Review: Wicked for Good
I recently saw the long-awaited movie musical "Wicked: For Good" this weekend at the theater. As someone who grew up obsessed with “The Wizard of Oz” and later the Broadway musical, “Wicked,” I was excited to go into the theater with very high hopes. I walked away with my expectations not only met, but exceeded by this film. In fact, you could say, “"Wicked: For Good” flew past my expectations, and it did so from the first scene.
“Wicked: For Good” is the story of what takes place prior to Dorothy landing in Oz, and the origin story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the good witch. Elphaba, the girl everyone fears because of her green skin, is paired with bubbly and popular Glinda as a roommate at school. Whether or not you’ve seen the musical “Wicked,” the movie creates its own storyline and momentum with an incredible sense of direction, challenging who is labeled good or wicked and why that happens right from the start. The movie is clearly stating that this isn’t simply a remake, it is a retelling of a classic tale with added emotional depth.
A major reason the movie succeeds is the performance of the actresses playing Elphaba and Glinda. Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, has a phenomenal voice that takes up the entire theater and gives you chills during her biggest moments. Her portrayal shows a vulnerability that makes you want to protect her, yet has a fire that makes you want to cheer for her. Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, is equally captivating but in a completely opposite manner as she sparkles, laughs and charms, yet shows a hint of insecurities beneath the glamor. The connection and chemistry between Elphaba and Glinda is truly the heart of this film; no matter how large or loud the musical numbers become, the focus remains on the complex yet beautiful relationship between these two young women.
The musical numbers in this movie are the type that will leave you living the experience with the character as you watch it on the big screen. The vibrant, bold, and immersive sets feel tangible as you watch each scene. It turns into a jaw-dropping experience as Elphaba takes to the air, running from trouble. The camera follows her movement in the sky, allowing the audience to feel like they are floating in the sky alongside her and audiences can appreciate that.
Another great aspect of the film is how it modernizes certain themes from the original story. The film puts more emphasis on justice and the ways people in authority are able to define the truth. It’s easy to connect many of the ideas presented in "Wicked: For Good: to the world we live in today. Oz‘s leaders use fear to control laws and Elphaba becomes a scapegoat because she is a threat to the status quo. The film makes you consider how easily society can transform a person into a villain because it is easier than admitting the truth.
As wonderful as the film is, it is not without its shortcomings. At times, the film seems rushed. The transition from one epic musical number to the next left fewer opportunities for smaller, more intimate character moments, and some of the side characters are forgotten too soon. There are moments when the message is a bit too on the nose, almost as if the filmmakers did not trust us to pick up on their clues on our own. A little more subtlety with the message could’ve made those moments even more impactful once revealed.
Despite the film's shortcomings, the overall flow from start to finish was strong. The film develops relationships in conflict throughout, keeps the audience engaged, and the final act combines emotion and visual elements in a pleasing way that leaves the viewer thinking about the film long after the credits roll. The film has successfully expanded the world of Oz and made it emotionally deeper than ever before.
Ultimately, “Wicked: For Good” is a must-see theatrical experience. It is an exhilarating, emotional musical that offers something new to a beloved story. The large-scale musical numbers are all inspiring. The performances are unforgettable, and the themes resonate harder today than they did years ago. If this film accomplishes nothing else, it reminds viewers that occasionally a story needs to be seen on a gigantic screen with a bucket of popcorn to fully experience the ride it takes you on.
