After the smashing success of “Wicked: Part One,” many fans were rejoicifying at the release of the second film.

“Wicked: For Good” has received a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared with the 90% earned by its prequel. As someone who believes Part One deserved its high score, I was curious why Part Two wasn’t performing as well. The anticipation for the sequel also made me eager to see how it compared with my opinions of the first film.

After the musical-to-movie adaptation “Wicked: Part One” became a box-office hit making $756 million worldwide the anticipation for part two of the duology was tangible. 

Part one features Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and her rocky journey to Shiz University where she meets her opposite, Glinda (played by Ariana Grande). At first, the two loathed each other as they couldn’t be more different, but after becoming roommates, they grew into unexpected best friends. Even though she experienced prejudice in school, headmistress Madam Morrible (played by Michelle Yeoh) coaches Elphaba on how to control her dangerously-formidable powers, leading to Elphaba’s invitation to Oz.

Part one was a huge success for fans of the Broadway show and non-theatre people alike. The theatrics, stunning visuals, costumes, and makeup brought each character to life. The cast played their roles flawlessly, and the film’s direction and cinematography created an immersive world and powerful emotions that resonated deeply with audiences.

Stage to screen

Act two of Wicked is known to be not as strong as act one; however, part one was so dynamic that I couldn’t help but see “Wicked: For Good” a day early. 

Even though there aren’t as many hard-hitting moments in the second act, director John M. Chu did a perfect job of expanding on the events in act two and diving deeper into the characters inner feelings and beliefs. Viewers get a more expansive view into all the characters, not just Elphaba and Glinda. Each character gets their star moment. We get to see Nessa’s (played by Marissa Bode) tragic but inevitable end and the transformation of Boq (played by Ethan Slater).

Musical aspects

The songs in the second film include numbers from the original score and two new original songs. One standout number was “Thank Goodness” where Ariana Grande’s opt-up was thrillifying. In this number, Grande’s acting shines through as she is faced with hate from the people of Munchkinland for being friends with Elphaba. Jonathan Bailey and Cynthia Erivo’s performance of “As Long As You’re Mine” was breathtaking and a little bit scandalacious. This song was an emotional high for a slow-burning relationship. 

However, nothing compares to Elphaba and Glinda’s epic friendship ballad, “For Good.” The second I heard the opening chords to that song I began balling, and I remained a wreck the rest of the movie. Grande and Erivo’s acting in this scene was powerful, and the camera angles cinematographer Alice Brooks creates here as Elphaba and Glinda see each other one last time is mastermind. 

The contrasts 

Before going to watch the second film, there are some things to note. Part Two is vastly different from part one—be ready for change. It’s much more emotional and dark. The first film displays themes of hope and adventure whereas the second dives into hard truths and sacrifice. The characters grow up and experience the disillusionment of learning about the real world: The Wizard and the land of Oz truly are not what they seem. If you’re expecting the fun and whimsy that is part one, you may be disappointed.

Even though many fans were excited for the new content, some of the songs seemed out of place. They did not aid in advancing the plot or the relationships between the characters. This affected the pacing of the film: at times it felt a little slow and inconsistent. 

Final(e) thoughts 

This film was almost everything I wished for in a sequel. I do prefer the first film; however, it did the original Broadway version justice while adding its own special touches. The acting was superb, and Erivo and Grande both deserve Oscars. Whether a “Wicked” fan or not, this film has something for everybody: love, friendship, and sacrifice for what’s right. Make sure to see “Wicked: Part One” first to get the full story. 

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