“Wicked: For Good” was one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. After the success of the original and the year-long wait in between installments, fans had high hopes. After watching the movie, I have to say, it lived up to the hype.
Many fans have complained that the second movie did not hold up to the first, and I can concede that it lacked some of the glamor of the first. However, that was intentional. The second act of “Wicked” is a lot darker. The shiny facade of Oz has been broken, and the storyline takes a darker turn. I really liked the way the film leaned into the more emotional and nuanced themes of the story, especially in the musical numbers. “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” and “For Good” were phenomenal.
The set and costume design were also really well done. The creative team did an excellent job contrasting Glinda’s glittery rise to power with Elphaba embracing the narrative of her witchness. Each character leaned more into their stereotypical colors, styles, and living spaces. Elphaba’s woodland hideout and Glinda’s perfectly curated apartment pointedly showcased the difference in the paths they chose.
One issue I did have with the film was its marketing. It felt like the movie tried to appeal to all audiences, which wasn’t a great idea. Act II contains lots of violence and isn’t meant to be kid-friendly. I saw tons of young kids going to see the movie, and it seems parents weren’t prepared for the film’s content.
“Wicked” also, by design, has some fairly large plot holes in the second act. There are definitely some moments that are fairly far-fetched, but it makes up for it in shock value.
Overall, “Wicked: For Good” was excellent, if you are prepared for it to be different from the first one.