“Wicked: For Good” is a tighter and better sequel, bringing even more of what was good about “The Wizard of Oz.”
‘Wicked: For Good’ Trailer: Elphaba Defies Gravity Again
Oscar nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will reprise their roles as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in the musical sequel Wicked: For Good.
- The magical movie sequel “Wizards: For Good” hits theaters on Friday, November 21st.
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will reprise their roles as the “evil” witch Elphaba and her popular best friend Glinda.
- Elphaba and Glinda get two new songs in the movie: “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble.”
How do you follow a pop culture extravaganza like “Wicked,” with its sequels focused on emotion rather than attention-getters, a dark yet crowd-pleasing story, and too many “Wizard of Oz” references to count?
Jon M. Chu returns to his colorful, glamorous, and magical atmosphere in Wicked: For Good (1/2 out of 4, rated PG, in theaters November 21), a stronger, tighter film than its Oscar-nominated predecessor without sacrificing its brilliance. This film, which builds on (and expands on) the second act of the Broadway musical, brings Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande back to life better than ever. They reprise their roles as the “evil” witch Elphaba and her popular best friend Glinda with new vigor, and the relationship between these enemies reveals a fun and fresh depth in an unexpectedly relatable fantasy film about standing up for what’s right.
The first “Wicked” ended with Elphaba defying gravity. and The Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) chooses to fight for the cause of oppressed animals rather than submit to a fascist regime. “For Good” catches up with Elphaba and Glinda some time after the two Shizu University classmates and their friends go in very different directions.
Elphaba became something of an Oz Batman, swooping in on her broom and wreaking havoc as the Wizard’s Yellow Brick Road project neared completion. Meanwhile, Glinda literally becomes a symbol of good, becoming part of a propaganda machine against Elphaba led by the wizard and the dastardly Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh).
However, Elphaba and Glinda develop a closeness even in an environment of fear and hatred. Although Elphaba is furious at the system, she also cares for her best friend, and Glinda holds out hope that she can convince Elphaba to work with the wizard instead of against her. I have other problems as well. Glinda is set to marry Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), the captain of the wizard army tasked with capturing Elphaba, but there is a place in her heart for the emerald-skinned fugitive. And Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), the governor of Munchkinland, is now an even more jaded soul when it comes to her beloved Me (Ethan Slater).
Whether you’re a fan of the Wicked movie or a musical geek who lives for stage shows, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. And “For Good” is definitely for old-school “Wizard of Oz” lovers, with a fair amount of that classic film’s Technicolor plot weaved into the film. Not only do we see a Kansas girl in a gingham dress (well, at least a glimpse) and a Cowardly Lion (voiced by Coleman Domingo), but other members of Dorothy’s crew are also told origin stories.
The first “Wicked” had more big song-and-dance numbers than its sequel, which leaned more toward intimate ballads and moving duets. (There are several times when the music actually gets in the way of the scene instead of helping it.) Erivo gets another strong song this time around. “Defying Gravity” had Elphaba enjoying her freedom, but “No Good Deed” sees Elphaba taking a heel turn.
There are also two new original songs written for the sequel by OG Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, both of which feature lead solos. “The Girl in the Bubble” marks an important point for Glinda, who has to choose between justice and popularity, but the better song is “No Place Like Home.” Dorothy’s famous words are given new weight as Elphaba sings about how her beloved Oz doesn’t love her.
As with the first “Wicked,” Erivo and Grande are masters at fueling this musical’s emotional engine. Grande benefits from Glinda having a bigger role this time around, with the thematic aspects of her backstory driving an impressive character arc. And Erivo is once again great as Elphaba, a character who runs the gamut of emotions but is always deeply relatable.
Backed by these two, “For Good” is truly a swarm of flying monkeys. (Yes, they’re back!) Plus, there’s a darkly eccentric Goldblum, a PG romantic encounter, a touch of body horror, and a pair of highly sought-after shoes. You couldn’t ask for anything more like “Wicked,” even considering the overly convoluted ending and some minor character development details.
