Defying Expectations (Not Gravity): Wicked: For Good Struggles to Soar

I'm generally not a fan of musicals; they typically don't appeal to me at all. Cats is the only stage play I can ever remember enjoying. I saw it as a child, and I was captivated—how could you not love a play about cats and their playful, mischievous nighttime antics? The vivid scenes and catchy songs made it stand out in my memory, especially since my mom often played the tape in the car.

But when Wicked was released in 2024, I was captivated by the spectacle: iridescent bubbles, shimmering lights, bubblegum colors, and an overall vibrant atmosphere that electrified my senses. The cast was flawless, and the tulips were a breathtaking sight. I became as obsessed as everyone else, listening to the soundtrack on repeat after watching it. I longed to be a munchkin in Oz, even if only in my imagination.

Henceforth, I was counting down the days until Wicked: For Good was set to be released in 2025. I couldn’t find the time to see it in theaters as planned, but then reviews started to come out, and they weren’t too savory. Therefore, I waited until I could watch it at home, which may or may not have worked in its favor.

Brought to us again by director Jon M. Chu, Wicked: For Good is based on the stage play’s second half, which takes place after the “Defying Gravity” curtain drop. The opening scene shows how the infamous yellow brick road was built: by having animals do most of the brutal labor. Elphaba, the animals’ savior, swoops in to stop this abuse and send a message to the Wizard and Madame Morrible, who have been spreading false propaganda about the so-called “Wicked Witch of the West,” turning most everyone against her.

Glinda the Good is now the Wizard’s spokesperson and is set to marry Fiyero, whose heart is with someone else.

The initial stakes are clear: Elphaba is trying to save the animals, but then we divert into a love story between two people who seem to have no chance of being together. It then shifts to Dorothy and her crew, the most intriguing subplot of all. You never see Dorothy’s face, but you do learn how the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow came to be.

Which brings me to what is possibly my favorite performance of all, Ethan Slater.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo deliver outstanding portrayals as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. Their performances are marked by flawless vocals, emotional depth, and incredible stage presence. These roles seem tailor-made for their unique talents, elevating the production to an exceptional level.

But Slater really brought his A-game as Boq in this film, especially after a pivotal moment with Elphaba and Nessarose. The way his character shifts is truly astounding, and the way he expresses his anger and confusion leaves you on edge. His performance in part one was good, but in part two, he levels up in a way that stands out among the cast.

Perhaps he’ll be taken more seriously and not just seen as “Ariana’s boyfriend”. But that’s a whole other can of worms.

Honorable mention goes to Bowen Yang as Pfannee, whose personality shines so brightly on screen. With his recent departure from Saturday Night Live, I cannot wait to see what other projects he signs on for. He’s so funny, and his delivery of lines is top-notch, adding levity and charm to any production he is a part of.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this film should be nominated in the production design and visuals categories across the award circuit. It was filmed alongside the first one, so many of the same sets are seen, and they are as stunning as you would imagine Oz to be. The tulips, Emerald City, and the Wizard’s lair are Guillermo del Toro-level craftsmanship. Even the CGI animals look exceptional, especially the flying monkeys, which are among my favorite things from both movies.

Not only are the sets stunningly beautiful, but the wardrobe choices are equally impressive. Every detail reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from Glinda’s glittering pink dresses adorned with sequins and delicate embellishments to Fiyero’s meticulously tailored guard uniform with crisp lines and intricate buttons. Not a single thread was left out of place, showcasing the dedication to perfection.

All the superficial elements are present, but the franchise faltered in extending a 2-hour-and-45-minute stage play into a nearly 5-hour production.

A lot is happening in the 137-minute runtime, including several subplots that are never fully developed, resulting in uneven pacing. It’s entertaining enough, especially when Elphaba and Glinda share the screen. However, it often feels like filler, particularly since we already understand why someone becomes "wicked," which was the central question of the first film, and this film simply expands on that.

The overall narrative is quite messy, lacking coherence and clarity, which resulted in the film having little to no emotional impact on the audience. I had no sense of where the story might go next, especially since I have not seen the stage play and therefore lacked the context that could have provided more depth to my understanding.

I found the first half to be a bit of a slog, but the second half was much more satisfying, ending in a way that felt both fulfilling and heartwarming.

Unfortunately for me, none of the songs hit as powerfully as they did in the first movie. Wicked was filled with energetic, memorable numbers that genuinely stood out, while Wicked: For Good featured only mediocre songs with a few reprises that didn't quite live up to my expectations.

It’s hard to live up to your predecessors, and I should have known that going in. But even the new original songs didn’t add much to the story beyond their superb performances. Despite all that, I will never tire of seeing Erivo and Grande sing. Their range is something of greatness.

Casual moviegoers who enjoyed part one will enjoy part two, if nothing else, for incredible eye candy and grandiose musical numbers. Whereas I found part one highly re-watchable, part two will be a one-time watch for me.

Overall, I rate Wicked: For Good 3 out of 5 stars. Following up on a film like Wicked is challenging, mainly when it features the franchise's most iconic song, "Defying Gravity," as its highlight. I commend the director, cast, and crew for attempting to expand the story.

In my mind, Frankenstein is the only contender for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design at the Oscars if both are nominated. But we’ll save Oscar predictions for another day.

I recommend watching it, ideally through a streaming service, where you can pause and reflect. It's essential to see how Elphaba and Glinda's story continues, and although it takes time to reach that point, the journey is engaging and rewarding with a bit of patience.

You can watch Wicked: For Good on premium video-on-demand.Wicked