Wicked (2024)

FIRST 39:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict

AFTER 39:00: Full Spoiler Review

This week's See It or Skip It has us diving into the highly anticipated musical adaptation Wicked (2024), now playing in theaters. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey, 

Join us in the magical land of Oz as we explore whether Wicked (2024) soars on its broomstick or crashes under the weight of its lofty ambitions. Does it deliver a spellbinding tale of friendship, morality, and societal expectations, or does it struggle to transition its stage-bound magic to the big screen?

We’ll delve into the controversy surrounding the viral fan-made poster—Was it intentionally hurtful, did it mislead audiences and did itovershadow the film’s official marketing? And how does our deep familiarity with the iconic musical affect our ability to judge it as a film rather than a successful stage adaptation?

Does Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba anchor the film with the emotional gravitas the story demands? Can Ariana Grande’s Glinda strike the perfect balance between charm and depth? Were these casting choices legitimate or mere stunt casting designed to draw headlines?

Finally, we’ll debate The Guardian's scathing critique of the film as “self-indulgent.” Does Wicked lean too heavily on nostalgia and grandeur at the expense of narrative cohesion? And does the film fulfill the promises it sets up in its breathtaking opening sequences, or does it falter as it nears the final curtain?

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!