The new movie “Wicked,” adapted from the book and play sharing the same name, tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch from the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz.” “Wicked” is a colorful, fantastical film filled with characters we know from the “The Wizard of Oz” and new ones that we have just met.

I recommend first seeing the original 1939 film and its depiction of both witches to see how the two movies compare. In both, the wizard himself is a leader of questionable ethics and trustworthiness. But in this new film his kingdom and motivations are shown in a new light.

In the original film, the Wicked Witch is depicted as pure evil, but in “Wicked” we see the story from a different perspective. In “Wicked,” we learn the Wicked Witch’s backstory, as well as her name, Elphaba. Even the flying monkeys are given a history that makes you want to rally around them. When you watch the two movies together, your perspective on good versus evil begins to change. The comparison also helps you realize just how far filmmaking has come in the past 85 years.

In the original film, there are painted sets and people dressed as animals. The old movie uses practical effects (think digital effects, but in real life), while in the new film they have beautiful CGI effects. They even have a 15-ft.-long train made entirely of 3D models, as well as new talking animals. The flying monkeys look great as well.

Despite the technological differences, both films manage to create a feeling of awe and wonder. As”Wicked” goes on, and you learn more about the characters, you realize that it is not just about two witches, but it is, in fact, about problems that run very deep in our society, problems that start wars and fell nations, problems like leaders exploiting prejudices against different groups. You may have seen this and not even noticed it.

Based on its technical excellence and its character development, as well as its subtle reference to bigger issues, “Wicked” deserves ten stars.