WICKED: FOR GOOD -- What’s Left Over

Review by Adam Donato

What a major win for movie musicals was that first Wicked movie. Not only was it an absolute box office smash hit, but also brought home some hardware during awards season. The decision to break the musical into a two part epic came with some skepticism as the popular opinion is that the second act of Wicked is not as good as the first act. They’re optimistic they can improve upon the second act in this adaptation, in part because of some new songs. It’s in line to outdo the first movie's opening weekend and it’s projected to get the same awards nominations the first film received, but will the film live up to the hype?

The unique position that Wicked: For Good finds itself in is that it’s not really a sequel as much as it is an act two of a musical. This story is meant to be told in one evening with a small intermission between the two acts. When you make a movie and then release a sequel exactly a year later, the expectations are different from how the story was originally intended. The majority of the iconic songs that the musical is known for are in the first movie. The types of songs that are in this movie are mostly sad and reflective. This is in stark contrast to the light and fun musical numbers that flood the first film. Even on an emotional level, none of the songs in this film come close to Defying Gravity. Wonderful is the closest we get to fun. No Good Deed and For Good are the closest we get to being emotional. Every other song grinds the movie to a complete stop. If you prefer sad and reflective solo numbers, then this is the movie for you. Just don’t expect any popular numbers that will have you dancing through life. 

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in these two roles is a moment in cinema. Partially because of the eerily tight bond between the two actresses in the media. Neither was given the Oscar despite being nominated and in some cases favored to win, but there was an air of hope as they would get a second chance with the sequel. Maybe akin to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, where they wait to give it its flowers until the finale. Grande feels like the better shot because this time around, she’s less silly/cute and more maturely reflective. Also, supporting actress is usually a less competitive category than lead. Erivo will see another nomination, but with no Defying Gravity punch, it’s unlikely she gets taken seriously. Regardless, the two have great chemistry and land these characters’ journeys to the best of their ability. 

The first movie has a very clear story thread with a proper build-up to an explosive ending. This sequel doesn’t have a clear story direction and is ultimately a total fumble of an ending. None of the dominoes that were set up in the first movie are fully satisfied here. Moments that should feel earth-shattering instead come across as awkward and rushed. The first movie has a longer run time, but somehow the sequel feels longer. This time around, the story is much more hampered by the forced connections to the original The Wizard of Oz. The political connections the film makes are overt. The themes of the film are muddied. It doesn’t really work as a part two and definitely doesn’t work as a stand on its own movie. 

There’s a floor for movies like this. It’s a good enough watch, but it won’t be rewatched like the first part will be. While the critical reception won’t be as warm as the first was, Wicked: For Good will still be a huge hit. In a year when more blockbuster-type films are poised to get awards recognition, Wicked: For Good will likely get boxed out due to its dip in quality. Still an enjoyable watch for fans of the musical only. Won’t have to rush to catch this one in theaters because it will be out well into the new year. 

Wicked: For Good will be in theaters everywhere on November 21.

Rating: 3/5