Nasty first reactions: It will exceed your expectations

The 1939 version The Wizard of Oz is one of the most popular and well-reviewed films of all time. Other adaptations of the Oz franchise haven't been as successful on the Tomatometer, but now Evil is about to change all that. The film, based on the Broadway musical and the novel of the same name, is divided into two parts and reactions to the first part can be found online. Almost unanimously enthusiastic, these social media reviews highlight Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's performances, the transition from stage to screen, and the spectacular visuals.

Here's what critics say Evil:

Does it meet expectations?

The world is not ready for this, how great Evil Is. Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have given us a musical masterpiece that is much more than we ever expected.
– Jazz Tangcay, variety show

Evil lives up to the hype and often succeeds… Hands down one of the best films of the year.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment

I was thrilled and surprised.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

Evil exceeded my expectations.
–Lauren Veneziani, WBAL-TV

Evil is solid – elaborately implemented, sometimes quite moving.
–Drew Taylor, The Wrap

Jon Chu IS a musical genius and the world he creates and the performances he captures are truly next level.
–Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair

(Photo by ©Universal Pictures)

What if we had worried about this?

As someone who loves The Wizard of Oz and the Evil Music, I was skeptical… And I was wrong! Evil is everything cinema should be.
– Jazz Tangcay, variety show

Believe me when I say it's utter assassination; You will be incredibly gagged. Everything you think the movie looks like on your broken iPhones is wrong.
–Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair

Evil Stones, children.
–Clayton Davis, Variety

While this may not convert many music opponents, genre fans and die-hard Ozians (Wickhards?) will enjoy it.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

Does it do the Broadway show justice?

One of the most perfect musical adaptations ever.
–Lauren Veneziani, WBAL-TV

Evil is the best musical film adaptation since then Chicago And Mama Mia.
– Erin Stretcher, IndieWire

It's the best movie musical ever Chicagoand that made it all the way, darling.
–Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair

Evil is a cinematic spectacle that is one of the best cinematic adaptations of a Broadway musical of all time. Jon M. Chu perfectly captures the magic of the Broadway show while adding some of his own unique flourishes to the source material… There is one scene that will have fans of the Broadway show absolutely losing their minds.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment

At my screening there were three children sitting next to me, obviously huge Evil fans, and they lost their shit almost the entire time.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

(Photo by ©Universal Pictures)

How are Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande?

The main actors Erivo and Grande are completely over the moon.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are awesome as Elphaba and Galinda.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment

Ariana and Cynthia will blow your mind.
– Jazz Tangcay, variety show

Cynthia and Ari are truly impeccable.
–Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair

Glinda is the role Ariana Grande was born to play. Perfectly suited and truly a hilarious, scene-stealing performance. Cynthia Erivo's ethereal singing allows her to make Elphaba her own.
–Clayton Davis, Variety

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are a couple made in cinematic music heaven.
–Lauren Veneziani, WBAL-TV

Both leads are amazing.
–Drew Taylor, The Wrap

Are there any other performances that stand out?

Jonathan Bailey is also pretty phenomenal in the film.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment

(Jonathan Bailey) is really great. I also really liked Ethan Slater.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

(Photo by ©Universal Pictures)

How does it look?

The production design and costumes are a visual spectacle.
– Jazz Tangcay, variety show

The team of artisans assembled by Jon M. Chu added all of his signature touches.
–Clayton Davis, Variety

Evil is an Oz-like spectacle that pops and enchants on the big screen. An absolutely breathtaking vision.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

Are there any problems?

It falls into some of the traps of Disney live-action remakes that diminish its impact – too long, loud, over-designed.
–Drew Taylor, The Wrap

Did it have to be two films and so long?
– Jazz Tangcay, variety show

Will it get us excited for the second half?

I'm really excited to see what they do with Part 2.
–Clayton Davis, Variety

Overall, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read Part 2.
–Drew Taylor, The Wrap

The ending is spectacular.
– Gregory Ellwood, The Playlist

On an Apple device? Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Apple News.