KSL Movie Show review: ‘Wicked’ is an epic adventure

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

SALT LAKE CITY — It was several years ago that I had a chance to go to New York City and witness my first and only Broadway musical: “Wicked.” It was powerful, magical and inspiring.

Now those memories and a few more have been added in this long-awaited film version that takes us from the stage to the big screen. And it is equally, if not more so, powerful, magical and inspiring.

Of course you’re going to want to see it, but keep in mind a few things. It’s two hours and twenty minutes long. No big deal since that was about the length of the original stage play, except this is only part one of two. This first half ends at the same point where the stage musical takes an intermission. Part two hits theaters a year from now on Nov. 21, 2025.

Here’s a partial reason why — except for the obvious one — more money.

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A stage play uses broad strokes to tell a story since the audience is some distance away. However, on a movie screen, the story can keep those massive vistas as well as move in much closer. This allows for intimate conversations which create backstories to help flesh out characters.

For instance, we see a young Elphaba (Karis Musongole) being ostracized by her family and bullied for her green skin by cruel brats in Munchkinland. Her father, a perpetual jerk, has even more scenes where he puts El’s sister Nessarose on a pedestal while degrading Elphaba’s mere existence.

By showing this, we see how El’s toughness has been evolving from an early age.

On the other hand, when the girls are dropped off at Shiz University, headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) immediately recognizes Elphaba’s magical potential and provides private lessons on how to control and improve her powers. So again, more background equals longer running time.  

Glinda (Ariana Grande) also is given more depth, although that may turn out to be difficult since she’s pretty much had everything handed to her on a gilded platter and never had to work that hard for anything. Yet despite her intense narcissism, her actions along with those of her sycophants Pfannee (Bowen Yang) and ShenShen (Bronwyn James) are hilarious at every turn.

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The other thing you’ll notice is how massive and detailed every set piece is within this epic adventure. Plus those same set pieces are filled to the brim with an array of activities, from street vendors yelling to energetic groups singing and dancing. It can be quite daunting as one fellow critic noted on his way out of the theater. “I can see why this thing is coming out before Thanksgiving, since it’s more overstuffed than a turkey,” he said.

I don’t necessarily agree, but it did make me laugh.

Whether or not it fits your sentimentality, I have to believe that you’ll truly enjoy the performances of Cynthia Erivo, who plays the mature, determined Elphaba, and Ariana Grande who camps up the screen with her hair flips as Glinda. Also prepare for some brilliant cameos.

‘Wicked’ has it all and then some. Perhaps, the “and then some” will be more than some can handle. Also, consider that the angry, crazed flying monkeys had a few young families scurrying for the exits so the film’s PG rating might be a little soft. Other than that, I think you’ll be good to go to see the not-so merry ol’ Land of Oz. 

WICKED (A-) Rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material. Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh and the voice of Peter Dinklage. Directed by Jon M. Chu (“In the Heights” “Crazy Rich Asians”) – filmed at Sky Studios in the UK. Running time: 160 minutes.

The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.