The Wasteland Reviewer

Wicked: For Good (2025) Written Review

Was this the longest intermission of all time for a film? Wicked has been one of the most popular Broadway shows of the last 25 years. The music is iconic, and the show took such a beloved and iconic story and gave it a fresh and more complex twist. This might have been one of the most anticipated stage adaptations to the silver screen of all time. The decision to split this iconic show at the intermission was a bold choice that felt more like a commercial decision versus a creative one. But Wicked did amazing at the box office last fall while also becoming a beloved adaptation…of the first half of the show at least. But the second act, this iconic show lacks the same iconic music and more controversial elements of the story as it dives into the events of The Wizard of Oz. But the time has come, and the hype is real for Wicked: For Good. 

Does director John M. Chu deliver from a filmmaking standpoint this time around? This second half of the story suffers and triumphs in all the same ways as the first film. The biggest criticism of the first film was the overreliance on computer-generated effects in bringing this world to life. That challenge lives on with Wicked: For Good. There are certainly moments and elements that look quite amazing with CGI, but others take away from the feel of the film and its authenticity. There are certainly elements of the film that just leap off the screen in its vibrant color (especially during The Wizard’s musical number with Elphaba and Glinda). But even the opening action sequence has an overly lit and artificial feel that makes it look cheap. The inconsistency with the visual world-building will be a hang up for some more than others making it a criticism that isn’t too harsh. The costume and production design are all quite impressive for sure (even when some of them are a little too artificial). The music is one of the most important elements of this show and this one is much more inconsistent than the first film. Songs like “No Good Deed” and “For Good” are towering achievements and make for the most impactful scenes in the film. Some of the musical numbers just lack the same impact and feel forgettable. The editing in the earlier half of the film feels too choppy and rushed. That rushed pacing plagues the whole film with plenty of elements feeling like they lack depth. This darker continuation of the film does work well, and Chu brings some serious weight and emotion this time around. There is no denying the emotional power of the last 20 minutes of this film. 

Does the adaptation of the second act of the story feel as compelling as the first? Not close. There are elements that do feel quite impactful. The evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda IS the heart and soul of this film. This journey feels satisfying and will leave you wanting more for this dynamic duo. The love triangle of it all with Fiyero works too even if his character feels hamstrung by most of his best elements being in the first half of the story. The conflict with The Wizard and the fight for the animals does feel fleshed out, expanded on, and paid off in a satisfying way. The biggest issue with this second half is the handling of Dorothy’s journey. The deeper connection between Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion is a clever and compelling element. But the film just lacks any real exploration of this potential and speed runs their inclusion and makes the whole The Wizard of Oz element of the film feel half-hearted, uninteresting, and unfortunately distracting from the real meat of the story. The script feels both over-stuffed and overly rushed. The time jumps are jarring, and the storytelling short hands are just too obvious and glaring. The overarching story of Wicked is still powerful but Wicked: For Good makes you crawl through the weeds to get there. 

What is the most important piece of this whole film that makes it still engaging and enjoyable? This cast. Specifically…Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera absolutely tear the house down. Even when the music is not the most memorable, these two performers give it their all. But when they get to dig into the more iconic pieces, they blow you away with the power and emotion of their performances. Their character work is excellent and each of them delivers impressive presence, empathy, and charisma. Those last 20 minutes ride on the confident shoulders of these two performers and they sell every bit of rage, sadness, and joy like no other. The Academy just might be calling one or two of their names by the time the big show rolls around. Jeff Goldblum continues to inject his personality, charm, and sharp personality into The Wizard and he matches the expectations of what this character is. This might not be The Wizard of the stage show but he delivers in this snake-oil salesman and grifter role so perfectly. He even delivers in his big number with Erivo and Grande, “Wonderful”. Where he lacks in traditional singing, he makes up for in showmanship…and that is The Wizard (a true charlatan). Michelle Yeoh is menacing like Madame Morrible but her lack of singing abilities becomes more glaring as the film goes on. Jonathan Bailey gets a lot less to work with her, and he might overact in some of those more intense moments as well. Ethan Slater gets a few moments to shine. Colman Domingo feels completely wasted as the Cowardly Lion who really gets minimal exposure in the film. 

Is Wicked: For Good a satisfying continuation and conclusion to this beloved show? The splitting of the story makes the weaker second act more glaring. This is still an enjoyable experience with some massive heights, but it is also one of the more disappointing and frustrating films of the year. All the praise in the world needs to go to Erivo and Grande-Butera for their powerhouse performances. They make this film as they cut through the muddying of the story and the force inclusion of The Wizard of Oz.