By DEBI OKEKE/Staff Writer
Disclaimer: The review contains spoilers.
After a year-long intermission, we return to the land of Oz in the highly anticipated “Wicked: For Good” released in theaters on Nov. 21. A continuation of the first “Wicked” released exactly a year prior. This movie concludes the tale of the witches Elphaba and Glinda.
Picking up in the aftermath of their separation, the sequel follows the two friends as they reckon with the choices that have changed their lives and the consequences that ripple across all of Oz. Elphaba is exiled, and her reputation in Oz is irredeemable as she is painted as the feared ‘Wicked Witch of the West.’ While Glinda is promoted to a public figure, living in a palace in the Emerald City where she’s basking in the fame and popularity that came with her new role.
Political tensions rise, loyalties are tested and houses are dropped as the line between good and wicked continues to blur.
The Good
At its best, “Wicked: For Good” is visually appealing. Though it is overall darker and deeper than the first movie, it still manages to provide stunning shots of landscapes, dramatic outfits and intricately designed sets.
Oscar and Tony-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell creates beautiful looks that elevate the story reflecting each character’s emotional growth and shifting dynamics.
“I see my work as a costume designer to be one of a storyteller, and I’m telling a silent story,” Tazewell explains to NPR.
The sets are immersive and aesthetically lit, from emotional, raw scenes in the forest to big and bright celebrations in Munchkinland. Wicked’s mesmerizing environment pops on the big screen.
Pacing
One of the most common issues audiences have with this film, is the pacing. Some moments drag on and others rush through significance. The original Broadway show was about two and a half hours, including intermission, yet the story is being stretched into nearly five hours across two films; there is bound to be pacing issues.
The two new songs added to the movie, “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl In The Bubble,” are good but extend the runtime even further, and while necessary in the story, they feel drawn out and slow the momentum. It takes away from the time that could have been spent developing Nessarose and Boq’s storyline or Madame Morrible as a character. On the other hand, some moments were sped through and felt like we were just jumping from one scene to the other with little to no explanation.
Fiyero and Elphaba’s relationship did not get enough time to breathe due to everything else going on in the story. Their chemistry wasn’t fully realized or emotionally earned by the end of it. The reveal that the Wizard is Elphaba’s father fails to have emotional impact and is quickly brushed through. These problems with pacing and lack of character development prevent some of the story’s most pivotal moments from having as big of an impact as they deserve.
What Didn’t Work
The second act of Wicked on Broadway has been a topic of discussion since its opening in 2003. The plot it is weaker than the first act and tries to cram different storylines into a tight runtime, resulting in a rushed narrative that leaves you with more questions than answers. Some of those issues carry on into the film.
Since the musical is based on the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz,” it frequently works in references to the original and attempts to integrate them into this new story. Some references land well, such as the use of snarky one-liners like “We’re off to see the wizard” and the way the film explains the origins of the yellow brick road. At times it comes off as choppy and forced, sprinkling plot holes everywhere.
Glinda plays a much larger role in this film than she did in the first. If the first one was Elphaba’s movie, this is Glinda’s. She is positioned at the emotional and thematic center of the story.
There is an added scene at the end where she gives a speech to the Munchkins and invites all the animals back to Oz. The decision to add this scene baffled me because it makes the conflict of the animals’ persecution and discrimination feel too easily resolved and undercuts the weight of it that had been built throughout the film. Why were the Munchkins so willing to accept them after they had been excluded the whole movie? Why were there no real consequences?
Standouts
Having a spectacular cast can help cover up a movie’s flaws, and that is certainly the case with “Wicked: For Good.” Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are breathtaking as Elphaba and Glinda, with Oscar-worthy vocal and acting performances that capture their intense bond. Grande adds much-needed whimsy and light-hearted energy to a tonally somber film, which was simply captivating to watch. Erivo shines in numbers like “No Good Deed” and “As Long As You’re Mine,” disproving the theory that you can’t improve perfection.
They are a wonderful duo on screen with their voices blending together beautifully.
Thank goodness for Jonathan Bailey, who is stunning as Fiyero, delivering the charm with added emotional depth that makes his character so easy to love. One performance I couldn’t stop thinking about was Ethan Slater’s, which is aggressive, genuinely frightening and pairs perfectly with the story’s darker moments. A stark standout from the film.
Michelle Yeoh has been heavily criticized for her vocal performance in this movie. Though the character of Madame Morrible doesn’t sing a lot, there is a clear gap in abilities between her and the rest of the cast. Nevertheless, she makes up for it by giving a commanding and menacing performance as the film’s antagonist.
Conclusion
“For Good is about the possibilities of the unknown. It’s not a separation,” Director John M. Chu said to Yahoo Entertainment, “It is the beginning of a new chapter.”
“Wicked: For Good” succeeds as a sequel and wraps up the story nicely, though not without some loose ends. Despite the criticisms, its popularity is undeniable, having grossed around $226 million globally in its opening weekend. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer, I highly recommend you go see this movie and be changed for good.
Score: 7.4/10
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