Is Wicked: For Good Any Good?

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The movie Wicked: For Good comes out November 21st, finally letting fans who didn’t see the Broadway show experience the full story of Elphaba and Glinda’s unique bond. The first movie was a huge success, earning over $700 million and ten Oscar nominations, but reviews for this sequel are mixed. Some critics praise its grand scale and entertainment value, describing it as visually impressive. Others feel splitting the musical into two films hurt this installment, resulting in weaker songs and a confusing storyline. However, everyone agrees that Ariana Grande is fantastic as Glinda.

Ariana Grande stars in Wicked: For Good, and the movie clearly centers around her character. While the first Wicked film focused on Elphaba, this sequel shines a light on her best friend, Glinda, portraying her as the seemingly perfect, yet secretly vulnerable, good witch used to control the population as Oz descends into a fearful dictatorship. Fans of the stage musical wondered how the story would work split into two films, as the second half of the play feels less complete on its own – it’s faster-paced, more disjointed, and relies heavily on events from the first half and references to the original Wizard of Oz. However, director Jon M. Chu has successfully made it work. Wicked: For Good is shorter than the first movie and, though it has less grand spectacle, it’s a surprisingly emotional and nuanced film. The audience in my theater was openly crying by the end, according to critic Bilge Ebiri of Vulture.

Despite initial concerns about splitting the film adaptation of Wicked into two parts, this second installment doesn’t entirely dispel those doubts. However, the devoted fans of the hugely popular stage musical are unlikely to be disappointed. A particularly moving song from Glinda offers a vulnerable look at her internal struggles, forcing her to confront her own values and advantages, and ultimately guiding her moral center. Ariana Grande delivers a powerfully emotional performance, bringing depth and humanity not only to Glinda, but to the entire film.

Even devoted fans of the musical Wicked, which tells the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, would agree the first half is the strongest part. That’s why Universal’s choice to make two movies out of it always meant the second film would likely feel a little rushed and lacking substance. While the movie isn’t as bad as some feared, it’s still frustrating. This is especially disappointing because director Jon M. Chu proved his skill with musicals in the critically acclaimed In the Heights. However, the studio’s decision to unnecessarily stretch the story for profit has ultimately diminished the film. Robbie Collin of the Telegraph suggests a fitting title for the whole project would be Wicked: For Ill.

Some aspects of this production don’t quite hit the mark, just as they didn’t before. What worked in the original Wicked still works here, though with only a slight improvement. Even for those unfamiliar with the show, the casting of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande is exceptional. The genuine connection and affection the actors have for each other, both on and off stage, is what truly makes this version enjoyable. Erivo and Grande perfectly embody the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else bringing as much heart and vocal talent to the story. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire

At its core, the movie celebrates lasting friendship. The emotional high point comes near the end, when the witches are about to separate and Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande perform ‘For Good.’ The camera focuses on their faces as they sing, then circles around them during the powerful line, ‘Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.’ Like Glinda’s glamorous appearance, the film is polished and visually appealing, and it’s likely to satisfy its devoted fanbase.

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2025-11-19 02:54