Over one year ago, I wrote my review for “Wicked,” rating it a 2.5 out of five stars — and I WISH “Wicked: For Good” would’ve changed my mind; unfortunately, I’m still not a fan.
“Wicked” follows the origin story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good from “The Wizard of Oz.” It’s a film about friendship with pieces of prejudice and social injustice.
As someone who knew nothing about “Wicked” before the first film came out, I refused to wait an entire year to find out how the story ends. So yes, I definitely spoiled it for myself.
But, ultimately, this film was WAY too long, and it’s so overhyped that it didn’t live up to my expectations.
What I liked
Similar to what I originally wrote about, the sets, costumes and production are SO extravagant that it felt regal to me, and it truly was a grand movie experience that made me excited to see it on the big screen. Plus, Jonathan Bailey’s transformation from Fiyero to the Scarecrow was so realistic that it left me stunned — props to the makeup department.
I also wrote about how the whole animal prejudice/discrimination storyline took a back burner in the first film, and I wanted to see this topic unfold. “Wicked: For Good” did hone in on the fact that animals weren’t being treated like the souls they are. I’m very pleased to see that even though Dr. Dillamond lost his voice, he did survive the mistreatment of animals in Oz.
While I’m not an Ariana Grande fan, queen Cynthia Erivo was STUNNING with her vocals and her performance of Elphaba. She was convincing, and sitting in the audience, I could feel how emotionally invested she was in the project. Her passion transpired through the screen.
What I didn’t like
Ain’t no way in hell this movie had to be split into two separate films, and I stand firm on that. The original play is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and these two films run 4 hours and 58 minutes — what a joke.
There were too many unnecessary scenes. They could’ve cut down on songs, especially since this film had two original songs for NO REASON.
And because this film alone was 2 hours and 17 minutes, the big, climactic moments felt like tiny drops in a giant lake — meaning they felt insignificant and rushed through. Scenes like when Elphaba “melts” or when she and Fiyero finally get to be together didn’t hit emotionally.
Also, they deliberately went out of their way to not show Dorothy’s face AT ALL. I understand this film isn’t about her, but come on. I bet that was an editing nightmare, and it felt completely unnecessary.
I wasn’t familiar with “Wicked” at all before watching the first film last year, and I didn’t like the music then, and I sure as hell don’t like the music now. I’m even a musical gal, and these songs were unmemorable and only got in the way of the storylines. They made the film feel less intense and even funny in serious moments.
Don’t even get me started on all this “Wicked” craze, because every corner I turn, I see a new collaboration. “Wicked: For Good” has brand deals with:
- Owala water bottles
- Abercrombie and Fitch
- SCS wine glasses
- Heydude shoes
- Lemonade Dolls lingerie
Call me crazy, but “Wicked” lingerie is going too far. At this point, with all the collaborations, this feels like a money grab scheme instead of relying on the true merits of the film itself.
The verdict
Because there was no reason for two separate films and the overbearing “Wicked” craze, I’m rating “Wicked: For Good” two out of five stars.
Erivo’s vocals alone can’t save this, and despite going in with a lot of hope, this movie didn’t change my mind that “Wicked” is just an average movie with an extravagant budget.
