Written by: Winnie Holzman & Dana Fox
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang
Rating: [3/5]
Sticking the landing often plagues sequels to massive hits, given a level of expectation that builds that at times they cannot meet. With Wicked: For Good it faces resistance in the fact it adapts the second half of the musical, commonly seen as inferior to the first. While this feature does struggle in not having the same resonance as its predecessor, it sure helps have two dynamic musical performers anchoring the production.
Now widely labeled as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) tries her best to save the persecuted animals while also exposing the truth of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Meanwhile, fully elevated as the Good, Glinda (Ariana Grande) has positioned herself for a life of adulation but struggles with the facade of painting her friend as this villainous figure.
As someone who had his issues with the first Wicked but still found plenty to appreciate and enjoy, heading into this sequel came with some apprehension. Everything I heard from individuals who have watched the musical production centered on how this second half does not have the same caliber of songs or story. Having now watched the film, I can now see why this apprehension existed, as this sequel does feel like a step-down in pretty much every department compared to the first film. When it comes to songs, it’s hard to think anything can top the showstopping rendition of “Defying Gravity,” but none of the songs here ever had any real juice to them, nor can I say I remembered after the credits rolled.
Diving into the story, so much hinges on the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba at the center, which certainly works and I will speak more on it later. However, one of the pain points of this film comes with the inclusion of Dorothy and the plot of Wizard of Oz transpiring throughout this film especially when we see certain characters we know become the ones found in Dorothy’s journey. From the formation of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and then the inclusion of the Cowardly Lion, none of it really worked in building this cohesion. The film wants to build on this love these characters have for one another that did not exist on screen. One particular scene where it flashes back to all of these characters back in school, which we never saw before, came as a surprise as it signaled that the divisions that transpire actually mean something. The narrative never actually earns what it’s going for in these moments, which ultimately hamper it.
With all that said, the real reason we come to this story does not have to do with all of those aforementioned issues, bur rather the dynamic between our two leads and it ultimately allows me to land positively on this film. This connection between this pair as they battle with the labels placed upon them and how it differs from where they stand internally truly defines the best this film has to offer. Despite everything, these two deeply care for one another and the way it compounds as we get towards the finale makes it impossible for me to feel negative towards this film as a whole. It certainly helps when we have Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo once again delivering in these roles.
Beyond their exceptional ability to sing, these two completely embody their characters in a way where it becomes difficult to imagine anyone else portraying them. Certainly something sacrilegious to say given who famously portrayed these characters in the Broadway musical, but this is my first and only exposure to this story. Grande perfectly displays the facade of Glinda’s life along with the general need to be liked, while Erivo carries this anger and need to expose the Wizard coupled with a genuine compassion for those harmed by these new policies. Every scene they share together serve as the brightest moments this film has to offer and ultimately it’s what it sells itself on.
While a step-down from what came before and having many issues, Wicked: For Good accomplishes its greatest feat in making me care for these two leads and their friendship. Despite all else, this serves as the most important element to nail down and it works wonderfully, powered by these two leads. The less said about the crafts outside of make up and production design the better, but I land positively and enjoyed my time in this whimsical world.
Films with Josh 
