Wicked: For Good is out in theatres, and while the story arc tells a beautiful tale of friendship and magic, the sequel stumbles where the first film soars.
Cynthia Erivo owns every scene as Elphaba. She’s electric and tender, in equal parts, moved by magic, and misery, and she brings heart to this part of the story.
Ariana Grande is still wonderful as Glinda, but in this more serious, and dark second half, the character feels less nuanced and heartfelt. Grande’s best moments are opposite Erivo in For Good, and it is hard to complain about any of those scenes, but the direction across most of the film fails her.
Where Wicked had momentum–a genuine spark in the relationships, and a powerful ending–For Good feels uneven, and forces the audience through re-imaginings of The Wizard of Oz characters that look and feel wrong. Whatever complaints I have about the stage musical, I think it handles the Oz characters incredibly well.
The magic and power of the original Wicked stage musical was in the way it stood apart from The Wizard of Oz, but clearly felt like a part of the same world and characters. It was original, with characters who could live in two worlds; different, but the same.
Wicked: For Good tries very, very hard to reinvent Oz and the characters–at all costs–and in that feeling, made me hate those scenes.
However, through it all, the story of Glinda and Elphaba is astonishing, and well told. Director Jon M. Chu leaves his mark on this story, and ultimately satisfies the tale of friendship and love with a final act that is warm and will leave many fans with a few tears.
Wicked: For Good is out in theatres now. Watch the full review above.
