Wicked: For Good

Synopsis: Now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile in the Ozian forest, while Glinda resides at the palace in Emerald City, reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, she'll need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good. 

Movie Review:

"Wicked: For Good" is back with John M. Chu at the helm, serving as the sequel to last year's hit film based on the stage play. This musical fantasy is a delightful experience that retains its charm and emotional depth. The movie primarily focuses on the latter half of the play, skillfully connecting it to the original "Wizard of Oz" by broadening the universe and mythology that gives it that enchanting feel. Ariana Grande reprises her role as Glinda, the good witch, and once again, she captivates the audience with her beauty, charm, and humor. This time, her character has a more emotional arc, making her even more relatable than in the first film. I really appreciated how this installment dives deeper into Glinda's story, showcasing her backstory and establishing her as the film's emotional core. Cynthia Erivo returns as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and she is phenomenal, effortlessly hitting those high notes with her amazing singing voice. She delivers some of the most memorable musical moments in the film. The chemistry between these two leads is the highlight, and their friendship adds a layer of emotional depth that resonates well. The final 45 minutes to an hour take a darker turn, filled with heartbreak, culminating in a beautiful duet and some great nods for fans that make it enjoyable. Jeff Goldblum shines as the wizard, bringing his charm and wit to the role, making him a joy to watch. Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible, the true antagonist of the story, and while she gives a solid performance, there are moments where she feels underutilized or miscast. My main concern with the film is that the first 20 to 25 minutes felt a bit chaotic, with too much happening that came off as messy and dull at times, which is a stark contrast to the enjoyment of the first film. Additionally, some of the early musical numbers fell flat and weren't particularly memorable. Nevertheless, despite these shortcomings, "Wicked: For Good" remains a fun, emotional journey that will surely satisfy fans of the musical I am giving it a 4/5 stars.   

Director: John M. Chu 

Cast: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Scarlett Spears, Colman Domingo with Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum 

Runtime: 137 Minutes