Wicked For Good: Epic Sequel Review

The magic of Oz returns in Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel that concludes the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West. Building on the success of the 2024 film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, this second chapter dives deeper into the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda while addressing the darker themes of the original stage production.

What to Expect in Wicked: For Good

Picking up where the first film left off, Wicked: For Good follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as she fully embraces her role as a revolutionary activist against the Wizard's oppressive regime. The story explores her fight for the rights of talking animals in Oz, her growing estrangement from her former friend Glinda (Ariana Grande), and her transformation into the iconic green-skinned villain. The film maintains the lavish visual style of its predecessor but adopts a significantly darker, more emotional tone.

One of the most anticipated elements is the expanded focus on the characters' relationship. While the stage musical often relegates Glinda to a secondary role, the film adaptation gives her more narrative weight. As critic Peter Debruge notes, the filmmakers "have leveled the playing field," allowing Grande to showcase her comedic charm while balancing the story's heavier moments.

Stellar Performances and Musical Highlights

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande once again deliver powerhouse performances that anchor the film. Their chemistry remains a highlight, with critics praising the "deeply felt performances" and the "knock-down, drag-out witch fight" between them. Erivo's rendition of "No Good Deed" is particularly singled out as a "cinematic sensation" that showcases her vocal prowess.

The musical numbers include both new songs written for the film and classic numbers from the stage production. While reception to the new tracks is mixed, the existing musical numbers are widely praised. Director Jon M. Chu's creative staging transforms stage elements into cinematic spectacles, with innovative camera techniques that bring new depth to familiar songs.

Critical Reception: Mixed but Generally Positive

Reviews for Wicked: For Good acknowledge the challenges of adapting the second act of the musical, which is known for its complex plot threads and weaker songs compared to the first act. David Sims of The Atlantic states that the film "collapses under the lightest scrutiny" despite its stars' efforts, while other critics like those at Rotten Tomatoes praise it as "well worth the journey back to Oz."

"While Wicked: For Good isn't a perfect film, it sets a new standard for adaptations that will serve as a high bar for any future filmmakers to clear." – Therese Lacson, Collider

Common criticisms include the film's narrative cleanup in the second half and some pacing issues. However, most agree that the technical achievements and the actors' commitment make it a satisfying conclusion for fans.

Improvements Over the Stage Production

One of the sequel's strengths is its ability to overcome limitations of the stage musical. Through cinematic techniques like flashbacks and cross-cutting, the film provides a more cohesive narrative. As Sophia Ciminello of AwardsWatch notes, the film "markedly improve[s] upon the stage show" by giving Elphaba and Glinda more shared scenes and songs in this final act.

The film also addresses common complaints about the stage version by balancing the darker themes with Glinda's effervescent personality, creating a more consistent emotional experience. As Caryn James of BBC.com observes, the sequel is "more of a musical, with nearly back-to-back singing-dancing set pieces" that maintain the wonder of Oz even as the tone darkens.

Final Verdict: A Must-See for Fans

While Wicked: For Good may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant conclusion to the story. For fans of the musical and the first film, the performances alone are worth the price of admission. The film successfully expands Oz's world while honoring its source material, making it a fitting end to this cinematic chapter.