WICKED: FOR GOOD (2025) Review
Directed by Jon M. Chu
It’s hard to follow how big ‘Wicked’ (2024) is, visually and emotionally, how the talents of the lead stars presented in the first film are even harder to top. But ‘Wicked: For Good’ demonstrated sufficient drama, magic and music for the fans and non-fans to have their “wicked” ending.
I know, I may sound disappointed with the film. Maybe I am. It’s just ‘Wicked’ was perfect, at least for me. The issues the film had were justifiable by how beautiful and satisfying its character and world-building is, that ‘For Good’ needs to show only a little, just to close the story.
There are choices in the story that are questionable. However, the production can hardly do anything about that, as it is what it is, being an adaptation. However, there are also questionable choices in the treatment. That’s on them. The film wants to tell a lot; from how the story continues where they left it in the first film, to the new objectives of each character, from Glinda, Elphaba, Fiyero, even the Wizard, Madame Morrible, Nessarose and Boq. The storytelling isn’t as focused and as high-energy as the first film. I’m not sure that not revealing Dorothy in the story works because it feels like something’s lacking. I guess the real problem is that the first film really set the standard so high, expectations will get in the way.
The good thing, though, is that the cast is as dedicated as they are in the first film. Cynthia Erivo in No Good Deed is breathtaking, Ariana Grande has more scenes to show her acting and singing prowess, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum have bigger character developments here, for better or for worse.
‘Wicked: For Good’ will have the audience cheer for its Glinda and Elphaba moments, they will be in awe of the surprises and twists, and they will be angered by the deceptions in the film. But all of these are worthy of being seen on the biggest screens possible. ‘Wicked: For Good’ may not live up to its predecessor, but it complements it and makes every character feel more complete and richly developed. While the pacing occasionally falters, the film ultimately succeeds as a powerful and visually stunning continuation, ensuring that the legacy of Oz’s most famous witches burns brighter than ever before.
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Wicked: For Good’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Also available in IMAX 3D, 3D/4Dx and ScreenX. Rated PG by the MTRCB.