Wicked: For Good – A Movie Review
Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has finally hit the screens, bringing a beloved tale back to life. This sequel to the original Wicked narrative takes us deeper into the story of friendship, loyalties, and the challenges faced by its characters. With a mixed reception from audiences, let’s explore the key elements of this film.
Star Cast and Crew
The film features a stellar cast including:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose
- Ethan Slater as Boq
Plot Synopsis
Set five years after the events of the original Wicked, the film continues to follow Elphaba, now recognized as the Wicked Witch of the West, as she advocates for animal rights amidst escalating tensions in Oz. Glinda is tasked by the Wizard to promote positivity, creating a stark contrast with Elphaba, who is viewed as a threat.
Failed to fetch videos. Try again later.
Amid these conflicts, Fiyero, now a captain, struggles with his loyalty and feelings towards both women. Meanwhile, Elphaba faces familial struggles as her father dies and her sister, Nessarose, becomes the governor, caught between her love for Elphaba and the duties that come with her position. The storyline takes a turn as Elphaba’s actions—providing wings to monkeys—spark controversy, driving the plot towards Elphaba’s desperate journey to the Emerald City during Glinda’s engagement.
Story Review
The narrative is intriguing but starts to lose momentum as it progresses, particularly in the second half. The screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox features many dramatic moments, yet it doesn’t fully deliver following a gripping start. Although the film incorporates timely issues such as misinformation in politics, its execution sometimes leaves viewers wanting more.
Chu’s direction feels subdued compared to the first installment. He does a commendable job in setting the stage but struggles to maintain the same level of excitement throughout the film’s entirety. The humor, which was prevalent in the original, is somewhat diminished as the movie leans into serious themes.
Characters and Performances
Cynthia Erivo delivers a powerful performance as Elphaba, particularly in emotional scenes showcasing her struggles and anger. Ariana Grande charms in her role as Glinda, and both actresses have a strong chemistry that shines through. Supporting characters, including Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh, add depth to the storyline, while Jonathan Bailey portrays Fiyero with charisma. Marissa Bode and Ethan Slater also provide steadfast support throughout the film.
Music and Technical Aspects
The musical aspect of Wicked: For Good features beautiful songs that strive to evoke emotions, yet some tracks extend the film’s length unnecessarily. Composed by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz, the background score enhances the cinematic experience despite a few songs feeling somewhat irrelevant. The visual elements of the film excel, thanks to Alice Brooks’s breathtaking cinematography and high-quality visual effects, along with Nathan Crowley’s exceptional production design and Paul Tazewell’s elaborate costume designs. However, Myron Kerstein’s editing could have been more polished to streamline the film’s pacing.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag
In summary, Wicked: For Good offers a rich narrative filled with potential that, unfortunately, becomes bogged down by pacing issues and an underwhelming second half. While it has generated a promising start in some markets, its performance and reception in places like India could be limited due to the unfamiliarity with the franchise. Fans will likely enjoy certain elements, but the film’s overall impact may not resonate as strongly with general audiences. For more reviews and insights, you can check MyAxom Reviews at MyAxom Movies Review.
