Wicked (2024) is a prime example of style over substance, where an overblown runtime, shallow virtue signaling, and lackluster performances ultimately overshadow its source material. The film, based on the popular Broadway musical, had all the ingredients to be a magical experience, yet somehow manages to fumble them all.
First, letโs talk about the runtime. At over two and a half hours, the movie feels like itโs constantly dragging its feet. For a story about witches in a fantastical land, youโd expect a bit more magic in the pacing, but instead, youโre treated to long stretches of forced exposition and unnecessary musical numbers that feel more like filler than meaningful storytelling. By the time the credits roll, youโll feel like youโve been sitting in the theater for an eternity.
Then thereโs the acting, which is, to put it bluntly, disappointing. While the leads, Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), are talented performers in their own right, their portrayals here lack the depth and charm needed to make these iconic characters truly memorable. Erivo, who shouldโve been a powerhouse in the role of Elphaba, delivers a performance that often feels disconnected, and Grande, while undoubtedly a vocal talent, struggles to embody the whimsy and warmth of Glinda. The chemistry between the two leads is notably flat, making the emotional beats of the film fall utterly short.
As for the filmโs politics, itโs impossible to ignore the constant undercurrent of virtue signaling. The movie frequently wades into heavy-handed social commentary, particularly around themes of โothernessโ and empowerment. While these are valid themes to explore, the filmโs approach feels forced and preachy, detracting from the enjoyment rather than adding depth. Itโs as though the filmmakers are more concerned with checking boxes on a social justice agenda than with telling a cohesive and engaging story.
All of this is wrapped up in a glossy, overly polished package thatโs more concerned with looking impressive than delivering anything meaningful. The visual effects, though competent, do little to enhance a story thatโs already bogged down by its own bloated ambitions. Thereโs no denying the spectacle, but spectacle alone does not a great movie make.
In the end, Wicked is a frustratingly long and preachy affair that squanders its potential. Instead of being a captivating retelling of a beloved tale, it becomes a frustrating exercise in style and ideology, with hollow performances and an exhausting runtime that makes the whole thing feel more like a chore than a cinematic experience. If youโre hoping for the magic and wonder that the musical promised, youโre likely to be disappointed.