To a large extent, Wicked: For Good does live up to the spectacle of the first part, packed full of stunning visuals, brilliant performances and emotional gut punches. As was the case with Wicked: Part One, it is evident this movie was a labour of love for everyone involved, both from those in front of the camera to the crew behind the scenes. The costumes and set pieces are once again flawless and there is no shortage of fun musical sequences or moving power ballads, with the gorgeous closing track, For Good, ensuring there were no dry eyes left in the house.
Once more, the stellar cast of characters are the heart of this movie, though their arcs are anything but simple. It’s an emotionally fraught film, darker and moodier than the first, with much more angst. Set relatively soon after the end of Wicked: Part One, you watch Elphaba on the run from the Wizard and the rest of the characters adjusting to life beyond their Shiz University days.
...the carefree spirit that is a significant part of the first film is missed...
This means the coming of age themes in the first film about fitting in, popularity and falling in love are largely left behind, as the second delves into the burden of responsibility, the corruption of governing forces and what it really means to be 'wicked' or 'good'. The film deals with this shift into adulthood with a deft hand and, whilst the carefree spirit that is a significant part of the first film is missed, it is replaced with a maturity that only strengthens our attachment to these characters.
Where the imperfections begin to arise for me is in the film’s pacing and plotting, which at times feel haphazard and unassured, particularly in the first third of the film. It lacks the consistency of Wicked: Part One, a film which inspires continuous enjoyment, instead offering standout moments amongst a messier bigger picture.
Much of the first film’s appeal is in the electric chemistry between Erivo and Grande, and because the two are rarely apart for the duration of the film, you almost take for granted just how much heavy lifting their relationship does in terms of investing the audience in the plot. But without quite so much of their shared screen time in the second part, it does feel like there is an element of that fundamental wonder missing.
Seeming to acknowledge this lack, the film does all it can to thrust our two leads back together but it does unfortunately come at the expense of some of the film’s side characters whose arcs could have perhaps used more delicate handling and attention.
However, no complaint can be found in Glinda and Elphaba’s scenes together, with their relationship as compelling and dynamic as always. Grande expertly embodies this more grounded, contemplative version of Glinda that only consolidates the deep-seated care and understanding she has for this character. Similarly, Erivo’s talent is as clear as ever, especially with her spellbinding performance of No Good Deed reinforcing her status as a vocal powerhouse.
...it is an ensemble bursting with talent and an evident love for the source material...
Bailey’s Fiyero is once again scene-stealingly charming, particularly during his yearning-filled duet of As Long As You’re Mine, whilst Slater, specifically in March of the Witch Hunters, and Bode do well with what screen time they're given. By comparison, the lacking vocal power of Yeoh and Goldblum does feel distracting at times but, overall, it is an ensemble bursting with talent and an evident love for the source material which consistently shines through.
So - the question on everyone’s lips - is Wicked: For Good as wonderful (!) as Wicked: Part One? In my opinion, no, but then again, I don’t think it is trying to be. If the hearty applause delivered at the end of my double viewing was anything to go off, fans of the first film will undoubtedly be satisfied by this follow-up - it powerfully delivers on the emotional front and rounds off our main character’s arcs in both a satisfying and poignant manner.
It may not be as rewatchable nor stand up as well on its own as Wicked: Part One does but when viewed as a second half as opposed to a sequel, it is hard to look at the completed narrative as anything but triumphant. I feel it would be a challenge for anyone to leave this screening not feeling like, in some way, they have been changed for good, both by this film and by this franchise as a whole. Four out of five stars, then, for Wicked: For Good - a definite recommendation!