The story of the misunderstood Witch of the West continues with “Wicked: For Good,” bringing Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande back to their roles as Elphaba and Glinda. This film isn’t a tale of villainy, but a revealing origin story – a look at the woman behind the legend, ostracized for her green skin and driven to fight for justice in the land of Oz.
Universal Pictures made a bold, unprecedented move by dividing the beloved Broadway musical into two cinematic parts. While classic musicals traditionally fit within a single, extended runtime, “Wicked” demanded more screen time – the first installment clocked in at nearly three hours, mirroring the stage show’s length. “For Good” isn’t much shorter, stretching over two hours and eighteen minutes.
The decision to split the story stemmed from the immense success of the first “Wicked,” which grossed over $750 million worldwide. However, this financial incentive came at a cost, impacting the narrative flow of “For Good.” The first film captured the joy and memorable moments, leaving the darker, more dramatic weight for the second.
“For Good” plunges Elphaba into a full-blown rebellion against the tyrannical Wizard, while Glinda grapples with a difficult choice: loyalty to her friend or the comfortable life she’s been given. The film attempts to connect the events of “Wicked” directly to the world of “The Wizard of Oz,” but the integration feels somewhat forced, particularly for those unfamiliar with the stage production.
The first “Wicked” boasted an unforgettable soundtrack, filled with instantly recognizable songs like “Popular” and the soaring anthem “Defying Gravity.” “For Good,” unfortunately, lacks the same musical punch, with only “No Good Deed” and the title track standing out as truly memorable additions.
Aiming for a PG rating, “For Good” attempts to balance its mature themes with accessibility for younger audiences. This proves challenging, as the darkness of the second act feels out of step with the lighter tone established in the first film. The separation diminishes the overall impact of both narratives.
Cynthia Erivo delivers a powerful performance as Elphaba, though her most compelling moments reside in the first installment. Ariana Grande truly shines in “For Good,” showcasing impressive dramatic range as Glinda navigates a complex emotional journey. She injects a much-needed spark into the film.
Director Jon M. Chu, known for his visually stunning work in films like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” brings a grand scale to “For Good.” Despite the somber plot, the film remains mesmerizing thanks to its lavish costumes, breathtaking production design, and impressive visual effects.
Even Stephen Schwartz, the original composer and lyricist, acknowledged the need for musical reinforcement, contributing two new songs specifically for the film. This subtle admission highlights the challenges of justifying a standalone movie for Act II.
“Wicked: For Good” provides a solid, though not spectacular, conclusion to last year’s phenomenon. While beautifully crafted and visually arresting, it doesn’t quite recapture the magic and sheer fun of its predecessor. Perhaps Hollywood should reconsider the practice of dividing musicals into two parts – the financial gains simply aren’t worth the narrative compromises.
“Wicked: For Good” is rated PG for action/violence, some suggestive material and thematic material. The film has a running time of 2 hours, 18 minutes.
