“Wicked: For Good” tugs at the heartstrings.
It has to, with a song like “For Good” at its core. Here’s the bottom line: If you liked the first part, you’ll enjoy the second half. If you didn’t like the first “Wicked” film, I can’t imagine going to the finale.
I found the first part delightful, with magical images, gorgeous songs and a lovely spin on “The Wizard of Oz.” The second part is darker, with doomed romance and even a death, but it’s just as enjoyable.
The second half of Jon M. Chu’s film draws closer to the “Wizard of Oz” books and the long-beloved film. This time, we get to know the backgrounds of more of the characters, and enjoy their connection to the 1939 movie – and yes, you will see some faces that have been familiar to moviegoers for more than 80 years.
‘Wicked: For Good’ (IMDb)
You’ll also see glorious landscapes, dazzling dance numbers and beautiful costumes that include those shiny silver – yes, silver – shoes. In the original book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” by L. Frank Baum, the shoes are described as silver. This movie sticks to that material, which also includes animals having the ability to speak.
Front and center are Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande,) as “frenemies” whose lives intertwine in an unbreakable bond that continues, we suppose, long after the last frame of the film.
Glinda is adored by all of Oz, and loves the attention, especially when she can travel around in a bubble delivered to her by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh.)
In a flashback, Glinda’s past reveals an early deception, and we realize that many of the main characters – including, of course, the “Wonderful” wizard (Jeff Goldblum) himself – are not who they pretend to be. There’s a theme about betrayal and regret that runs deeply into these characters, who are sympathetic even at their villainous worst.
The strain of the two stars’ friendship got to me – I shed a tear or two at the end, and you might, too. Then I went home to listen to the soundtrack of a movie that will stay with me for good.
3 1/2 stars
Running time: Two hours and 17 minutes.
Rated: PG for themes of betrayal and the death of a character.
In theaters.
Watch the trailer here.
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