Wicked is a triumph of heart, spectacle, and song, cementing itself as a must-watch for both musical enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review.
Wicked soars into theaters nationwide tomorrow, Friday, November 22, 2024. Featuring an all-star cast including Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, this highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical is set to dazzle audiences and light up the holiday season. Don’t miss my detailed parents guide movie review to see why this magical journey is a must-watch!
WICKED Parents Guide Movie Review
In Wicked: Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.
WICKED Parents Guide
Let’s take a look at what concerned parents need to know about the age ratings of the movie before letting their younger audiences watch Wicked.
Language: Wicked contains mild language, with no profanity and appropriate for a family audience.
Mature Content: The key content to watch for in Wicked includes moments of scary action and moderate violence. Similar to The Wizard of Oz, this film features unsettling scenes that might frighten younger viewers, such as flying monkeys baring their teeth and crashing through windows. While the movie includes instances where characters are threatened or in peril, it avoids graphic violence or gore, keeping the intensity at a moderate level.
Wicked also delves into significant themes like bullying and discrimination. Elphaba, the protagonist, faces ridicule for her green skin, and the story highlights issues of scapegoating, exemplified by characters like Dr. Dillamond, a goat professor, and a distressed young lion cub in a vulnerable situation.
The film does not contain explicit sexual content, but there are moments of flirtation. For example, Elphaba’s mother is subtly shown engaging in an affair, and Fiyero displays playful, flirtatious behavior. These elements are presented in a light, non-explicit manner, ensuring the overall tone remains appropriate for a wide audience.
Overall Thoughts
The much-anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked, is a dazzling cinematic spectacle that will captivate fans of both the stage production and Gregory Maguire’s original novel. With stunning performances, breathtaking visuals, and a story rich in emotion, the film is poised to become a standout in the musical film genre.
Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, delivering a deeply emotional and resonant performance that captures the character’s struggles and resilience. Her portrayal brings depth and nuance to the misunderstood “Wicked Witch,” making her journey even more poignant on screen. However, the real surprise of the film is Ariana Grande as Glinda. While fans may know her from her acting roots in shows like Victorious and Sam & Cat, it’s her vocal range and magnetic stage presence that steal the show. Grande effortlessly embodies Glinda’s playful ditziness, self-absorbed charm, and signature hair flips, all while hitting the character’s demanding vocal notes with power and finesse—particularly in her rendition of Popular.
Director Jon M. Chu breathes new life into the world of Oz, creating a vibrant and dynamic setting that feels both magical and immersive. From the colorful landscapes to the intricate details of the Emerald City, Chu’s vision is a visual feast for the eyes. His knack for crowd-pleasing moments, including a few delightful cameos, will have audiences cheering in their seats.
The story covers the first act of the stage performance, concluding with the iconic Defying Gravity sequence. The split into two parts allows for a more detailed exploration of the characters and plot, but it also comes with a drawback: pacing. At a hefty runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes, the middle section drags at times, which may test the patience of younger viewers. While splitting the film into two parts promised a more focused narrative, some scenes could have been trimmed to create a tighter and more engaging first half.
Despite this, Wicked delivers on its promise of magic and music, offering a phenomenal experience that will thrill existing fans and undoubtedly attract a new generation to the story. The film’s faithful adaptation and standout performances are likely to inspire a surge of theatergoers eager to experience the stage version for the first time.
