Wicked: For Good Review “A magical conclusion”

Fellow Ozians, we are off to see the Wizard in this wonderfully magical conclusion of Wicked.

If you’re a fan of the musical, you know that Act 2 takes a much darker turn. “Wicked: For Good” showcases this shift beautifully through a tragic opening in which animals are harmed and overworked to realize the Wizard’s vision of the Yellow Brick Road. One of the most common complaints about the Broadway musical is that events in Act 2 unfold too quickly. However, director Jon M. Chu’s decision to focus on the horrors in both Munchkinland and Oz is a smart move that adds a sense of reality to this fantastical setting.

Wicked is primarily Elphaba’s story, while Wicked: For Good focuses on Glinda’s perspective. Although Glinda is a beloved character, the original musical does not fully explore her motives. However, Wicked: For Good addresses this gap by delving into why she chose to stay in Oz while Elphaba fought to free the animals. With the addition of two new songs, the motivations and viewpoints of both women are emphasized, providing greater depth to their characters. The song “No Place Like Home” features a beautifully crafted melody and is sung with deep emotion by Erivo. It perfectly encapsulates her journey and the reasons she continues to fight for what is right. “The Girl in the Bubble” showcases some of the most gorgeous orchestrations and offers a glimpse into Galinda’s life, illustrating how sometimes being popular can be more isolating than being an outcast.

This film showcases outstanding performances from the two female leads. Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is destined to be remembered as one of the best interpretations of this iconic role. Her rendition of “No Good Deed” will leave audiences breathless as the final notes echo through the theater. Ariana Grande shines as Glinda; you can truly sense her love for both the story and the character. She skillfully honors the performances of previous Glindas while also adding her own unique spin to the character of the girl in the bubble. The on-screen chemistry between the two is exceptional, and you can feel the genuine affection they have for each other, especially in the film’s final scene.

In this tale, the original story of The Wizard of Oz is cleverly integrated into a newly created world. It’s important to note that this is a different spin on the classic Oz tale. Dorothy is not a main character; instead, she serves as a catalyst for the story’s conclusion. This decision to shift the focus away from her and her friends is wise, as the narrative centers on the witches, the animals, and the citizens of Oz.

“Wicked” is, at its core, a tale of friendship, but it also explores the concepts of goodness and wickedness. The story highlights how easily propaganda and narratives can shift our perspectives. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of having the courage to do what is right, allowing us to be changed for the better.

Splitting the story into two has its pros and cons. The pros are that we can pull back the curtain and dive deeper into the story’s lore and its characters. The con is watching and part 2 separately, especially if someone hasn’t rewatched part 1, it doesn’t feel like a cohesive story. Chu, weaved in flashbacks to help tie the two together, and for fans, it all works beautifully. Every theater kid’s heart will be happy. However, for the casual viewer, it may seem a little jumbled.

“Wicked: For Good” is an epic conclusion to a spellbinding story. It’s a film that inspires viewers to step up and fight for something good. While the shine of a magical world is dulled by the reality of wickedness, its grit and darkness tell a tale that no good deed goes unpunished. However, love and friendship can provide the courage to look at things another way. The film is emotional, meaningful, and magical.