The sequel fellow Ozians have been waiting for, “Wicked: For Good,” has broken multiple box-office records during its first week in theaters, topping $147 million in the U.S. and $223 million worldwide since its Nov. 21 release.
Director Jon M. Chu’s work on this movie was incredible, he brought back main actors Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard and Michelle Yeoh as Madam Marble.
“Wicked: For Good” had all sorts of new themes, plot twists and developments that I would have never expected (but that’s coming from someone who has not seen the musical). It picks up after the first movie, with Elphaba and Glinda living apart and facing the consequences of their past choices. Elphaba is now the Wicked Witch of the West working to protect the silenced creatures of Oz while uncovering truths about the Wizard.
Meanwhile, Glinda has embraced her role as a symbol of goodness, preparing for her wedding and trying to reconnect with Elphaba. When unexpected visitors and growing tensions threaten the people of Oz, the two friends come together and rely on their bond to face the challenges ahead.
Through all the adventures and ups and downs of the film, the production was incredible. Chu really brought the imagination to life from the set to costumes to the actors themselves. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo truly have a dynamic that is unbeatable despite allegations dictating their dysfunctional relationship otherwise. The Economic Times even claims their relationship is “misunderstood.”
In my opinion, the sequel’s songs weren’t as good as those of the first movie, besides the song “For Good.” However, the theme and message remained impactful. What I took away from the movie was that friendship is something to cherish, and there will always be one person in your life who remains special to you and will change your life forever.
My favorite lyric that represents this was in the song “For Good:” “You’ll be with me/Like a handprint on my heart.”
I rate this movie a 9/10, and I would recommend it to kids 12 and older because of the adult intimacy and mild violence that occurs.
Spoiler: One of the plot twists, of many, that occur is when Nessarose, the leader of Munchkinland, is in love with Boq. But, Boq confesses his true love for Glinda and Nessa casts a spell on him, causing him to become the Tin Man. Elphaba (in the photo) watches as he does. (Photo/Adiya Mukhitdinov)
