“I’ve heard it said,” the iconic opening line from the titular song from the sequel to 2024’s smash hit, Broadway juggernaut turned box-office titan “Wicked,” rings out from the ever-talented Ariana Grande. Playing Glinda in the payoff to a setup a year in the making, the emotions pour out from Grande and Elphaba, Cynthia Erivo, as they say goodbye to the roles that have brought so many of us together.
I was able to attend an early screening thanks to Fandango, and of course, I made sure I got my ticket in the Dolby Theater at my local AMC to make sure I heard the vocals as clearly as I could.
But you’re not here to read about my thoughts on theater speaker systems. You want to know whether “Wicked: For Good” delivers on the promise made in its predecessor.
The short answer? Yes.
The longer answer? Well, that is something we should discuss further.
RELATED: “Wicked” Movie Review: Defying Gravity & Expectations
“Wicked: For Good” Movie Review: Emotional, Powerful & Incredibly Relevant
Stronger Plot, but Fewer Iconic Songs
Let’s begin with the honest truth. Part one has more of the songs you’ll want to play in your car. Not to say the songs in “Wicked: For Good” aren’t great, they are, and we’ll get into one in particular in a moment. However, I think that is going to be something people get hung up on or miss in this film.
Still, where part one had the songs, part two has the plot. A politically charged rollercoaster of emotions, it is a firm and incredibly necessary reminder of the point of the original novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.”
As author Gregory Maguire said, “[Wicked is] a cautionary tale…about what happens when we as a society decide to label anyone who differs from the norm as evil.”
The journey of our two protagonists reflects this. Elphaba, now a revolutionary championing the rights of the animals, has been dubbed the “Wicked Witch of the West.” Corruption, charisma and lies from the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) and his Press Secretary Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) have crafted the narrative, and Elphaba pays the price as she is hated Oz-wide.
Glinda, now working for The Wizard, does what she does best: Smile, look pretty and stand for nothing. That is, until it reaches a breaking point.
The plot thickens from there as we watch the two friends move apart and then ultimately find each other again. Culminating in the titular track “For Good,” it still strikes me every time I watch this wonderful show that this is, in fact, a tragedy.
The Highlight Moments
“But Steve,” you might be saying to yourself right now, “What is the best part of the movie then?”
I’m glad you asked.
While the music in part two is lesser than that in part one, there was one song I was most looking forward to. “No Good Deed” is the moment where Elphaba, having lost everything she once loved, decides to embrace what they’ve made her.
“All right, enough, so be it, so be it then. Let all Oz be agreed, I’m wicked through and through. Since I cannot succeed Fiyero, saving you, I promise no good deed, will I attempt to do again. Ever again.”
Listen closely when I say this: This is the single greatest musical scene in cinema history! I am not being hyperbolic; it is just a fact that Cynthia Erivo delivers the strongest vocals I have ever seen. The emotion is so raw and amped that I got actual goosebumps and gasped audibly in the theater.
Beyond “No Good Deed,” the acting is top-notch. From Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to Jonathan Bailey (Prince Fiyero), Goldblum and Yeoh, this is a film filled to the brim with Oscar-worthy performances. In fact, I would go so far as to predict Erivo and Grande will both win their Oscars. I could see a nomination for Bailey in the supporting actor category, as well. Unfortunately for the legendary Yeoh, Grandre will be submitted for the supporting actress category, more than likely leaving her on the outside looking in.
Where It Misses
So, where does this film struggle? Frankly, struggle would be a stretch, but if there is a weakness, it is the runtime. Just like with Act One, “Wicked: For Good” clears the two-hour mark with ease. Considering the second act of the stage play barely cracks an hour and a half, this feels a bit excessive.
Director Jon M. Chu does expand on some of the plot, like Elphaba and her quest to get the animals’ freedom and rights. But, fair is fair, he’s long-winded.
However, where he may go long, he makes up for it with gorgeous set pieces, incredible character development and stunning cinematography. Bright, vivid and captivating, each scene engulfs you into the Land of Oz.
Bottom Line
Overall, “Wicked: For Good” is the ending that “Wicked” deserved. The cast and crew went above and beyond to deliver on the promises made and expectations that the fans set. To say I was moved is an understatement. I don’t have the right words for how I feel about this movie and “Wicked” in general, so I’ll let Stephen Schwartz do it for me.
“Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Grades:
- Plot: 9/10
- Songs: 8/10
- Cinematography: 8.5/10
- Acting: 9.5/10
- Pacing: 8/10
Final Grade: 8.6/10
Thanks for reading my “Wicked: For Good” movie review. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself, and keep an eye out for more movies, music and show recommendations! For more entertainment and sports takes, find me on Twitter @Steve_Lawson93.
