Beverly Boy Reviews - 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.


 

Release date: November 22, 2024 (USA)



Director: Jon M. Chu



Adapted from: WickedThe Wizard of OZ



Distributed by:  Universal Pictures


 

 


Fantasy, Musical, Romance


Motion Picture Rating (MPA):  Rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material.



Audience Reviews

Christina Freeman
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"A true musical theatre masterpiece! Ariana and Cynthia shine as Elphaba and Glinda, delivering stellar performances with breathtaking vocals and chemistry. The film's authenticity, magical set designs, and expanded scenes honor the Broadway show perfectly. Worth the wait and the hype!"
Nikki Jones
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"Wicked’s stunning set designs, top-tier acting, and magical storytelling make it a must-see, especially in 3D. Ariana and Cynthia bring unparalleled passion and talent. Perfect for all ages and a fantastic holiday treat for families!"
Colin
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"Jon M. Chu’s direction brings Wicked to life with outstanding visuals, acting, and orchestration. Cynthia and Ariana’s performances are phenomenal, supported by an exceptional cast. A transformative experience filled with emotion and brilliance. Don’t miss it!"
Tyler Sharples
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"A disappointing sequel lacking the original's depth. The musical aspect doesn’t fit, and the ending feels pointless."
Sean Ray
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"A dazzling adaptation that captures the heart of the Broadway show. Ariana and Cynthia’s chemistry is captivating, and the emotional depth of their relationship is beautifully portrayed. Stunning visuals and performances make this a masterpiece!"

Critic Reviews

Tatiana Albandos >> Medium Popcorn
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Albandos calls it one of the best films of the year, praising the performances, imagery, music, and story.
Victoria Luxford >> City AM
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Luxford lauds Wicked as a heart-soaring musical blockbuster, driven by its love for Broadway and two stellar performances.
Brandon Collins >> Medium Popcorn
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Collins praises the pacing, visuals, and Cynthia Erivo's performance but wishes it wasn’t a two-parter.
John Urbancich >> JMuvies
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Urbancich hails Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba, predicting a Best Actress Oscar for her "graceful and grand" performance.
Charlotte Harrison >> Charlotte Sometimes Goes to the Movies
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Harrison admires the immersive set design, costumes, and leads but criticizes the story and dialogue.

Overview: A Spellbinding Journey of Redemption and Power

In Wicked: 2024, audiences are transported back to the magical land of Oz in an epic retelling of the untold story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Directed with visionary precision, this latest adaptation of the beloved musical expands on its stage roots, offering a cinematic spectacle filled with heart, ambition, and dazzling visuals. With its bold storytelling and innovative production design, Wicked: 2024 redefines what it means to balance fantasy and emotional depth on the big screen.

Cinematography: A Visual Feast of Enchantment

The cinematography in Wicked: 2024 is nothing short of breathtaking. From sweeping aerial views of Oz’s emerald landscapes to the intimate moments of Elphaba’s journey, the film masterfully balances grandeur and emotion. The green hues of the Emerald City shimmer with a life of their own, while darker scenes are bathed in haunting shades that underscore the film’s themes of identity, prejudice, and resilience.

For Beverly Boy Productions, the film’s ability to craft mood through lighting and color is a powerful reminder of how cinematography shapes a narrative. The intricate interplay between light and shadow brings out the magic and complexity of Oz, immersing audiences in a world both familiar and fantastical.

Production Design: A World Built on Wonder and Detail

The production design in Wicked: 2024 is a triumph of creativity. From the glittering spires of the Emerald City to the desolate, windswept plains of Munchkinland, every set piece is crafted with care and precision. The costumes further elevate the storytelling, blending fantastical elements with subtle modern touches that breathe fresh life into the characters.

For us, the production design’s attention to detail showcases the power of world-building in film. The seamless blend of practical sets and CGI brings Oz to life in a way that feels both magical and grounded, demonstrating the importance of authenticity in creating a believable fantasy.

Camera Work: Intimate and Expansive

The camera work in Wicked: 2024 is as dynamic as the story it tells. Sweeping crane shots capture the grandeur of Oz, while tight close-ups bring a raw intimacy to the characters’ struggles. The film’s pivotal musical numbers are framed with a fluidity that enhances their emotional weight, drawing viewers into Elphaba’s transformation from misunderstood outcast to a force of nature.

We admire how the camera work elevates the story’s emotional stakes, allowing the audience to experience every triumph, heartbreak, and revelation as if they were part of the narrative. This balance between scale and intimacy is a hallmark of cinematic excellence, one that inspires our own work at Beverly Boy Productions.

Post-Production and Visual Effects: A Magical Symphony

The visual effects in Wicked: 2024 are a marvel of technical artistry, seamlessly integrating CGI with live-action footage to bring the magic of Oz to life. From Elphaba’s iconic flight to Glinda’s sparkling entrance, each moment is imbued with a sense of wonder and spectacle. The film’s editing is sharp and purposeful, and the musical score—composed of reimagined and original pieces—heightens the emotional resonance of every scene.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we’re inspired by the film’s post-production finesse. The flawless integration of effects and sound underscores the importance of collaboration and precision in creating a unified cinematic vision. It’s a reminder that every detail matters in crafting an immersive audience experience.

Final Thoughts

Wicked: 2024 is a triumph of storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless tale while honoring its musical roots. The film’s stunning visuals, innovative production design, and heartfelt performances make it a standout in modern fantasy cinema. It’s a story of courage, acceptance, and the transformative power of self-belief that resonates deeply in today’s world.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we’re inspired by Wicked: 2024 as a shining example of cinematic artistry. The film’s ability to blend technical innovation with emotional storytelling mirrors our commitment to excellence in every project we undertake. Like Wicked: 2024, we aim to bring our clients’ stories to life with creativity, passion, and a touch of magic.

Top Cast and Characters

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked. Universal

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
A misunderstood young woman with green skin and unusual powers, who befriends Glinda at Shiz University.
Notable roles: Widows, Harriet, The Color Purple (Tony winner).

Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked. Universal

Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland
A self-absorbed, popular student dreaming of sorcery, who grows close to Elphaba.
Notable roles: Victorious, Sam & Cat, Don’t Look Up.

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked. Universal

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
A Winkie prince and love interest for both Elphaba and Glinda.
Notable roles: Bridgerton, Broadchurch, Jurassic World Rebirth.

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible in Wicked. Universal

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
Dean of Sorcery who favors Elphaba over Glinda.
Notable roles: Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians.

Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in Wicked. Universal

Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The enigmatic and deceptive ruler of Oz.
Notable roles: Jurassic Park, The Fly, Independence Day.

Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman in Wicked. Universal

Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman
A Munchkin student in love with Glinda.
Notable roles: SpongeBob SquarePants (stage), Fosse/Verdon.

Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman in Wicked. Universal

Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp
Elphaba’s paraplegic younger sister at Shiz University.
Notable roles: Local productions of Little Shop of Horrors.

Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman in Wicked. Universal

Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond
A goat and history professor at Shiz facing discrimination.
Notable roles: Game of Thrones, Cyrano, Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Movie Highlights

  1. Musical Magic
    Wicked: 2024 enchants with its breathtaking musical sequences, blending beloved hits from the original stage production with fresh compositions. Each number is brought to life with stunning visuals and emotional depth, making the music an integral part of the storytelling.
  2. Themes of Friendship and Redemption
    The film delves into profound themes of friendship, self-discovery, and societal bias, offering a heartfelt exploration of Elphaba and Glinda’s intertwined journeys. These universal themes give the story a relatable and enduring resonance.
  3. Spellbinding Performances
    Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver standout performances, embodying their characters with grace and intensity. Their dynamic chemistry and vocal prowess bring new layers to the iconic witches of Oz.
  4. Visual Splendor
    With dazzling production design and cutting-edge CGI, Wicked: 2024 immerses audiences in the vibrant yet treacherous world of Oz. From the Emerald City to the haunted woods, every frame is a visual feast.
  5. Director’s Vision
    Under Jon M. Chu’s direction, Wicked: 2024 transforms the beloved stage musical into a cinematic masterpiece, capturing the grandeur of Oz while staying true to its emotional core. This adaptation redefines what’s possible for fantasy musicals on the big screen.