Wicked Review

[@Limonelguey]

Did people forget Ariana was an actor first before starting her music career?

[@jrad410]

Lot of ppl don’t know that.

[@dennito5384]

Yeah I first knew her from Victorious and Sam and Cat years before she launched her music career

[@tyroneisrael5631]

Very true. People forgot she can act

[@jasonone8726]

Victorious wasn't John's era. He obviously isn't aware of that show.

[@thehacker4012]

A lot of people here aren't Victorious or Sam & Cat watchers.

[@raymndmark]

The whole animal "sub plot" is pretty essential to the overall plot ... you remove it, you remove Elphaba's character development into what she becomes.

[@michellepreston9799]

The animals part is important. Wasn't Cynthia's charater raised by a bear. She is connected to animals.

[@bthermidorl]

Not surprised about Ariana. She was on Broadway when she was 12. She gets it.

[@NBAgladiator]

Not caring for the animal subplot can only mean you didn’t understand it. The main plot makes no sense without it. I think you'll understand it more on a rewatch...

[@TexTheBest]

The Animals subplot is not a subplot. Its THE plot. without it, theres no story.

[@rickwiese5438]

True. The animal subplot is at the heart of the conflict with The Wizard, so it's absolutely essential. Spoiler for Part II: the lion cub that was rescued from the classroom grows up to be The Cowardly Lion (we have already met the Scarecrow and the Tin Man as well). So without the animal subplot there is no Cowardly Lion.

[@oh.sorry.dont.mind.meeeee]

​@@rickwiese5438please don't post spoilers. I saw a comment from someone today where are they said they're going to try to avoid spoilers for the next year because they've never seen the show. there's simply no reason to type it in a comment someone might happen upon, without even doing an actual spoiler warning like this: SPOILER ..... .... ... ... .. SPOILER HERE. please either edit or delete your comment, even if one person gets a non-spoiled experience, it will have been worth it.

[@almightysmith8964]

First of all, the sub plot with the animals was cool because elphaba was taken in and taken care of by her nanny bear and if she had not decided to help the animals instead, she wouldn’t have found out that the wizard of oz had no real power

[@Avdp93]

12:07 I believe the reason Ariana Grande will be nominated for Supporting Actress instead of Lead Actress along with Cynthia Erivo is because when the musical came out in 2003, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were both nominated for Best Actress at the Tony awards which meant only one of them could win. Idina Menzel won, which then lead people to feel like Kristin Chenoweth was snuffed for a Tony since she was equally as deserving. Nominating Cynthia and Ariana in different categories assures they can both deservedly win their awards rather than repeating history. People still have mixed feelings about this, but I believe that is the reason for this decision.

[@nickwittednonpareil]

In fairness, the animal plot is really integral to Elphaba's 3rd act turn (and it's the origin for Oz's flying monkeys). Without the culmination of that mystery she has no reason to turn against the Wizard in the finale.

[@questlive2338]

Grande's Cat Valentine carried Nickelodeon for like 5 years

[@zaire-ida9316]

Ariana was a theatre kid and on Broadway. She's not new to acting. Wicked is her favorite play of all time. She poured her soul into this and I'm glad people could see and feel it.

[@TheNichq]

Yea, I mean she was also on two hit Nick shows too. She was an actress way before she was a famous singer.

[@OllieG-247]

Wicked is NOT my kind of movie, but after seeing it, I have to admit, DAMN it was GREAT!!

[@iconicphotostudios]

The little subplot about the animals IS THE WHOLE POINT JOHN.

[@TheOptimismprime]

The entire thing you could say

[@emoechelon19xx]

And the fact that the wizard is behind it all

[@Bebebeas1]

This is the first movie in a very long time that I actually want to see again. It was absolutely fantastic. I laughed, I cried, I ran the gamut of emotions. Truly exceptional!

[@sinnitgg]

Well Ariana was an actress first.

[@thehacker4012]

I don't think he ever seen Sam & Cat.

[@JasonJia909]

Wicked is fantastic. The last 20 minutes are euphoric

[@jamiepennix30]

John’s never seen victorious…

[@smcauley600]

he was probably 30-35 when that came out of course he didn't

[@jamiepennix30]

@ it was a joke I’m not delusional enough to think he would be watching a Nickelodeon show, like all jokes there’s a bit a truth because I think the younger people knew she had some comedic timing(even if it wasn’t film caliber acting) but like this wasn’t a serious comment at all dude

[@smcauley600]

@@jamiepennix30 so was my answer

[@matt1372]

Obviously….

[@zillagod724]

3:50 I think a lot of people have forgotten, Ariana was an actress before being becoming a music/pop star.

[@gabrielacabraldemelo6727]

The Animal rights plot is the whole point of the book, less in the musical. Im glad the film brought it back more

[@oh.sorry.dont.mind.meeeee]

no, it's the entire point in the musical too. It's literally the entire crux of the conflict. "I heard some rebel animals are giving her food and shelter!", the cowardly lion? the flying monkeys? Dr. Dilamond? c'mon y'all... 😅

[@gabrielacabraldemelo6727]

@@oh.sorry.dont.mind.meeeee Definitely is. Im just saying that the book is packed with that. A whole lot more than what the musical shows. The book is quite dark and political.

[@moneybatala2247]

I can’t stand musicals but My God Wicked was freaking AMAZING. That ending? Could not have reached its height outside of a musical.

[@erikwick]

I know people who worked on Wicked. The production has wrapped, so part 2 is in post now. They're telling me that part 2 has more songs written by Stephen Schwartz and there are several changes in the story from the play. Mostly bc Act 2 of the play has a lot of plot holes and a muddled story that wouldn't translate well to film. So be prepared for that, theater kids.

[@imisaiah06]

As someone who has never seen the Broadway play and not a big fan of musicals in general, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I thought both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo did a phenomenal job. Can’t wait for part two next year.

[@michaelfrancis1270]

The animal subplot is a very important part of Part 2!

[@porkchopwilson]

I'm also not the target demo, went to see it with the wife and kids and really, really, enjoyed it. This is how people must've felt when they went to see the Wizard of Oz in theaters. Not kidding. It was that good.

[@trojan-c2p]

Ariana Grande was an actor first

[@sharifmansour9678]

I saw her 11 years ago on Nickelodeon, accidentally as an adult, and I was like "She's FUNNY" and she made it look easy, which I know it isn't. We're living in a timeline where this movie is the culmination of film history. This movie is a cultural event over a century in the making. This is humanity finally getting to the bottom of something essential about ourselves, surpassing even the Wizard of Oz (1939) itself. It's a rare occurance we're lucky to be living through.

[@jorgeguzman5674]

I just saw this movie last night with my friends, and all I can say is that it was Epic, a masterpiece, and way better than I was expecting. Bravo to both actresses and the director. This is Oscar caliber🎉🎉🎉

[@mr.ghidorah4202]

Same. I’m not the demographic for Wicked, but I was blown away by the movie.

[@ollietaro]

Maybe you're the demographic for it after all

[@Vagabonding_i_guess]

The ‘subplot’ with the animals is the entire point of the story lol

[@emoechelon19xx]

And the fact that the wizard is behind the whole thing

[@verneri1032]

Ariana's acting skills are not that surprising, she has been on Broadway, if I remember correctly she was actor first on Nickelodeon and then started her career as a pop star.

[@JulioGomezNYC]

The subplot of the Animals is from the book. It's important to how she acts later on. That lion cub.... think about that.

[@clauaome25]

I’m sure the prince will become the Tin Man

[@sakurathornsickle5681]

My expectations were high, I tried to bring them down but it was impossible once the reviews came in. I’ve seen the musical several times and as a musician I find it hard to watch film musicals without being critical. Spielberg’s West Side Story did nothing for me, Cats a disaster, Les Miserables completely overdone. This film didn’t just meet my expectations they blew them right out the roof and into the stratosphere. Even if you aren’t into musicals, just go for the fun and spectacle. The people who made this film weren’t doing it for the money and it shows. Go see it. Now.

[@jukesy1992]

Legit some of, if not the, best orchestrations of these songs. Apparently there's even more score which I can't wait to hear in the movie, I haven't seen it yet, as there's a score album on December 6 with that music by John Powel.

[@thedudeabides2531]

Glad that somebody came away with the same take as mine. Ariana was a standout performance. I really hope she gets the Oscar for supporting actress.

[@anthonybonieskie6469]

Has everybody forgotten Ariana Grande got her start on broadway

[@Brody_Low]

This movie has MASS appeal. It felt like an instant classic

[@Jetboardkid]

This whole thing of telling the audience to not sing along with the movie is ridiculous the only way to see Wicked up to this point was a live performance and guess what, the audience is not allowed to sing during the live performance. Everyone who has seen the show more than likely knows how to behave in a theater. Honestly as a theater brat myself I had a bigger problem not clapping after each song. I let myself applaud as soon as the big ‘To be continued’ popped up on the screen.

[@jrad410]

I’m a fan of the musical so I was always gonna enjoy this. Ppl in the genre been waiting on this movie for 20 years lol. Look like the hype is earned!

[@Turtlelover8888]

I loved Ariana as Glinda, she deserves an Oscar at least a nomination for sure

[@odellshakenbaker4183]

Really enjoyed the subplot with the animals! Felt like it was a key part in making us invest in the characters by adding a lot of depth and empathy for them

[@aprilnewell5434]

John said you don't need the b plot. I absolutely disagree. It was essential to the story imo.

[@Scuuurbs]

Did he really say that? Because if anything the b plot is even more visible in the film than it is on broadway. Edit: oh you mean this John lol. I thought you meant Jon Chu the director, or maybe Jonathan Bailey the actor. Too many Jo(h)ns 😂

[@CriticalGamer1990]

I watched it last night expecting to hate it and it was one of the most magical films I've watched this year

[@factualopinion4275]

the animal subplot was the best part of the movie for me

[@user-gp9es3rd3e]

Galinda and Elphaba were both nominated in the Lead Actress category for the Tonys when the musical first came out on Broadway (Idina Menzel won it for Elphaba)

[@JerkyPuck]

The animal subplot is a much larger plot in part 2. It’s the device that drives Elphaba’s “wickedness.” It’s an anti-fascism story.

[@Knightowl1980]

I haven’t seen the stage show so I was disappointed that THAT is what propelled the third act of the film when I don’t think it was properly set up in the first act. I was like that’s what turned her wicked ! Being a member of peta

[@JerkyPuck]

@ you’ll see how it plays out in part 2…there are quotes on “wickedness” for a reason. Without going too far into it, this story brilliantly makes us feel like the Wizard of Oz is a propaganda film.

[@duffyy1]

Ariana stole the show in my mind. Cynthia was the perfect casting for Elphaba.

[@izaachcaprice-cole3820]

Ariana blew me away last night, like I was so shocked how great she was, even though I watched her as a kid.

[@rodolfoleyva5157]

Best movie I have seen this year

[@shadysorkin9214]

I saw both this and gladiator 2 with my girlfriend and I didn't expect to enjoy this film more but I did. She was crying by the end of the movie as well. It really was a great movie going experience.

[@patricktydd4539]

John is right about the movie but wrong in criticising what category the actors are positioning for Oscars. Elphina (Cynthia Erivo) is UNDOUBTEDLY the lead character. Even if she does have slightly less screentime and dialogue than Glinda (Ariana Grande), which I honestly don't even believe is the case. It's definitely Elphiba's story and told mostly from her POV, she is the lead character/actor for sure.

[@clauaome25]

Indeed there is one lead character, not two.

[@Jambobist]

I'm with you, the movie is about the Wicked Witch of the West, she's literally the titular character.

[@sizanix]

Look at it this way, if Glinda were a male character there wouldn't be any question that the actor would be up for the Best Actor category, not Best Supporting Actor. There are two leads in this movie.

[@thiagoporto8001]

Popular. Wicked will be so popular 🎵

[@gaminggrl10011]

People forget Ariana was on Broadway first before nickelodeon and singing

[@paulkey.gaming]

I totally wasn't a target demographic for the movie, I wasn't ready to be so wrong about it and so emotional watching it.

[@koryleach9660]

Just got home from seeing it with my wife. It’s fantastic!

[@chasedupthesky]

So you could say...something has changed within you... 😊

[@Antonio_Ortiz]

Had zero interest in this movie, but I respect John for praising it when it would be easy to bash it, and I'm now mildy curious to watch it at some point, if only to see some old-school, grand-scale Hollywood filmmaking.

[@CJKhaos]

I’ve seen it twice already. It’s fantastic. Proper old school musical with the modern touches. Cynthia and Ariana both deserve the best actress nom. Wouldn’t be surprised if it cleans up in the awards season

[@CinematicGalaxy]

I'm a fan of the Broadway show and even I was shocked at how great this movie was. And I'm not always into musicals either, but Wicked just works for me. My favorite song is actually going to be in Part 2 btw.

[@bryanpowell2388]

Ariana was great but Cynthia stole the movie for me

[@profezzorx9131]

I think it's safe to say that John likes the movie.

[@rdg1244]

For those who saw the movie, anyone else get Man of Steel vibes on that one part???

[@mrcharlesbell]

They have said they studied certain movies for that one part.

[@vincentseidle954]

Now I have to go see this movie

[@wlot28]

Even the music had strong MoS vibes, definitely intentional

[@dannyboy2851]

At the end? Ironically that was my least favorite thing about an otherwise perfect film. They almost ruined Defying Gravity with those weird pauses and stunts.

[@laurenbendik2006]

I wasnt gonna see it but i saw a great review the other day talking about the practical sets, not all cgi, which impressed me.

[@JodeciJones]

It’s more in my age range. Ariana Grande was a standout in her Nickelodeon days. She played the comedic relief so well even back then, it was wild how much better she’s gotten

[@Jess-y7c]

I absolutely loved Wicked it’s the best movie of 2024. I can’t wait for part 2.

[@ehubb]

It’s a tragedy John’s never seen Victorious. Ariana was an actress first

[@johnhudecek5667]

I mean sure but it’s not like she got to show off her acting shops in that

[@DeanStrickson]

He was in his late 30s/early 40s when that aired. He wouldn’t be watching some Nickelodeon show about teen girls unless he’s on a list.

[@Oblique18888]

Hes like 40 why would he watch victorious lmao

[@kena322]

So he didn’t know Ariana is an actual actress. Come on man, you cover entertainment

[@rocknroll20024]

I’m excited to see it tomorrow night. I’m a hug wicked fan

[@Phelie315]

As a former theatre kid who mostly interacts with other current and former theatre kids, all of whom have been waiting for this movie for a decade, I sometimes forget not everyone is intimately familiar with the entire plot and music of Wicked 😂

[@Scene68]

That was an outstanding movie! And I too, was a bit reserved to watch it. Man, if they don't win any Oscars next year that would be a tragedy.

[@jpbenson99]

I went in as a Wizard of Oz fan and it added so much depth to the original story

[@catestuff]

Glad u liked it, John. Makes me hopeful that more non-musical fans will give it a try and possibly enjoy it.

[@riopeynado3959]

Wicked is what I wished Joker 2 would be!

[@GilbyMinaj]

I’m excited for WICKED. Not so much Gladiator..

[@zhm96]

why not both?

[@jool4867]

@zhm96 cause she has more than one brain cell

[@nicholasjoseph8297]

This is my cup of tea and was kinda let down.

[@blindpurple9588]

Off topic… Haven’t you seen Wild Robot? It sounded like you were going to watch it. Please watch it if you haven’t watched it yet.

[@randomguy6695]

As some have pointed out, Ariana was an actress before she started her music career. I’m not surprised she was a standout in it.

[@TheOptimismprime]

You’re not sure if you would consider tick tick boom a musical? Bro, how?

[@chrisdingsdale7400]

Great review John. Totally agree. Not my demographic either - lol. 62 yr old guy whose walking trip got cancelled by UK storm Bert and a trip to see Wicked filled my diary. I've seen the stage show and yes its superb but this left my jaw on the movie theatre floor! Excellent in every way. Cheers Chris

[@daviidfdez2940]

I can tell you that Ariana Grande is very likely playing Megara in the upcoming Hercules/Hades Disney live action. Also seems like she is campaigning to play Audrey Hepburn in a biopic.

[@rodolfoleyva5157]

@@daviidfdez2940 😲😲😲

[@piplupfan32]

This film has made me a Grande fan. I'm as shocked as the next person

[@NicoNuney]

So I was going to make a comment on how ridiculous it is to ignore the animal subplot, because it really is central to the movie. But I see many others have said the same thing, so I really hope that John ends up acknowledging that in another video.

[@rexjarvis117]

Me and my boyfriend went to see it last night and it is perfectly phenomenal I want to see it again after Gladiator. Thank goodness we had a double feature

[@jennifer5512]

Yay, John! I'm glad you liked it. I really haven't liked the trailers but you are one of the fairest and most thoughtful reviewers around and I always appreciate your thoughts.

[@maingamer6846]

I'm amazed your shocked by Ariana Grande in this, because she was an actress before going into the music business.

[@nairrdlairrd]

Ariana and Cynthia are both being nominated, John M. Chu should be nominated, they will be nominated for Production Design and they should WIN

[@grandespades1640]

Ariana IS supporting. it’s elphaba’s story

[@randyhambright6547]

depends on your definition

[@JasonJia909]

Nah John's right theyre both leads. But I actually do think Cynthia is the heart of the film and deserves the Oscars push from the studio more

[@pepsimac]

@@randyhambright6547it doesn’t. It’s a fact that Elphaba is the lead character

[@pepsimac]

@@JasonJia909don’t be ridiculous

[@JasonJia909]

@@pepsimac lol u mad

[@JayPatrol]

They said the broadway show was good so that’s great to know the film is good as well

[@MrDrawingboard1]

Just came back from seeing it. It's a film that I thought was fine during the first 30-40 minutes, i enjoyed it more when the friendship began to form, and by the third act I was really liking it. I even got a little choked up when the Wicked Witch sang Defying Gravity and only one other film has done that for me this year and that is Inside Out 2.

[@NerdyFilmGirl]

As a fan of theater and musical films, this easily could have been a disaster. It would up being sooo amazing. These people really cared about the IP and it showed in every aspect of the film. Great review!!!

[@BritniAlexander]

The “little subplot” is the whole point of wicked. Remember this movie is just Act 1

[@cjrebirth]

This is my 2nd favorite movie ever this year behind DUNE 2. Ariana Grande was perfect as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo surprised me as Elphaba

[@jukesy1992]

You mentioned Dune 2, I'm very happy to hear it's your favourite. I saw somenoe in a comment saying the other day that it was a classic holliwood bate and switch and listed Dune part 2 as an example of "wOkEness". I haven't seen the Dune stuff yet but honestly, I thinjk people are becoming way, too, synical for their own good.

[@dawn_bestofj2]

Going to see this Saturday morning. I saw the musical twice and loved it.

[@RockinRhinox]

The subplot with the animals ends up being a huge part in the second act so all of that was a set up for later.

[@daniellee6080]

Just got out of seeing Wicked!! Omgoodness! This was wonderful!!

[@ScholarVisual]

This was the same guy that directed Jem and the Holograms. What a bounce back.

[@susanmctavish6639]

Glad to hear they gave the huge project to a good director and not just anyone for whatever reasons.

[@mylestate]

Ariana Grande was an actor before she was a pop star.

[@cirugo7042]

John M Chiu also did In the Heights which I really enjoyed

[@aseygirl9295]

I’m a Wicked fan, so I knew I would like it, but I haven’t felt this way about a movie in years - it blew my mind. I was also put off by Cynthia freaking out over the fan art, but I forgot about all that within the first few minutes because I was instantly captivated! And the animal subplot makes a lot more sense in act 2 and how it all ties into the Wizard of Oz 👍🏻

[@Cassie00111]

just got out of the movie. LOVED IT. I like and see lots of musicals but I was afraid it would be too "musically". it wasn't. I great movie.

[@thehacker4012]

Jon M. Chu came a long way from Jem and the Holograms.

[@Hal-x7l]

The sub-plot is directly from the book by Gregory Maguire

[@stefanoredaelli7470]

Totally enjoy it in IMAX! One of the best of the years for sure. Looking forward to part two

[@tdlpedro2009]

the animal subplot is really important to elphaba’s character arc though. that’s the driving force behind her decision to turn against the wizard at the end of the movie.