After seeing the musical twice in theaters and becoming addicted to the soundtrack, I can confirm that “Wicked’ is a cinematic masterpiece.

Part one of “Wicked” was released a week ago and since then has earned $455.5 million globally. To be blunt, it is well deserved. 

“Wicked” was based off the Broadway musical that was released in 2003. The story is set in Oz and follows the complicated life of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. It dives into her childhood, her relationships, and challenges that eventually lead her to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.

This movie is nothing without its cast. Kudos to the casting director Nina Gold for choosing the absolute perfect cast. From Cynthia Ervio to Ariana Grande to Johnathon Bailey, every role was perfectly modeled.

Starting off with Elphaba, played by Cynthia Ervio, she embraces the misunderstood character role. And not to mention her amazing vocals. Ervio’s vocals are all over the soundtrack and add so much to the movie. Without her noteworthy riff in the final scene, “Wicked” would not be the same.

For the supporting actress, Ariana Grande portrayed the role of Galinda the Good Witch to perfection. For this being Ariana Grande’s first role in a movie, she was flawless.

When they announced the cast list, some fans were skeptical about Grande playing such a serious role since she was just a singer. Personally, I thought she did a better job than the lead. 

Throughout the movie, the audience is supposed to feel bad for Elphaba but toward the end I actually felt bad for the good witch. Grande took a character you were supposed to hate and turned her into someone you loved. The character she played, Galinda, had an insufferable quality to her which would lend most viewers to dislike her. Grande flawlessly executed her role and actually made the character likeable.

Their amazing work was acknowledged on December 9, when the musical was nominated for four Golden Globe awards. “Wicked” was nominated for: Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture, Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, Best Actress in Musical or Comedy Motion Picture, and Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

Without the perfect cast, the original movie soundtrack would not be the same. From Grande’s whistle notes, to Ervio’s ending riff, every note and pitch in a song was flawlessly portrayed and communicated.

I am not one to be easily addicted to a Broadway musical soundtrack, but for “Wicked” I can make an exception.

I only had one note during the film. The close to three-hour movie was a little bit too long. Sometimes I found myself questioning how much time was left in the movie. After watching it twice, I understand that during those slow moments they were furthering the storyline and setting up for part two. Nonetheless, a little too long for my taste.

“Wicked” truly brings a dark and reimagined perspective onto “The Wizard of Oz.” While watching, it makes the audience think and ask questions of themselves. Are people born wicked?

Seeing as part two of the musical comes out November 21, 2025, they have a lot to live up to and a lot to look forward to. Considering the success of part one, we can only have the best hopes for part two.

“Wicked” is a must watch for its emotional depth, cast, music, storyline, and its breathtaking view on a beloved classic.