After a year of waiting, “Wicked: For Good” finally came to theaters over the Thanksgiving break. Longtime theater fans and new fans who discovered the first movie in 2024 flocked to theaters in excitement.
The second movie did not disappoint, although there are many critiques to be made. One of which is the pacing of the sequel.
Glinda suddenly becomes the spokesperson for the wizard, which we could have inferred would happen, but it would’ve been nice to see that development from the end of the last movie to the present.
Nessa was now the mayor of Munchkinville, and is keeping Boq forcefully close, but we have no idea why her and Boq’s relationship is strained, except for the fact that he still yearns for Glinda. The movie barely takes time to expand on that before he is turned into the tin man.
Many people did not enjoy how much darker “Wicked: For Good” was in contrast to the first movie, and its lack of cheerful energy, but the way they dove deeper into the themes of the story was enjoyable, despite how upsetting they might be.
Using media as a way to address issues can be very helpful to our society, especially when you can associate it with the current time. “Wicked: For Good” touches on oppression against minorities and fascist governments that many countries and civilizations have dealt with in the past and now.
The two movies from a singing and acting standpoint comparably are equals. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grandè really connected with their characters in the first movie and carried that connection with them into the second movie, bringing Glinda and Elphaba to life.
For instance, when they meet for the first time after the last meeting, and Glinda reveals her worry for Elphaba, but still obviously does not see Elphaba’s stance on the revolution.
Another beautiful scene is the one where Elphaba sings “No Good Deed.” Her voice is powerful and chilling. It invoked such emotion and had the audience pondering her character development.
One of the best scenes in the movie, where the music and acting was deeply moving, was when Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grandè sang in a duet of the song “For Good.” Their gorgeous voices, friendship off-screen and wonderful acting made it feel as though these two actors were really reflecting on their relationship and saying their final goodbyes.
The ending of “Wicked: For Good” can generate a love-hate relationship. The Wizard had been defeated, Madam Marble jailed, Elphaba freed from the judgment of the public and allowed to spend her days with Fiyero and Glinda continuing on to try to make the changes Elphaba would have fought for.
All of this sounds like fair closure. It’s understandable the world of Oz wouldn’t have adjusted to seeing Elphaba in a truly new light, but it feels like she survived for nothing. She was meant to be a symbol of freedom and revolution, and presumably died. How can she live on and not continue to help in the cause she felt so strongly about? It does not make sense.
Though there are some issues with the movie, it’s thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended to those who enjoy musical theater, deep and emotional stories plus witnessing brilliant talent.
