Wicked For Good - Is It Actually Good, Though?

Overview

This review dissects Wicked for Good, the sequel to the first Wicked movie, exploring its strengths and weaknesses. While the film stays true to its source material, it struggles with narrative cohesion and tonal balance, particularly when integrating elements from The Wizard of Oz. The performances, production design, and musical numbers are praised, but the film's lack of self-awareness and some casting choices are critiqued.

Notable Quotes

- The problem with the movie version is that it doesn't have that same level of self-awareness or modesty. It's presented more like a legitimate narrative in its own right, just as valid as the real thing.

- You can tell that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are good actors because they manage to not act like crazy people for a couple of hours.

- Michelle Yeoh is such a jarring counterpoint... she absolutely can't sing. And two, she really struggles with the English language.

🎭 Faithfulness to the Source Material

- The film remains loyal to the Wicked stage musical, which is both a strength and a limitation.

- While fans of the musical or the first movie will likely enjoy it, the film's devotion to the source material results in a lack of originality or fresh perspective.

- The stage version's tongue-in-cheek humor is absent, replaced by a more serious tone that feels misplaced for the story's whimsical roots.

📖 Narrative Challenges and Pacing Issues

- The movie struggles to integrate the events of The Wizard of Oz, leading to a rushed and chaotic second half.

- The script crams in numerous plot points, such as the creation of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion, as well as Dorothy's arrival, which disrupts the pacing.

- The ending feels anticlimactic, failing to deliver on the epic conflict the story seemed to build toward.

🎶 Musical Performances and Production Design

- The musical numbers are a highlight, with the leads delivering strong vocal performances. However, new songs are described as anemic compared to the original material.

- The production design is vibrant and visually impressive, with a notable tonal shift when Dorothy appears, incorporating a nostalgic technicolor aesthetic.

🎭 Acting and Casting Critiques

- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are praised for their chemistry and performances, though their off-screen appearances during the promo tour were criticized.

- Michelle Yeoh's portrayal of the villain is deemed miscast due to her struggles with singing and delivering lines in English, which detracts from her character's impact.

- Glinda's character is criticized for being selfish and complicit in the oppressive regime, yet facing no consequences for her actions.

🤔 Tone and Self-Awareness

- The film takes itself too seriously, presenting its story as a legitimate extension of The Wizard of Oz rather than embracing the playful, self-aware tone of the stage musical.

- This lack of humor and self-deprecation undermines the film's ability to connect with audiences who might have appreciated a lighter, more satirical approach.