About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
The final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.

Wicked: For Good continues where the first part, Wicked (2024), left off. Honestly, pulling a fast one like removing the obvious fact that you were only getting part of the story was a bit of dirty pool in the eyes of many, especially considering its runtime was damn near identical to the Broadway play and that was WITH an intermission in the play. And while the visual spectacle that was put on screen the first time around was certainly enjoyable, the tactic of changing the initial title was less appealing. At any rate, here is the conclusion a short year later and audiences will be happy to hear that it’s almost a half hour shorter. Woohoo, right?

Wicked: For Good brings a different perspective to what many thought they knew, prompting them to reconsider a lot of the familiar lore of Oz. Director Jon M. Chu orchestrates another very appealing visual masterpiece, a true demonstration of his mastery in translating stage magic into cinematic wonder, as previously seen with his adaptation of In the Heights (2021). The film is filled with wondrous sights and sounds that should blow audiences away.

The vivid landscapes, costumes, and characters allow imagination to run wild. The compelling plot and the way that this conclusion is told will keep audience members, especially those who haven’t had the luxury of seeing the play, on the edge of their seats throughout.

Once again, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera excel in their respective roles as interchangeable antagonist and protagonist, depending on the portion of the plot. Erivo, in particular, continues her powerhouse performance as Elphaba, embodying the character’s vulnerability and strength as she transforms from outcast to the infamous figure. Grande-Butera is perfectly cast as Glinda, bringing delightful charm and wit to the popular witch, and the undeniable chemistry between the two leads is a major asset to the overall film. Their amazing vocal ranges will send shivers down the spine as their talented and powerful voices assist in cementing an already solid story for Wicked: For Good.

Obviously, seeing the first part is a prerequisite before checking out Wicked: For Good. By the time the audience is completely done with the five hours of time invested in totality, the feeling should be pretty good about what has been experienced. The overall entertainment factor is very high.

The compelling plot is fully realized in this final installment, allowing for the emotional beats and soaring musical numbers to resonate fully. There are some things that are accomplished on the big screen that simply cannot be done on stage. Therefore, to those who may consider avoiding Wicked: For Good simply because a live version has already been seen, it is strongly recommended to reconsider this cinematic triumph.

Wicked: For Good is done right in all of the important ways in terms of a stage-to-screen adaptation, and it is a movie that everyone should consider checking out. It is a visual feast and a musical triumph that stands as a heartwarming tale of friendship and acceptance. The journey back to Oz is made easy: no need to wait long, travel far, click heels three times, or even make a wish to be whisked away to this magical land for a couple of hours.

Wicked: For Good is in theaters starting Friday, November 21st.