As a theatrical presentation, this is a very good movie. It is a musical, and that provides the opportunity to tell the story in a variety of ways.

2-part movies are always a tricky business because it risks overstaying its welcome in the first part and losing fans when the second part finally comes. However, this did not feel too long, even at 20 minutes short of three hours. It ended with a rousing rendition of “Defying Gravity,” leaving viewers with a good feeling as the credits roll.

I watched the movie in an IMAX auditorium largely because it was the only showing available at the time. There is no reason to see it in an IMAX theater if there is a premium screen available. The movie did not utilize the taller aspect ratio of IMAX screens, and the sound was ok but not impressive. Given the poor quality of the seat I had, I’d like to see the movie again when I’m not desperately trying to find a way to keep sitting so I didn’t disturb those around me.

What appears on screen shows the tremendous amount of work put into this production and the affection that those involved had for the beloved stage musical. I’m looking forward to next November when part two is released!

As a longtime fan of the musical, I approached this movie with what I deemed to be an appropriate amount of skepticism, while maintaining the hope that Cynthia Erivo's involvement signalled good things. While the movie is long, it's propelled by the hits from the musical that everyone recognizes, delivered well by powerhouse singers backed by an incredible set. Ariana Grande has come a long way from her underwhelming performance in Hairspray Live and pulls off Glinda admirably. Cynthia Erivo, unsurprisingly, is a masterpiece. The two have excellent chemistry as a duo and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the entire team does in Part 2.

I absolutely love this movie. I will say, it feels long. As someone who has been to the musical, read the book, listened to the soundtrack, etc, I know that Wicked can feel extended. For non-musical theater people, it may start to drag toward the end, but if you can make it, this movie is incredible and always great for a rewatch. 10/10 would buy on disc.