Wicked: What have critics said about new movie?

The reviews are in and there's a real mixed bag.

The release of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, has captivated critics globally, sparking widespread acclaim and a few mixed reactions. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, chronicling their friendship and the events leading up to The Wizard of Oz. Critics have lauded its visual splendour and performances, particularly Erivo’s emotional depth and Grande’s comedic brilliance.

Variety described it as “visually spectacular,” with The Guardian echoing praise for its "stunning design." Rotten Tomatoes called it a “near-perfect musical adaptation,” and The Playlist described it as “Oz-some.” In the UK, The Telegraph highlighted its emotional resonance, while The Times deemed it a “lavish treat.”

Empire calls it “extraordinary” and Whats On Stage say it is “almost perfect”.

Not all feedback was glowing. The Wrap found the pacing overly drawn-out, and Time Out questioned the need for splitting the film into two parts.

The Telegraph call it “utterly exhausting” and The Independent asks “why does it look so terrible?”.

Nevertheless, Entertainment Weekly commended the "spectacular ending," and The Hollywood Reporter defended its depth and character focus.

While some debate the film’s length and structure, excitement remains high for the sequel, as Wicked firmly establishes itself as a landmark in musical adaptations.

Decide for yourself, this Friday…