Here we are, it's the end point for a fantastical tale, the end point for a fervent fandom, and the end point (or maybe just a pause) on a friendship that we've seen blossom both onscreen and off. Everyone seemed to be keeping their expectations in check for the release of Wicked: For Good, and that caution was justified, considering the general consensus of the first half ending on such an unsurpassable high point with "Defying Gravity".
We join the action almost where we left off at the end of the first movie. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is leaning fully into her "Wicked Witch" image as she attempts to get people to see what a fraud The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) really is. Glinda (Ariana Grande) remains an ally to the Wizard, being used by both him and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) to feed a specific narrative to the people of Oz. Despite this, however, Glinda secretly remains a friend to Elphaba, although that looks set to come to an end when Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) confesses that he is in love with Elphaba. Meanwhile, Elphaba's sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode) has taken on a role in politics that sees her at odds with her sibling, but also allows her to put rules and restrictions in place to keep Boq (Ethan Slater) close to her. Big changes seem to be inevitable, and it may be in the shape of a tornado-relocated house.
If you liked the first instalment of this epic tale of friendship, betrayal, and yellow road-building materials then you're unlikely to be disappointed by this. Filming both films concurrently allows for an easy continuity and consistency from writers Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, as well as director Jon M. Chu. Everyone knew what a hot property this was, but the dream pairing of Erivo and Grande managed to somehow take everything to another level (as much to do with their wonderful press tour moments that went viral as to do with their superb onscreen work). While the visuals can sometimes appear a bit too busy and bright, it's all in line with the vision of a land shaped and manipulated by a charlatan looking to distract and placate the people who look up to him. Would I have liked some more inventive staging and choreography with some of the musical numbers? Absolutely, but there's also a satisfaction to be moved by the simple emotion and powerful voices of the leads when singing the likes of "For Good" and "No Good Deed". And at least both "Wonderful" and "The Girl In The Bubble" try to make up for things with a great selection of tricks and flourishes.
I feel as if I've already said everything I needed to say about Erivo, Grande, Goldblum, and Yeoh, as well as Bailey. They all deliver performances here that are in line with their performances from the first film, although arguably a bit better while freed from having to do all of the establishing scenes that brought them all together. Bode and Slater definitely have a bit more to do, in terms of how their characters affect the main storyline anyway, and it's a good decision to show us fleeting glimpses of a never-fully-visible Dorothy that we can continue to imagine is the iconic Judy Garland version of the character.
This was very enjoyable, especially if you're already familiar with other Oz tales, the Gregory Maguire novel, and the live stage show. Watching the pieces come together in time for the expected finale is a delight, although, as mentioned at the very start of this review, the film can't ever reach the heights that were reached in the first instalment. Die-hard fans can probably add a point or two to my own rating, and I can only imagine the many themed singalong evenings and fancy-dress parties being planned now that this has hit home viewing platforms. I might even plan my own mega Oz-a-thon one day soon. I have tended to love every cinematic adventure set in this world.
7/10
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