WICKED: FOR GOOD Defies Obstacles for Solid Second Half

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The first Wicked movie was a standout musical, captivating audiences with its powerful songs, stunning visuals, and the incredible connection between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who played Elphaba and Glinda. It truly immersed viewers in the world of Oz and became a huge success. As a result, Wicked: For Good, the second film, had a lot to live up to. While it didn’t quite reach the same magical heights as the original – largely because of the story itself – Wicked: For Good still delivered a beautiful, moving, and satisfying ending to the story.

Even devoted fans of Wicked generally agree that the musical is strongest in its first half. Most of the show’s most popular songs happen before the intermission, and that’s just how it is. The recent movie adaptation attempted to address this imbalance by adding some new songs, which did improve the story, but unfortunately, those new numbers didn’t quite measure up musically.

The movie isn’t particularly memorable, and it struggles with a common issue in musical adaptations: a decline in quality during the second act. While the first half of Wicked is lighthearted and full of song and dance, the story becomes much darker later on. This shift makes it hard to maintain the joyful, escapist feeling that made the first movie so strong. Instead, the second half is filled with unhappiness and devastation. Because of these significant changes, it’s important for viewers to adjust their expectations compared to Wicked: Part One.

Okay, so I just saw Wicked: For Good, and it’s genuinely a good movie. It doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the first Wicked, but if you loved that one, you’ll definitely enjoy this. What I really noticed is that while the first film was all about Elphaba and Cynthia Erivo’s incredible voice, this one really centers on Glinda and her personal journey. And honestly, Ariana Grande kills it vocally – you can tell she really stepped up her game to match the emotional weight of the story.

The actresses beautifully portray the complex relationship between Glinda and Elphaba, making their connection completely believable. They skillfully move from playful teasing to intense conflict, and even to moments of heartfelt connection, all within a single scene. Despite being on opposite sides of the central conflict, a strong undercurrent of friendship always shines through, even when they’re at their most vulnerable with each other.

We absolutely have to talk about Jonathan Bailey, our pick for sexiest man of the year! He perfectly captured the magic of Fiyero in Wicked, and it’s wonderful to see how much he’s grown as an actor since he first played the role. It was incredibly rewarding to watch his Fiyero and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba finally connect and be honest with each other.

While the plot had a few unbelievable moments – like why Elphaba couldn’t simply defeat the Wizard or save Fiyero – the character development felt genuine. Elphaba’s search for love, acceptance, and peace outside of a judgmental society will strongly resonate with many. Others will find Glinda’s path to self-discovery – learning to balance her desire for recognition with her own inner strength – particularly moving. Both storylines are powerfully presented in Wicked: For Good.

The movie also features fantastic musical numbers. While Wicked: For Good might not have as many instantly recognizable hits as the first Wicked film, it includes two of the musical’s best songs: “No Good Deed” and “For Good.” Both are performed beautifully. “No Good Deed” is a powerful and visually stunning number, complete with flames and flying monkeys – a true spectacle best experienced in a cinema, and Cynthia Erivo’s vocals are incredible. In contrast, “For Good” is a simple, touching song that visibly moved many audience members to tears.

Although not all the songs stood out, the movie successfully brought the world from the first film to life. The designs for everything – sets, costumes, hair, and makeup – were all beautifully crafted and felt like they came from another world.

In conclusion, I believe the biggest weakness of both Wicked: For Good and the Wicked movie is their hesitation to fully embrace the obvious romantic connection between Glinda and Elphaba. Wicked always hints at queer themes, but Wicked: For Good feels like it’s desperately wanting to break down the final barrier and allow a kiss between the two leads. The deliberate avoidance of this feels very strong, and ultimately makes the relationships between all the characters feel less satisfying.

It’s hard to accept the idea that Fiyero abandoned Glinda at the altar, then immediately became intimate with Elphaba, yet didn’t love them both. There’s a flashback scene of a picnic where Fiyero is beaming at Glinda and Elphaba as they share a sweet, intimate moment, suggesting everyone involved was in love. The musical, Wicked: For Good, seems aware of this, as shown through the tender way Glinda and Elphaba connect, their open declarations of love, and the frequent imagery of rainbows. However, the movie never fully acknowledges this potential dynamic, and that feels like its biggest missed opportunity.

Ultimately, Wicked: For Good is a truly moving and captivating film, brimming with heartfelt moments and outstanding musical performances. It’s a movie that stays with you and genuinely changes your perspective – truly, For Good.

Wicked: For Good is now in theaters.

Wicked: For Good ⭐ (3.8 of 5)

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2025-11-22 00:04