Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dazzling musical adaptation defies gravity of scary scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wicked
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 111 parent reviews
Parents say the film has generated mixed reviews, with some praising its production and themes of friendship, acceptance, and self-identity, while others express concerns over its length, darker content, and suitability for younger audiences. Many appreciate the musical performances and visual appeal, though some feel it includes questionable scenes that could be too intense or confusing for kids, leading to the conclusion that it is best suited for older children or families willing to discuss complex themes.
- mixed reviews
- strong themes
- long runtime
- dark content
- parental guidance needed
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 145 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is largely loved for its stunning performances and memorable songs, particularly praising the leads, while some viewers express disappointment at its length and the unresolved cliffhanger. The film has been described as beautiful and emotional, though there are mixed thoughts on its pacing and depth, with some finding it predictable or lacking in plot.
- amazing performances
- memorable songs
- mixed pacing
- cliffhanger issue
- beautiful visuals
- lighthearted fun
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Set in the fantasy world first imagined by L. Frank Baum in the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900—which went on to inspire the classic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, Gregory Maguire's 1995 adult novel Wicked, and, in the early 2000s, the blockbuster Broadway musical—WICKED tells the backstory of the two women destined to become Oz's most famous witches. Serious Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) has been bullied all her life due to her "unnatural" green skin (the result of her mother's fling with a mysterious, elixir-peddling lover), but she finally sees the possibility of a bright future when the power she can't seem to control turns out to be a sign that she could be destined to work with the one and only Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). But it's hard for Elphaba to focus on her studies at Shiz University when her roommate is flighty, status-obsessed Galinda (Ariana Grande). Not only does Galinda moon over handsome Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), but she doesn't even seem to care that the university's talking-animal faculty members are being targeted with hate speech and cruel restrictions. Or does she? Over the course of the movie (which mirrors the first act of the stage show), the two women navigate the relationship that will come to define both of their lives.
Is It Any Good?
With its eye-popping sets, gorgeous costumes, soaring songs, and spot-on characterizations, this dazzling musical adaptation will delight the musical's legions of fans. Wicked is incredibly faithful to its Broadway origins, from Grande's many exaggerated flounces and hair flips as Galinda to Erivo's goosebump-inducing take on Elphaba's signature song "Defying Gravity." Yes, there are a few changes, but they're unlikely to make anyone mad; instead, they offer opportunity for a bit more story development and the addition of a few new memorable characters.
What quibbles there are, are minor: Most of the actors aren't particularly believable as college-age students, the opening moments of Bailey's "Dancing Through Life" are a smidge awkward, and Goldblum somehow always plays a variation on Jeff Goldblum, no matter what he's in. And there's no denying that some scenes toward the end are downright frightening (it always seems to come back to the flying monkeys in movies about Oz!). But the story's themes of friendship and not letting others define who you are are powerful, and the two stars are incredible, living up to the expectations of even the most fervent fans of the musical's original stars, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. Grande pinks out perfectly on Erivo during "Popular," Erivo conveys every iota of Elphaba's hope to finally belong in "The Wizard and I," and the scene in which Galinda rescues Elphaba on the dance floor of the Ozdust Ballroom is a beautiful moment of empathy and connection. Just be ready for kids to jump a few times, and prep them for the fact that this is only the first part of Galinda and Elphaba's story: The conclusion is reserved for Wicked: Part 2.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Wicked connects to—and compares with—The Wizard of Oz. Does this movie make you think differently about that one?
Which scenes did you find scary? Why? How much scary stuff can young kids handle? What audience do you think the movie is primarily aimed at? Kids? Families? Fans of the stage musical? How can you tell?
How do the characters show the importance of empathy and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?
What does the story have to say about friendship? How does Elphaba and Galinda's relationship change over the course of the movie? What do they learn from each other?
If you've seen the musical, how does this version compare? What did you like? Was there anything you wish had been done differently?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 22, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : December 31, 2024
- Cast : Ariana Grande , Cynthia Erivo , Jonathan Bailey
- Director : Jon M. Chu
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Book Characters , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Integrity
- Run time : 160 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Selection , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Kids' Choice Award , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 11, 2025
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