But that enormous level of cultural impact is precisely what makes a film adaptation of “Wicked” a dicey decision. The musical has become such a staple in the pantheon of pop culture that a movie version could turn a lucrative Hollywood no-brainer into a cringeworthy laughingstock if the source material wasn’t handled with the care that diehard fans expect. Then there’s the added challenge of making a film that is both faithful to the cherished stage production and accessible to audiences who are entirely unfamiliar with the show. Consider the hyper-critical eyes of the fanbases of stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who were tapped to portray the film versions of Elphaba and Glinda, and the film could be faced with pressure that proves insurmountable.
Despite being a lofty task, “Wicked" rises to meet its grand potential. The film is a bewitching spectacle, a classic holiday season event movie that brims with enough earnestness to keep even its fluffiest moments from becoming corny intellectual property slop. Director Jon M. Chu leans into the whimsy of Baum’s original story, crafting a version of Oz that feels reminiscent of the one in our collective consciousness without being a direct copy, while balancing that playful atmosphere with the darker adult themes that permeate Maguire’s novel. In that way, Chu takes a stab at making a blockbuster for our times, one that doesn’t shy away from contending with the darkness of contemporary politics and society. Though Chu doesn’t always hit the mark — hindered by some baffling creative decisions along the way — “Wicked” consistently dazzles, glittering with an abundance of star power and a rock-solid emotional center in Erivo’s not-so-wicked witch.
