WICKED

Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, and pop superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda who is gilded by privilege and ambition, director Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the broadway hit musical is a wickedly good time at the movies. -Max Weiss, Baltimore Magazine Smart, sweet, and sassy in equal measure, with eye-popping special effects, lustrously colorful cinematography and production design, dynamic vocals and dancing, and--best of all--emotionally intimate storytelling. -Albert Williams, Chicago Reader (PG, 160m)