Wicked: For Good
The much-anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, is drawing broadly positive reviews from critics, yet many agree that the magic spell cast by the original Wicked dazzled viewers more intensely. Returning leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver performances that are magnetic and emotionally resonant, but several commentators note that the film’s ambitions, while ambitious, don’t quite match the transformative impact of the first adaptation.
What critics are saying
Early critics praise the film’s lush production design, ambitious musical numbers, and a more nuanced exploration of friendship, rivalry, and power. Erivo’s Elphaba is described as a keeper of inner strength, bringing a new dimension to the green-skinned icon that fans have come to revere. Grande, stepping into Glinda’s glittering shoes, sustains the character’s razor-sharp wit while letting vulnerability creep into the performance. Together, they create a dynamic center that anchors the movie in high-stakes emotion.
Still, reviews suggest the sequel struggles to replicate the original film’s spellbinding arc. Some critics argue the storytelling is more diffuse, with sprawling set pieces that, while visually stunning, occasionally eclipse character-driven moments at the film’s core. The result is a movie that feels long on spectacle and short on the precise alignment of theme and emotion that gave the first film its enduring resonance.
Strengths that critics consistently note
- Performance: Erivo and Grande are frequently singled out for delivering commanding, polished performances that honor the beloved characters while inviting fresh interpretation.
- Production values: The film is praised for its opulent sets, costume design, and musical direction that elevate the fairy-tale axis of the narrative.
- Musical reach: The new numbers land with confidence, offering both soaring show-stoppers and intimate ballads that deepen the characters’ stakes.
Where it diverges from the first film
Several critics point to pacing as the central divergence. The first Wicked captivated audiences with a clear, escalating arc that built to a defining moment; For Good presents a broader now-and-not-yet, expanding the world without always delivering the same single, unifying throughline. Some reviewers describe a middle act that meanders, which can lessen the sense of inevitability that made the original so compelling.
Additionally, the sequel’s thematic ambitions are both a strength and a potential weakness. While the film ambitiously rethinks moral complexity and the costs of power, a portion of the audience may prefer the tighter, more focused moral questioning that framed the first movie. Still, the film’s willingness to take risks with its central relationship and its more layered political subtext is widely applauded.
What this means for audiences
For fans, Wicked: For Good offers a satisfying continuation of the saga with standout performances and dazzling production design. Those seeking a pure, spellbinding return to the world of Oz and its witches may find the sequel’s broader scope both exhilarating and, at times, a touch unfocused. Overall, the verdict is that the film succeeds as a visual and musical achievement, even if it doesn’t quite restore the singular enchantment of the first film.
Bottom line
Wicked: For Good is a worthy sequel that earns praise for its craft and emotional ambition. It may not cast as strong a spell as Wicked did on its debut, but it preserves the series’ signature charm and elevates the characters with stronger performances. Whether this is the beginning of a new chapter or a transitional bridge to the next act, audiences will likely leave the theater humming the new melodies and eagerly debating the fate of Elphaba and Glinda in the next installment.
