Musical theater has become an all-consuming passion for the writer, but some shows have left her underwhelmed. She recalls being drawn to musicals like Les Misérables, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Spring Awakening, Rent, Once, Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Rock of Ages, and Frozen. In contrast, experiences like Cats and Rock of Ages felt flat and shallow.
When she watched Wicked for the first time, it was with no prior knowledge or expectations. The film's first half left a lasting impression, thanks to memorable songs like "Defying Gravity" and "Popular." However, the second half failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion, leaving viewers without closure and forcing them to shell out an additional $20 to catch the remaining story.
Wicked: For Good is set after the events of the first film. Elphaba, now fully embracing her role as the Wicked Witch of the West, must navigate the aftermath of propaganda-driven manipulation. Meanwhile, Galinda and Prince Fiyero play more one-dimensional roles as good little fascists trying to bring about change from within.
Despite a compelling premise, Wicked: For Good struggles with storytelling and its intended message. The film's creative team seems to be torn between venerating the original Wizard of Oz and adding a darker tone to the story. Unfortunately, this approach falls flat, making it feel like a shallow exercise in rebranding rather than an authentic exploration of themes.
The writer criticizes the film for attempting to demystify the classic and add a layer of darkness, but ultimately failing to achieve its goals. The Tin Man's portrayal as violent and vengeful feels out of place, while the Cowardly Lion is depicted as pathetic and delusional. This approach dilutes the timeless magic inherent in the Wizard of Oz.
The film features stunning visuals and sets, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivering standout performances. However, these strengths cannot save Wicked: For Good from its overall lackluster storytelling and forgettable songs. The writer concludes that the film is a shallow waste of resources, ultimately failing to achieve its ambitions as a meaningful companion piece to The Wizard of Oz.
In the end, Wicked: For Good receives a grade of D+, reflecting its shortcomings in storytelling, music, and character development.
When she watched Wicked for the first time, it was with no prior knowledge or expectations. The film's first half left a lasting impression, thanks to memorable songs like "Defying Gravity" and "Popular." However, the second half failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion, leaving viewers without closure and forcing them to shell out an additional $20 to catch the remaining story.
Wicked: For Good is set after the events of the first film. Elphaba, now fully embracing her role as the Wicked Witch of the West, must navigate the aftermath of propaganda-driven manipulation. Meanwhile, Galinda and Prince Fiyero play more one-dimensional roles as good little fascists trying to bring about change from within.
Despite a compelling premise, Wicked: For Good struggles with storytelling and its intended message. The film's creative team seems to be torn between venerating the original Wizard of Oz and adding a darker tone to the story. Unfortunately, this approach falls flat, making it feel like a shallow exercise in rebranding rather than an authentic exploration of themes.
The writer criticizes the film for attempting to demystify the classic and add a layer of darkness, but ultimately failing to achieve its goals. The Tin Man's portrayal as violent and vengeful feels out of place, while the Cowardly Lion is depicted as pathetic and delusional. This approach dilutes the timeless magic inherent in the Wizard of Oz.
The film features stunning visuals and sets, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivering standout performances. However, these strengths cannot save Wicked: For Good from its overall lackluster storytelling and forgettable songs. The writer concludes that the film is a shallow waste of resources, ultimately failing to achieve its ambitions as a meaningful companion piece to The Wizard of Oz.
In the end, Wicked: For Good receives a grade of D+, reflecting its shortcomings in storytelling, music, and character development.
. I mean, it's got some great visuals and Ariana Grande is amazing 
, but the story and songs just don't hold up. It feels like they tried to take something classic and make it darker, but ended up losing the magic of Oz 
. The characters feel kinda flat too, especially Galinda and Prince Fiyero - they're just not that compelling 
. I think what really bothers me is how they're trying to make this a commentary on propaganda and manipulation, but it comes off as shallow 
. Overall, it's an okay film, but it doesn't live up to its potential 
. Grade of D+ feels about right 
this movie's attempt at adding depth to the original Wizard of Oz story is just so...meh 
and don't even get me started on the Tin Man's portrayal 
They're trying to make Elphaba more "cool" and stuff, but it feels like they're just copying the same old story from The Wizard of Oz 
. And don't even get me started on that Tin Man guy, he's soooo violent 
. I mean, what was his deal? 
️
I heard she's gonna perform all her popular songs from that One-5 album 
. That would be sooo lit 
!
it was like they took all the good vibes from the original and replaced them with this super dark and shallow storyline 
I mean what's up with Elphaba's character? she went from being this fierce and misunderstood outcast to just a mindless villain 
but the second half felt like they were trying too hard to add some depth to the story and it just fell flat 
and the tin man's character was literally the most weird thing i've ever seen 
i mean what even is that storyline supposed to be about?
it was just like they took all the leftover songs from the original wicked and mashed them together into a mess 
but overall i'd say it's a solid d+ for sure 