Wicked: For Good Review — A Flawed Sequel Saved by Two Unforgettable Performances

Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated second part of the Wicked film adaptation, arrives with big expectations — and even bigger concerns. Ever since the decision was made to split the story into two movies, fans have worried that the weaker half of the stage musical would struggle on its own. Now that the sequel is here, those fears weren’t entirely unfounded.

Yet, despite its messy pacing and uneven storytelling, Wicked: For Good remains watchable thanks to the powerhouse duo of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who once again carry the emotional weight of the story.

A Time Jump That Feels Foggy and Unclear

The sequel opens after a confusing time leap — one that appears short at first, but later suggests years have passed. We meet Elphaba (Erivo), now a feared public villain known across Oz as the Wicked Witch. Meanwhile, Glinda (Grande) desperately protects her friend’s truth while continuing her role as the beloved Good Witch. Her lack of actual magical skill forces her to rely on illusions, adding humor but also highlighting her internal struggle.

Uneven Pacing and Scenes That Don’t Always Work

Although For Good is shorter than the first film, it oddly feels slower. With the cast scattered across Oz instead of sharing a single setting like the first movie, the film jumps between story threads — some engaging, others less effective.
Elphaba’s broomstick-driven vigilante moments offer fun, shadowy intensity, and Glinda’s whimsical bubble-machine “magic” delivers lighthearted laughs. But scenes involving supporting characters like Fiyero and Boq tend to feel clunky or overly melodramatic.

When Stage Magic Doesn't Translate to Film

The second half of the Wicked musical has always involved dramatic twists, but what worked on stage doesn’t always land on screen. The subplot involving Nessa and Boq feels especially awkward here, lacking the emotional grounding the stage version provided.
Director Jon M. Chu tries to balance drama, fantasy, and camp, but the tone sometimes slips into unintentional cheesiness.

The Oz Connections Create Confusion for New Viewers

As the story shifts into “sidequel” territory and Dorothy Gale arrives, Wicked: For Good begins weaving itself into The Wizard of Oz timeline. While longtime fans may enjoy the clever overlaps, viewers unfamiliar with the classic will likely find some scenes confusing or oddly presented — including the decision to obscure Dorothy’s face entirely, which becomes more distracting than mysterious.

Erivo and Grande Hold the Sequel Together

Despite the film’s structural issues, the emotional core shines brilliantly thanks to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Their contrasting energies complement each other, capturing the intense yet fragile bond between Elphaba and Glinda.
Erivo’s strength and vulnerability anchor the film, while Grande’s charismatic, comedic, and heartfelt approach makes Glinda impossible not to love.

Their musical performances elevate the movie even further. Erivo’s “No Good Deed” is a vocal showstopper, and their duet “For Good” once again delivers the emotional punch that fans expect.

Jeff Goldblum Adds Magic of His Own

With more screen time as the Wizard, Jeff Goldblum becomes another highlight. His performance in the energetic number “Wonderful” captures the character’s charm and deception — while also offering a surprisingly relevant message about public manipulation and belief.

A Sequel With Flaws — But Enough Heart to Stay Afloat

Wicked: For Good may not reach the emotional or structural strength of the first film, and at times feels scattered or incomplete. But its lead performances help the story land gracefully in its final moments.
The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda remains the beating heart of the franchise — and it’s their connection that ultimately makes this sequel worth watching.