By Kathia Woods
Wicked: For Good, the eagerly awaited cinematic continuation of the Wicked saga, promised to link together the stories of the well-known stage show and the books that inspired it. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the sequel is still a visually spectacular and captivating film, but it doesn’t quite live up to the charm and depth of the original movie.
In Wicked: For Good, the main themes change from the original’s focus on friendship and perception to more adult, complicated ones as the protagonists confront a war-torn Oz.
The movie version incorporates several “additive” alterations to the stage performance, covering Act II of the Broadway musical. These changes add to the story, characters, and visuals while mostly staying true to the primary plot and ending.
The sequel covers the second act of the musical, which gave the filmmakers a chance to add a lot more to sequences and character development that felt rushed on stage.
Dorothy plays a bigger part in Wicked: For Good than she does in the second act of the musical, even though we can’t see her face. The movie uses legal rights to the original Wizard of Oz movie aspects, like Glinda’s pink bubble gown and the famous slippers, which are silver and sparkly. The musical couldn’t do this.
The character of Nessarose (Marissa Bode) had her story changed to be less “ableist” than it was on stage. In the movie, Elphaba’s magic allows her to fly briefly, dispelling the notion that walking is the only path to happiness for a wheelchair user. In the musical, Elphaba’s magic lets her walk. The film also includes two brand-new songs written by Stephen Schwartz specifically for the movie adaptation to meet the demands of the expanded storytelling.
Cynthia Erivo sings “No Place Like Home” as Elphaba. The title is a direct reference to the famous statement from The Wizard of Oz. In the song, Elphaba thinks about being kicked out of her home and how much she misses it. Ariana Grande sings “The Girl in the Bubble.” This reflective song is about Glinda being aware of her privilege and the conflict she feels between her loyalty to Elphaba and her life in Oz.
The pressing question is whether these changes create an entertaining film that matches the strength of the first one. Let’s discuss what works in the film. Paul Caswell continues to be a wizard when it comes to costumes, and Nathan Crowley expands on the wonder that is Oz.
While the first film centered largely on Elphaba’s journey, the sequel firmly shifts the spotlight to Glinda the Good Witch, and Ariana Grande seizes the opportunity. Her performance is captivating; she injects the character with depth, humor, and a genuine emotional arc that goes beyond the bubbly facade.
It must be acknowledged that Cynthia Erivo continues to captivate as Elphaba. Even with diminished screen time relative to the first film, her exceptional vocal performance and genuine emotional expression continue to serve as the cornerstone of the entire production. Erivo and Grande exhibit a discernible intimacy that enhances each scene they appear in.
Jonathan Bailey shines as Fiyero. He imbues the character with a dashing yet conflicted energy, balancing the difficult decision between his heart and his duty with elegance and conviction. His presence lends emotional weight to the love triangle dynamics.
Despite the stunning sights and superb performances, Wicked: For Good confronts the classic difficulty of sequels: not being as good as the original.
The film has issues with pacing. Following the explosive ending of the first film, the opening act takes far too much time moving chess pieces into position. The second act, while offering amazing action sequences and impressive flying effects, feels somewhat fragmented as it attempts to cover a big portion of the novel’s intricate plot at once. The balance between human moments and progressing the battle narrative feels off at times.
Wicked: For Good is a good film that falls short of being great. The ambition is clear, and the execution is mostly stellar, especially on a technical level. The combination of Grande and Erivo ensures the film is always entertaining, even when the narrative stumbles. It’s a visually magnificent cinematic experience and a respectful conclusion to a beloved story that fans will enjoy, even if they leave the theater wishing it had captured the sheer magic of its predecessor. The argument for splitting it into parts was not won, but in the end Wicked: For Good still has its moments.