Let’s be real: movie musical adaptations have not met expectations for years, except for a few of them. For every Les Misérables or The Greatest Showman, there’s a Cats (we all know what I’m talking about). But then, there’s Wicked—the Broadway powerhouse that not only redefined musical theater but, in my opinion, set the gold standard for movie adaptations. It’s a show-stopper, an emotional rollercoaster, and a visual feast, all rolled into one.
But what makes Wicked the best movie musical adaptation of all time? Well, I’ll tell you what I think it is in this post.
If you’re on social media, you probably have read or heard about Wicked, it’s basically impossible to escape from it nowadays. But is the hype worth it? I can assure you, it is. I watched it in the theater twice, and countless times at home, and I never get tired of it. The quality that Jon. M. Chu, director of the movie, put into the direction of this project was on another level. He was precise when choosing the cast of the movie; everyone’s performance is top-tier, they nailed it. But the main actresses, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, were the highlight of the movie. They had an insane chemistry, they gave their entire soul and body to this project, it was like they were born for these roles. When I watched it for the first time, I couldn’t stop crying throughout the entire movie, from the “No One Mourns The Wicked” scene to “Defying Gravity.”
Having a team of people working the best they can, performing at a higher level, singing live, putting their entire selves in the project, makes it special. And, all the hard-work paid off. The movie is a global success, it was acclaimed by every critic, the actors are winning awards, and are even in for the run to the Oscars.
Combining all these elements, acclamations, box office, hard-work—and I’m not saying that other people from other projects didn’t work hard either—makes the movie a masterpiece. On top of all that, there’s still the deep and meaningful story of the movie, which can carry anyone to tears.
In the end, Wicked proves that the magic of Broadway can absolutely shine on the big screen. From its incredible performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to Jon M. Chu’s visionary direction, every element of this movie musical comes together to create something truly unforgettable. It’s not just a film—it’s an experience. Wicked didn’t just live up to the hype; it surpassed it, setting a new standard for movie musical adaptations. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the show or new to the world of Oz, this movie is a must-see. It’s a testament to the power of great storytelling, passion, and the magic of musical theater—proving that, yes, sometimes the hype is absolutely worth it.
This is a good film