Wicked: Part 1 (2024)

DVD CASE/ SIDE

Length of film:  160 Minutes

Rated: PG

Genre: Musical, Fantasy

Director: Jon M. Chu

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Andy Nyman

IMDB Rank: 7.4 /10

Part 1 Time:  87 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  73 Minutes

***The film covers the entirety of the musical’s first act. Due to its runtime of 160 minutes, an intermission is suggested following scene 10 ‘Popular.’

Where does the first part end? Galinda (Ariana Grande) finishes her musical solo in her residence. Galinda and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) have seemed to have finally developed a friendship.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “You’ll be popular!! Just not quite as popular as me!!!” Galinda sings following Elphaba’s departure.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Oh, hi, Elphaba,” unnamed students state, as Elphaba walks by in her newly designed Galinda outfit.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Galinda and Elphaba appear to be on friendlier terms as they share a bonding moment. But given Galinda’s past experiences with Elphaba, what are her true intentions?

Which part is better? Part two, is better as Elphaba and Galinda travel to the Emerald city to meet the great Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), resulting in hidden plots and deceit. Also present within the second part is the musical score of ‘Defying Gravity,’ one of Wicked’s most notable songs.

Academy Awards: 2025- Best Makeup and Hairstyling (Nominated), Best Music Original Score (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Visual Effects (Nominated), Best Picture (Nominated), Best Leading Actress (Nominated- Cynthia Erivo), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Ariana Grande), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Production Design (Winner), Best Costume Design (Winner)

Other Awards: 2025 BAFTA– Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Hair and Makeup (Nominated) Best Production Design (Nominated), Best Special Visual Effects (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Leading Actress (Nominated- Cynthia Erivo), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Ariana Grande); 2025 Golden Globes– Best Musical or Comedy Picture (Nominated), Best Musical or Comedy Female Actor (Nominated- Cynthia Erivo), Best Supporting Female Actor in Any Motion Picture (Nominated- Ariana Grande), Cinematic and Box Office Achievement (Winner)