Wicked: For Good Review

Directed By: Jon M. Chu
Written By: Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox; Based on the musical stage play with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman; From the novel by Gregory Maguire
Runtime: 138 minutes
MPA Rating: Rated PG for action/violence, some suggestive material, and thematic material

Cynthia Erivo – Elphaba Thropp
Ariana Grande – Galinda Upland
Jonathan Bailey – Fiyero Tigelaar
Michelle Yeoh – Madame Morrible
Jeff Goldblum – The Wizard of Oz
Marissa Bode – Nessarose Thropp
Ethan Slater – Boq Woodsman
Andy Nyman – Frexspar Thropp
Bowen Yang – Pfannee
Bronwyn James – ShenShen
Courtney-Mae Briggs – Mrs. Thropp
Sharon D. Clarke – Dulcibear

The cinematic adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical and inversion of the popular tale of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz continues in Wicked: For Good. The first Wicked proved to be a strong adaptation and musical event, featuring fantastic performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in their respective roles of Elphaba and Galinda.

Wicked: For Good adapts the second act of the popular musical, splitting the play into two separate films. Continuing from where the first film left off, Elphaba has been wrongly branded as an enemy of the people, dubbed The Wicked Witch of the West. Now, she lives in exile, seeking to liberate the persecuted animals of Oz and expose The Wizard’s (Goldblum) wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, the Emerald City and Madame Morrible (Yeoh) have positioned Elphaba’s bestie, Galinda (Grande), as Oz’s savior and “Glinda the Good,” to help protect Oz and raise morale. Meanwhile, Galinda’s boyfriend, Fiyero (Bailey), has been made captain of the guard and charged with bringing Elphaba to justice, much to his chagrin. Additionally, although Fiyero is engaged to wed Galinda, his heart truly belongs to Elphaba.

Unfortunately, Elphaba discovers that people believe she is wicked since they are easily manipulated by the machinations of The Wizard and Madame Morrible. Wicked: For Good showcases how forcing people to break from their fervent dogma is a nigh-impossible task. Sadly, there might not be any happily ever after for Elphaba, Galinda, and Fiyero somewhere over this rainbow.

Although Wicked: For Good is decent, the film unfortunately suffers from the success of the opening act, which is easily the stronger half of both the story and the show. The first act features the best and most defining songs of the stage musical, and there are not many reprises in Wicked: For Good, other than some minor callbacks.

Wicked: For Good also takes a while to find its footing. The movie’s first act primarily features more segmented singing interludes rather than full-blown musical numbers, and the story gains momentum rather slowly. The songs throughout the movie are good, but none of them are certified bangers.

Wicked: For Good also features new songs and material, which, unfortunately, run more like padding to lengthen the experience, rather than provide more organic narrative material. The sequel presents a weird conundrum because splitting the stage musical into two separate movies likely benefited the original, but proves detrimental to the second half.

What elevates the experience is the strong performances of the main trio: Erivo as Elphaba, Grande as Galinda, and Bailey as Fiyero. The sequel delves further into their love triangle and romance, and Elphaba and Fiyero finally embrace their love for one another in the romantic duet, “As Long As You’re Mine.” Elphaba and Fiyero possess an amusing, unconventional romance, and Erivo and Bailey demonstrate nice onscreen chemistry together.

Grande continues to be the breakout and strongest performer in the cast, exceptionally portraying Galinda’s emotional conflict. She still wishes to help and protect Elphaba, but thinks the best solution would be to work alongside The Wizard and Morrible. Grande’s impressive, layered performance is the highlight of the sequel.

The miscasting of Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard becomes more blatantly obvious in Wicked: For Good, where he has a much larger role and presence. The problem with his performance is that it’s Jeff Goldblum portraying a Jeff Goldblum role, and he does not disappear into The Wizard of Oz. The trademark Goldblum-isms are amusing at times, but they overpower and encompass the character, resulting in the Wizard failing to come off as a genuine, well-rounded character and strong antagonist for Elphaba.

Ultimately, would Wicked have benefited from being one larger movie, rather than the studio splitting it in twain? The separate format for the films probably serves both films better and gives them more room to breathe, but Wicked: For Good still appears somewhat left in the cold since the best material lands in the first half. Nevertheless, Wicked: For Good is still a respectable watch with some good performances and music, albeit with some unnecessary padding.

Where To Watch Wicked: For Good

Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21. Ticket and showtime details are available at the movie’s official website.

7.0

The final score: review Good

The 411

Wicked: For Good becomes a victim of the overwhelming success of Wicked. The sequel struggles with the best material and musical numbers appearing in the first half. Wicked: For Good is still solid, featuring strong performances by the main trio, but the film suffers from extra narrative padding and pacing issues. Also, Jeff Goldblum is not the best casting choice for The Wizard of Oz. Nevertheless, it's still a respectable musical adaptation, elevated by good performances and chemistry between the leads.