Wicked for Good review: The best superhero movie of the year is here

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Wicked for Good is a fantastic follow-up to the incredibly popular musical. It’s even more impressive than the original, with Elphaba evolving into the heroic figure Oz truly deserves, even if the timing isn’t perfect.

Though it’s not typically thought of this way, Wicked is essentially a superhero movie. It tells the origin story of Elphaba, a character with superpowers, and follows her battle against evil forces.

Okay, so in “Wicked For Good,” they really leaned into Elphaba’s powers. They brought her back flying through the air, saving a bunch of animals who were being held captive, and then she struck this super dramatic pose – honestly, it felt like something straight out of a Marvel movie! Then she just takes off on her broom like it’s a hoverboard, which was awesome.

Despite a strong year for superhero films – with Fantastic Four helping to revitalize the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Superman successfully launching the new DC Universe – Wicked for Good stands out as the best. It’s a wonderful musical that surprisingly surpasses even the top superhero movies of the year.

What is Wicked for Good about?

Wicked for Good tells the story of how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and the painful impact this change has on her relationships.

The movie continues a few months after the first film ended. Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) is now living as a hermit in the forest, while the government of Oz – controlled by Madam Morrible (Michelle Yeoh, and they continue to have her sing!) – is spreading false stories about her and portraying her as evil.

This brings up a compelling idea similar to the themes in the Batman film The Dark Knight: does Oz require a villain to bring its people together, and can goodness truly exist without evil to oppose it?

While Elphaba is labeled as wicked, Galinda – now known as Glinda the Good and played by Ariana Grande – is trying to hide her lack of magical ability with a flying bubble. She’s also busy planning her wedding to Fieyero (Jonathan Bailey), though he seems less enthusiastic about it than she is.

Things aren’t going well in Oz. Animals are vanishing, the land is transforming, and a girl named Dorothy is on her way to see the Wizard. Unfortunately, her journey will lead her directly into the clutches of the Wicked Witch, as she’s determined to take the Witch’s broom.

History rears its ugly head

Dorothy’s story runs alongside Elphaba’s, subtly appearing in the background as glimpses and shadows.

However, the most unsettling elements of the story unfold directly in front of us, through a secondary plot connected to Nazi Germany. The Wizard warns, “Some animals cannot be trusted,” and this immediately leads to forbidden zones and limitations on where people can go.

In such a fearful environment, pets are forced to flee, and anyone who protests mysteriously disappears.

What really complicates things is that these new rules are coming from characters we previously liked and trusted, adding layers of nuance to what was once a straightforward battle between heroes and villains.

The film also features a lovely new song, ‘No Place Like Home,’ written by Stephen Schwartz. It offers a moment of hope for the characters and serves as a strong anthem for their journey.

The Glinda problem

Erivo delivers this song with her usual powerful energy, and it’s a great addition to the musical. Unfortunately, the new song ‘The Girl in the Bubble’ doesn’t have the same effect—the movie actually loses momentum during that number.

A continuing problem with ‘Wicked’ is that Glinda’s story isn’t as compelling as Elphaba’s, and her songs, particularly ‘I Couldn’t Be Happier,’ aren’t as strong. The movie, however, tries to give both characters equal attention, which means we repeatedly revisit a storyline that isn’t as engaging.

The parts with Dorothy are well done, and introducing the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion generally succeed. However, trying too hard to follow the original Wizard of Oz story creates some strange interactions between the characters.

Honestly, as a fan, it just feels weird how the enemies in this story act – they’re all friendly and singing even while they’re supposed to be at war! It doesn’t feel realistic at all. And when a big character dies, everyone just seems…okay with it? It should be a much more emotional moment, but it just kind of falls flat.

Magic Moments

Despite a few flaws, Wicked for Good truly shines thanks to its stunning visuals – the sets and costumes are spectacular, making it a treat for both your eyes and ears.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both give incredible performances as the main characters, powerfully portraying the complex emotions of their love story as it overcomes obstacles.

Jon Chu gets fantastic performances from his lead actors and directs the film with incredible energy. Standout moments include a funny battle with wands and brooms, and a deeply moving scene with two characters separated by a door that’s sure to make you cry.

Is Wicked Part 2 good?

Despite a few small issues, “Wicked for Good” is a huge success. It seamlessly blends music, dance, exciting action, love stories, and emotional drama, all while providing the excitement you’d expect from a superhero film.

This movie tackles important themes of prejudice and acceptance, urging viewers to consider different perspectives and find the positive qualities in others.

Dana Fox’s script smartly steers clear of a typical, large-scale battle finale. Instead, “Wicked for Good” concentrates on smaller, more personal moments and concludes with a lovely and hopeful message.

Wicked for Good score: 4/5

Wicked for Good is in cinemas from November 21, 2025.

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2025-11-18 20:27