Act one of the broadway show is 90 minutes, yet the first movie ran a staggering two hours and 40 minutes - longer than the whole play. It worked beautifully, though, because there was so much room to expand and explore this world and the characters who populate it. Act two is a leaner 60 minutes, which has been extended here to two hours and 17 minutes. Unfortunately, the second half of this story doesn’t afford as much room for expansion, and you can really feel it. The momentum coming off of part one’s show-stopping finale gradually fades, losing steam as the story is stretched beyond its natural pacing. Tying everything quickly into The Wizard of Oz felt okay on stage, because the rest of act two moves so quickly, but here those elements feel rushed when compared to the film’s otherwise leisurely pace. It makes the full circle connection feel a little forced - like trying to squeeze into a ruby slipper that’s a size too small.
This part of the story is a much darker endeavour, focusing on the growing rift between Glinda and Elphaba. The curtain has now been pulled back, and Oz isn’t so wonderful after all. Elphaba is determined to restore peace by exposing the Wizard for who he truly is. Glinda, on the other hand, wants to do good as well, but is blinded by her desire to be popular, and have everybody like her. Their clash echoes through Oz, effecting everyone around them, but they still have an unbreakable affection for one another that gives their feud a heartbreaking intensity. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo continue to steal the screen - whether together or separate - their chemistry and performances are excellent. The supporting cast may not be in the spotlight this time around, but still deliver strong turns - namely Jonathan Bailey and Marissa Bode.
It’s no surprise that the production design is as grand, whimsical and lavish as you’d expect - even giving part one a run for its money with its awe-inspiring beauty. The attention to detail and creativity poured into every set, costume and recreation of elements from the stage play is truly magical. The blending of practical components with polished digital effects genuinely transported me to Oz, and it was wonderful. While the musical numbers don’t hold a candle to those in part one, they are still brought to life beautifully. Hearing some of the notes from part one swell orchestrally in the background gave me goosebumps, and the new songs were a nice, even if a tad unmemorable, addition to the mix.
The second half of this yellow brick road isn’t paved as smoothly as the first, and it may be a more tiresome trek, but this is nevertheless a magical and emotional adaptation of Wicked’s lesser act. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are wonderful, and even if this sequel didn’t defy gravity, it still managed to sweep me off my feet a few times.
Rating: ★★★½
Review by: Benjamin Garrett