Wicked: For Good Review

Wicked: For Good‘s rushed pacing feels like quite a whiplash from the slow burn of the first film that allowed its story to breathe much more, but it’s still a big, loud, and rewarding musical experience. The events are moving at such a fast pace that if you think about it too much, it starts to fall apart. The cinematography and editing don’t get that same patience that made the execution in the first movie so beautiful. The first act of For Good does feel a bit like its embracing the spectacle more than the soul, and if Part I felt more like its stage musical adaptation roots, this movie is the big fantasy action blockbuster. That said, it rises up to the challenge with truly great visual effects and breathtaking production design. The musical numbers are no less impressive, and the film’s heart is strong, and the chemistry between its two leads is electric.

Cynthia Erivo is again astounding and contributes to some of the film’s most awe-inspiring moments, while Ariana Grande is even better than she was in the first film. Glinda’s selfishness isn’t justified, but her softness and journey towards goodness make her so interesting to watch, even if it’s more thanks to Grande’s performance than where the script takes her. Jonathan Bailey also shines in one of the film’s most complex portrayals. There are some true show-stoppers in the soundtrack thanks to magnificent work from Erivo, Grande, and Jeff Goldblum. The music, vocals, and sets come together for some incredible musical moments that culminate the film’s emotion in great catharsis. It also very much enriches the story of the original Wizard of Oz in many creative and unexpected ways.

Wicked: For Good isn’t as subtle or as earth-shattering for the musical film genre as its predecessor, but the direction is still so lively and the spectacle is so, well, spectacular, that it’s an exciting and rewarding experience for film and theater fans alike. Together with the first film, it not only reignites but expands on and gives new life to a cultural moment like no other, and a trip to Oz that you have to see on a big screen.

Rating: ★★★★

Review by: Gal Balaban

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