This is the moment all musical theater heads have been waiting for:
The big screen adaptation of Wicked is now playing nationwide.
Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Wicked tells the story of the Witch of the West – before she turned wicked.
It is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz.
But is it worth seeing? Is it worth all the hype? What are film critics saying about the film?
We’ve compiled some of the most useful, informative and revealing reviews in one place: right here, right now, on this celebrity gossip website.
Scroll down to read them!
How I love the hit stage musical film Let Me Count the Ways, the way Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande set the screen on fire as maniacal witches and the sets, costumes and songs are just the way they are to die for. Was ready. Seeing this joyous explosion once is not enough. -Peter Travers, ABC News
This is a brilliant and subtle dish based on Erivo’s beautiful and subtle performance. When she defies gravity, she lifts us with her and we are swept into the next chapter. – Movie Mom
“Wicked” is the most entertaining movie of the year and the most dazzling live-action Hollywood musical since “Chicago.” To put it like the language used in Oz, I pronounce it grand. – Wall Street Journal
Cynthia Erivo’s fiery performance is the most surreal thing in the artificial Oz of Jon M. Chu’s CGI-heavy ‘Wicked’. – Metro Weekly (Washington DC)
It cannot be denied that some people will be very, very happy with this. Others may wonder how something can be magical and magical at the same time. – List
Erivo and Grande give wonderful performances in their respective roles as Elphaba and Galinda, capturing the many facets of their characters and making their hearts sing. In terms of musical adaptations, Wicked exceeds all expectations—411 Mania
Erivo brings a strong sense of dignity to Elphaba, while Grande proves she has a knack for humor with those golden pipes. Jon M. Chu reaches new heights with this dazzling, vibrant and surprisingly heartfelt film musical– Flixchatter Film Blog
Although the run time may seem excessive (two hours and 40 minutes!), it is a testament to the care taken by Chu and his team that each musical number is carefully constructed and celebrated with elaborate set pieces. – little white Lies
I didn’t care much for Wicked: Part One—I’m extremely tired of movies being halves of the same movie, especially when said movie has a running time of 160 minutes—but Ariana Grande gave one of the best performances of the year. One presented Glinda– Bulwark
Radiant with flammable chemistry, Grande and Erivo play off each other with the testy flair of Olympic-class fencers-Chicago Daily Herald
Wicked isn’t exactly a vehicle for considering deep existential questions about the true nature of evil… however, it hits more than a few sweet spots for fellow misfits who see themselves in Glinda or Elphaba. – Globe and Mail
[Director John] Chu is attempting to create a blockbuster for our times, one that doesn’t shy away from confronting the darkness of contemporary politics and society. Although Chu doesn’t always succeed, Wicked continues to dazzle. – Salon.com