The much-anticipated “Wicked” sequel “Wicked: For Good” was released Nov. 21. With the original film’s immense success and its plethora of awards, the new film had high expectations. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande had exceptional performances, and their vocals were jaw-dropping. That said, although “Wicked: For Good,” was a solid movie, it fell short compared to the first installment.
A strength of the film was the exquisite costumes. Glinda’s elaborate gowns were as beautiful as they were in the first movie, and it was exciting to see her new outfits. I also enjoyed the symbolism of the different colored dresses and how the characters’ signature colors carried through in their public appearances.
My biggest critique of the movie was the underdeveloped storyline. As someone who has listened to the musical and read the book, I hoped to see some of the finer points of the novel outlined in the film. However, I felt that the timing and execution of the plot were confusing, and at times, boring. The story has so much potential, with themes of social injustice and the perception of good and evil, but these messages seemed lost in the glamour.
Another shortcoming was the fight scene between Elphaba and Glinda. Although it warranted a chuckle, it was surprising that a powerful witch would choose to body-slam their counterpart instead of using magic or words to win. It felt strangely out of place, and it made the acting seem less authentic.
The voices of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were powerful, and their rendition of “For Good” was divine. The cinematography was executed beautifully in this scene, and the harmonies made this scene my favorite. I was also impressed by Grande’s “I’m Not that Girl (Reprise),” and I enjoyed Ervio’s vocals on “No Good Deed.” I found myself a little disappointed by the two newly composed songs, “No Place like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble,” which fell flat compared to some of the other knockout showtunes.
The lack of characterization of supporting characters was another failure of “Wicked: For Good.” Nessarose, Elphaba’s younger sister, was a clear example. The audience sees her abrupt shift from a mildly jealous little sister to an impulsive, cruel, and tyrannical governor. If her character had been more explored, the audience would’ve felt emotional at her death scene, but instead I felt apathetic and even satisfied. Her moral decline felt ignored and rushed, which felt especially upsetting, as her character has commonly been seen as a poor representation of a disabled person due to her one-dimensional portrayal.
Overall, “Wicked: For Good” was a powerful movie, with ethereal vocals and a stunning set. I wish I had seen some of the storyline depth that helped make the original film such a success. The acting was another strength, but some of the important themes and messages felt like an afterthought instead of focusing on the intensity of the issues explored. This film was captivating, I just wish it stayed more authentic to the book that inspired it.
