sanders, Anthony Bregman and Mara Jacobs produced the film, with David Nicksay and Kevin McCormick serving as executive producers.

Watch the latest trailer below.    

In The Heights opens in theaters June 18, 2021 and can also be streamed on HBO Max.

 

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More