‘Wicked’ Review: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Make a Strong Case for Hiring Legit Musical Theater Talents in Captivating Screen Adaptation

Among the iconic tunes from the musical “Wicked” is the song titled “Popular”. However, this title might be considered a modest description for the 2003 stage production that has been watched by over 65 million people. The show’s themes of female camaraderie, self-empowerment, and discrimination evidently resonated strongly with audiences, resulting in approximately $1.7 billion in Broadway earnings and around $6 billion globally. Producers have been cautious about adapting this lucrative property for the big screen, but their patience has proven to be rewarding, as evidenced by Jon M. Chu’s visually stunning movie adaptation. This film not only expands upon the original material but also pays tribute to the era of Technicolor MGM musicals, with “The Wizard of Oz” being a notable example among them.

The Hating Game’s Lucy Hale And Bridgerton’s Luke Newton Are Gonna Be In A Movie Together, But I’m Shook It’s Not A Rom-Com

Lucy Hale, famous for her roles in several romantic comedies on popular streaming platforms, is now gearing up to appear in the big-screen sci-fi thriller “White Mars.” Given her past success with thrillers, as she rose to fame from “Pretty Little Liars” (a role she almost didn’t get), it might seem unusual that Hale is shifting away from romantic comedies for this project. This is particularly interesting considering her co-star is Luke Newton, who gained prominence in the series “Bridgerton.

Wicked Review | Spectacular Adaptation Has a Painfully Long Runtime

In an impressive, captivating reimagining, “Wicked” translates the Broadway sensation into a theatrical extravaganza that will leave both longtime fans and newcomers enchanted. This prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” offers a fresh perspective on the cherished tale, boasting stellar performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera (as credited in the film). Their electrifying camaraderie and powerful vocal performances shine brightly in stunning musical sequences. However, the narrative, though thin at times, is stretched to its limits for a lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes, surpassing even the original stage production and stretching credibility given this film is only the first part of a two-part storyline.