WICKED: FOR GOOD – Review by Susan Kamyab
The award-winning Broadway show, Wicked returns for the second half of its whimsical musical, Wicked: For Good. In Part 2, the now demonized Elphaba known as the Wicked Witch of the West has been exiled from Oz and is desperately fighting for the freedom of silenced animals and trying to expose the lies of The Wizard. While Glinda has been appointed as “The Good Witch” and a comfort to Oz, she is internally struggling, missing Elpheba, her best friend and being part of a charade to villainize her. Now unfortunately, Wicked: For Good fails to defy gravity like Wicked Part One, the first film, BUT as whole, the essential parts of the story are wonderful. There’s a beautiful message about friendship, love, acceptance, and being cautious of false heroes.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande soar once again. It is their chemistry and passion on-screen and off-screen that moves audiences and makes these films a success. But Ariana does fly a little higher this time around and could take the supporting actress win at this year’s Oscars. While the film is not bad, I do think this second half would have been stronger if director John M. Chu had trimmed down this obviously dragged out Part 2 with forgettable new songs and made just one condensed version this story. The second act is much shorter on stage for good reason. It is darker and the music isn’t as “popular”, but I can see why fans want more of this franchise. The costumes, the visuals, and the breath-taking performances are an imaginative escape.
With the fair warning of a gloomier tale and less vibrant colors, Wicked fans should still be satisfied with this highly anticipated conclusion. Wicked: For Good may not be as captivating as the first film, but audiences have been changed for the better to have seen an iconic cast and crew bring to life a beautiful and moving adventure.
