Ariana Grande Shines in ‘Wicked: For Good’ Review: Spectacular Witch Fights and Broom Flights!

“Wicked: For Good” elevates the magical allure of Oz to new heights. The successful first part of Jon M. Chu’s vibrant duology captivated audiences, and the sequel continues to impress, offering a sigh of relief with its execution. After establishing the setting in the initial movie, Chu now explores and defends the world of witches more freely and effectively than ever, even enhancing the original narratives—not from L. Frank Baum’s classic novel, but rather the beloved Broadway musical adapted from Gregory Maguire’s innovative book.

The poignant backstory detailing the unjust vilification of Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and her transformative friendship with Glinda (portrayed by Ariana Grande), spans nearly five hours, excluding a yearlong hiatus. Viewing each segment as a standalone film has effectively turned the Hollywood musical into a grand event, revitalizing what seemed to be a waning genre after “Wicked Part 1” garnered immense box office success.

Empowered by their earlier success, Chu and his talented cast revisit Emerald City, where Elphaba finds herself banished after unveiling the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) as a fraud. The story is less concerned with Dorothy, who is yet to be introduced, and more focused on the complex dynamics between the witches and wizards of Oz.

“Wicked” delves into a feud reminiscent of J.K. Rowling’s narratives, where allegiances and moral standings are ever-shifting. The film further complicates this universe by offering new origins for Dorothy’s companions—the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man—highlighting their reasons for despising the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.

Jumping straight into the action, “Wicked: For Good” resumes with a vibrant celebration in Emerald City. The film’s second part, although less than an hour long, lacks the musical strength of “Defying Gravity,” and feels hurried and plot-driven when experienced live. However, the film adaptation addresses this by giving Elphaba and Glinda more shared scenes and songs, enriching their story in this conclusive chapter.

Elphaba stands out with her unique magical abilities and possession of the Grimmerie, a book of spells that tends to backfire. This leads to Erivo’s introspective solo, “No Good Deed,” where Elphaba contemplates embracing her notorious reputation. Meanwhile, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) manipulates Oz against Elphaba, affecting everyone from flying monkeys to her sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), whose rise in power spells disaster for animals and Munchkins.

As the film opens, the iconic Yellow Brick Road is under construction, and Elphaba intervenes to stop the exploitation of animal labor. The Wizard’s scapegoating of Oz’s talking animals, represented by Peter Dinklage’s Dr. Dillamond, parallels historical atrocities, positioning Madame Morrible as a propagandist akin to Joseph Goebbels.

The narrative cleverly critiques manipulation by those in power, a theme also prominent in the 1939 film. Co-writers Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox expand the Broadway narrative, adding over an hour of content and two new songs, making the deceit more relevant to today’s audience.

Even Elphaba acknowledges the danger of truth in the hands of the misled populace, using her infamy for a greater good and insisting that Glinda leave the public narrative unchanged after Dorothy’s intervention.

The film intensely explores themes of friendship’s resilience and the power of change. Glinda’s character undergoes significant development, showcased in the new song, “The Girl in the Bubble,” and her complex reaction to Fiyero’s life-altering decision.

While the first film highlighted Elphaba’s rise to power, this sequel focuses on Glinda’s redemption, with both narratives relying on the deep commitment of their leads. Erivo also performs an original song, “No Place Like Home,” which redefines Dorothy’s iconic phrase by pushing for progress rather than a return to the past.

The sequel enriches the backstory of how the Scarecrow and Tin Man were cursed and features a dramatic confrontation between the witches. Despite leaning more on CGI, the film’s visual spectacle, from art nouveau sets to elaborate costumes, remains impressive, capturing the essence of modern cinematic magic.