Verdict: 3.5/5
The second installment of ‘Wicked’ proves what we suspected all along: this should have just been one movie.
At two hours and 17 minutes, our discovery of how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be so nasty felt way too long, especially when the stage show expertly tells the same story in much less time.
We follow Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) dealing with the ramifications of Elphaba’s decision at the end of the first movie.
Despite sitting on two different sides of the law, the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda remains the beating heart of ‘Wicked’.
When other aspects of the movie went off the tracks slightly, it was their storyline that brought everything back to the ground.
It’s hard to believe anyone (including me) ever really doubted Grande’s ability to pull off Glinda.
In ‘Wicked: For Good’ in particular her acting was extremely memorable, effortlessly portraying Glinda’s internal struggle with defying the norm while also expressing a deep love for the people she loves the most.
I wish there was more of Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) because his storyline was so interesting, yet never really developed despite the finished product’s length.
Not having him feature so much in the movie took away the reveal about his character later (if you know, you know). In saying that, Boq’s (Ethan Slater) transformation was spectacular to see, the change he goes through feels incredibly justified and was a major highlight for the movie.
There were two songs in the movie which don’t feature in the stage show and while they were good, it’s hard to imagine why they were needed except to justify the two-part film.
Speaking of songs, ‘For Good’ is the obvious memorable highlight.
The climax of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship allows the two leading ladies to shine, and like the stage show delivers an emotional impact that leaves you breathless (and maybe a little teary).
The story lacks a bit of the colour and fun from the first movie, but this is because the narrative is a lot darker tonally but it is still a completely thrillifying movie-going experience.
See this movie at Event Parramatta.
