Wicked: For Good Lacks the Magic of Part One (Review)

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When Jon M. Chu announced he was making a movie version of the hit Broadway show Wicked, many people were skeptical. Those doubts grew when the film was split into two parts, but the first movie largely proved everyone wrong. Still, some concerns remained about the second half, and now that Wicked: For Good has been released, it’s clear those concerns were valid – the second film doesn’t quite capture the same magic as the first.

Even before filming began, Wicked: For Good faced some hurdles. The second act of Wicked is traditionally considered weaker than the first, with a faster pace, more plot developments, and less memorable songs. Director Jon M. Chu clearly recognized these issues and tried to improve them, but in doing so, other weaknesses became more apparent. The resulting film is decent, but it would have been much stronger if it had been split into two parts, rather than attempting to tell the entire story in one movie.

Rating: 3 out of 5

PROS CONS
Ariana Grande is perfection as Glinda. Poor pacing
The original songs are impressive. Sharp tonal shift from first movie
Shouldn’t be a separate film from the first

A Sharp Tonal Shift (And Pacing Issues) Steal Part of Wicked: For Good’s Magic

Wicked: For Good gets off to a somewhat uneven start and struggles to find its footing, largely due to a significant time jump. The film initially feels like a direct continuation of Wicked, but it quickly becomes clear that quite a bit of time has passed, bringing with it substantial changes. The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) have manipulated the people of Oz, successfully convincing them that Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is a truly “wicked witch,” and they’re using Glinda (Ariana Grande), now known as Glinda the Good, to spread this narrative. This Oz is a much darker place, and the movie emphasizes this from the beginning. The characters and story have lost much of their joy, resulting in some of Glinda and Fiyero’s (Jonathan Bailey) emotional struggles feeling unnatural and contrived.

While some of the story’s darker turns are understandable, given Elphaba’s past actions, the movie feels rushed. Even though Wicked: For Good has more time than the stage show, it still tries to fit too much into its runtime. The events of The Wizard of Oz need to be included, and they’re awkwardly inserted with quick scenes showing Dorothy’s arrival and how she’s manipulated. However, the biggest problem isn’t what’s included, but how it’s presented. The transitions between scenes feel choppy and less cinematic than the first film, more like changing sets on a stage than a seamless movie experience. This is especially noticeable when the film jumps from a tender moment between Elphaba and Fiyero back to the political intrigue in the Emerald City. Even the ending feels hurried and unsatisfying due to these abrupt shifts.

Cynthia Erivo Is Great, But Wicked: For Good Belongs to Ariana Grande

Despite some flaws in the way Wicked: For Good is structured, the film truly shines, largely thanks to Ariana Grande’s performance. While her portrayal of Glinda felt somewhat simple in the first part, she fully blossoms in the second, completely owning the character. Grande brings depth and subtlety to Glinda, showing her struggle between being manipulated and confronting her own inner issues. We see Glinda experience a full spectrum of emotions and undergo significant growth, and Grande portrays this flawlessly – you might even believe she is Glinda. The new song, “The Girl in the Bubble,” is a fantastic addition, showcasing Grande’s vocal talent like never before and delivering an Oscar-worthy acting performance.

Cynthia Erivo is still fantastic in this film – she’s a true force, and her original song, “No Place Like Home,” will completely reshape how you think about Dorothy’s famous line. There are also incredibly moving scenes showing Elphaba’s personal growth, brought to life with Erivo’s unique talent. However, the latter part of the movie focuses more on Glinda’s story, and Ariana Grande shines in every scene, even when sharing the screen with Erivo.

Wicked: For Good Would Benefit From Being Shown With Wicked, Not By Itself

As a fan of Wicked, I was really hoping Wicked: For Good would stand on its own, but honestly, it just didn’t quite feel like a complete movie. From the start, it felt like it was part two of a story, and because the first Wicked came out a year ago, that gap really showed. The second act of the musical wasn’t as strong to begin with, so this movie really needed the momentum from the first one to carry it. Without that connection, the story just felt a little flat. I really think they missed a chance by not releasing both movies together as one long film – maybe with an intermission like the stage show! It would have been a long movie night, sure, but it would have made Wicked: For Good especially so much better, and probably enhanced the whole experience of both films.

Despite being visually impressive with strong performances and excellent music – and showcasing Ariana Grande at her best – Wicked: For Good doesn’t quite live up to its potential. The movie struggles with the same issues as the second act of the stage musical, and these problems are made worse by its length, uneven pacing, and a noticeable drop in energy after a strong first half. While fans of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz will probably enjoy it, the film doesn’t recapture the spark of the first installment. It’s good, but not great.

Wicked: For Good opens in theaters on Friday, November 21st.

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2025-11-19 08:41