Wicked: For Good – A Critique of Style and Substance
In the world of cinema, the phrase “all style, no substance” is often bandied about, sometimes justly, but what happens when a film lacks both style and substance? Wicked: For Good may be that film, a perplexing adaptation that seems to rest solely on the egos of its creators. The premise itself raises eyebrows: transforming a two-and-a-half-hour musical into two feature films that span nearly five hours, with the sequel aiming to expand a mere 45-minute second act into a bloated runtime.
The first installment of Wicked depicts the evolving relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), unraveling the shocking truth of the Wizard’s fraudulent and authoritarian nature. However, For Good shifts focus to the consequences of Elphaba’s rebellion against the Wizard and their ongoing struggle for Oz’s welfare. Unfortunately, this sequel clings to its source material while inflating its narrative with unnecessarily lengthy scenes, awkwardly choreographed action sequences, and newly penned songs that contribute little to the overall experience.
Key Updates: Writing and Music
Winnie Holzman, the original book writer, along with co-writer Dana Fox, seems to falter in creating compelling dialogue, relying heavily on characters redundantly restating previous lines or clarifying information that the audience has just been shown. The attempts to explore the political landscape of Oz fall flat, with half-hearted declarations about the munchkins needing “papers” to travel, a fact that feels like an unnecessary add-on to an already established narrative of oppression.
Furthermore, Stephen Schwartz’s new songs, particularly “The Girl in the Bubble,” contribute to the film’s shortcomings. The lyrics feel painfully obvious, as Glinda sings about her life in a bubble and its impending pop. While musicals often convey the inner thoughts and feelings of characters through song, this particular attempt feels trite and overt. Every original addition underscores existing themes, as if the filmmakers feared viewers might be distracted by their smartphones.
Strong Performances Amidst a Flawed Film
Despite the film’s widespread issues, Ariana Grande shines as Glinda. Her performance brilliantly balances comedic timing with emotional depth, capturing Glinda’s turbulent journey with finesse. Even when the film falters due to poor lighting or awkward flashbacks that take away from her performance, Grande’s star power remains undeniable and often overshadows her co-star, Cynthia Erivo.
While other performances may fall short—like Jeff Goldblum’s disinterested portrayal, Michelle Yeoh’s less-than-stellar delivery, or Jonathan Bailey’s lack of charisma—Grande and Erivo’s chemistry is authentic and electric. Their relationship propels the film, making the scenes without them feel tedious in comparison. The duo’s vocal prowess and captivating presence bring a much-needed brightness to even the darkest scenes.
The Directing Dilemma
Jon M. Chu’s direction struggles to elevate the material. His penchant for maximalism often overshadows the emotional core of the story. Instead of creating impactful moments, Chu resorts to an over-reliance on distracting CGI and frenetic camera work that fails to engage viewers. If the film were based on a more substantial narrative, perhaps the weaknesses of his direction would not be as apparent. However, For Good ultimately suffers from its cumbersome pacing and lackluster execution, widening the gap with its predecessor.
In the end, Wicked: For Good emerges as a concoction devoid of both style and substance, leaving just two remarkably talented actresses delivering compelling performances. While that may suffice for some viewers, it begs the question: wouldn’t these actresses have thrived in a single feature that celebrated their talents without an overextended narrative? Beyond serving as a conclusion to a story that could have been told more concisely in under three hours, the film offers little justification for its existence.
Conclusion: The Future of Wicked
Ultimately, Wicked: For Good presents a classic case of a movie attempting to stretch its narrative beyond feasible limits. While the talents of Grande and Erivo light up the screen, the film’s overarching flaws render it a missed opportunity to captivate audiences. As fans of the original musical await further adaptations, they must wonder if the essence of Wicked can be captured in future projects, especially ones that remain true to its core themes without forsaking brevity for bloated extravagance.
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