The magic of Wicked has worn off, and its sequel, For Good, falls flat. The film picks up where the last installment left off, with Elphaba, now a powerful force as the Wicked Witch of the West, vowing to take down the oppressive regime in Oz. However, this setup only serves to highlight the fundamental issues plaguing the movie.
While Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, her character's development is largely absent from the first film, making it difficult for the sequel to create meaningful connections with audiences. The story suffers from rushed pacing, and the love triangle between Elphaba, Galinda, and Prince Fiyero feels contrived. Even the iconic songs, like "No Place Like Home" and "For Good," fail to leave a lasting impression.
The film's intention is unclear – does it aim to reimagine The Wizard of Oz with a darker edge or serve as a glossy musical with forgettable tunes? Unfortunately, For Good tries to tackle both themes without successfully executing either. The subversive spirit that drove the first Wicked remains absent in this sequel.
Despite its visually stunning sets and design, Wicked: For Good is a shallow waste of resources. It's a disappointment that feels like it's more concerned with appeasing fans than delivering a cohesive narrative or meaningful commentary on fascism. As such, it's hard to muster up enthusiasm for the film.
While Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, her character's development is largely absent from the first film, making it difficult for the sequel to create meaningful connections with audiences. The story suffers from rushed pacing, and the love triangle between Elphaba, Galinda, and Prince Fiyero feels contrived. Even the iconic songs, like "No Place Like Home" and "For Good," fail to leave a lasting impression.
The film's intention is unclear – does it aim to reimagine The Wizard of Oz with a darker edge or serve as a glossy musical with forgettable tunes? Unfortunately, For Good tries to tackle both themes without successfully executing either. The subversive spirit that drove the first Wicked remains absent in this sequel.
Despite its visually stunning sets and design, Wicked: For Good is a shallow waste of resources. It's a disappointment that feels like it's more concerned with appeasing fans than delivering a cohesive narrative or meaningful commentary on fascism. As such, it's hard to muster up enthusiasm for the film.