It’s time. The conclusion to 'Wicked' finally enters theatres, bringing its singable songs and the tale’s heartbreaking culmination to an end.
From the first scenes, 'Wicked: For Good' sets a darker tone to the first film. The plot’s crises have reached boiling point, as Glinda rises in popularity and Elphaba is spurned to the outlands, Madame Morrible churning out a propaganda campaign bearing a thinly-veiled resemblance to current political climates.
From the first scenes, the film offers another visual feast. The sets are incredible, Glinda’s apartment featuring pink trees and gorgeous architecture. Extended song ‘Wonderful’ plays in an exchange between The Wizard, Elphaba and Glinda, opening into a technicolour sphere that momentarily removes your breath. And, of course, the ever central yellow brick road features in many wide scapes that draw desire to cross its golden paths.
The film offers two new original songs, ‘No Place Like Home’ and ‘The Girl In The Bubble’, the former an aural and visual spectacular. However, it’s ‘No Good Deed’ where Erivo shines vocally. It’s a high point of the film.
‘For Good’ is the song most fans will have waited for. The film provides a softer version to the classic Chenoweth/Menzel rendition, leaning into the emotion of the scene with tender evocation between the two leads. Knowing the vocal prowess of Erivo, it would have been nice to see a powered expression, but it’s no less impactful.
The film keeps pace well, expansion of scenes offering more insight into the world that fans will enjoy. The cinematography is easily the most beautiful seen in a film in years, and the costumes are bold and bright, another possible category for Oscar nominations.
The performances are solid. Grande showcases a darker side to Glinda that highlights complexity well and is far more interesting than her first film offering. Bailey’s Fiyero is strong, although at times, his goodness can be questioned. Young Galinda actress Scarlett Spears does exceptionally, while Ethan Slater’s vocals are so good they deserve longer screen time. Erivo, of course, takes the performance accolades, the plot resting firmly upon her shoulders, as her angst displays well.
Contrasted again the first film, part two is certainly more serious, a commentary on the loss of childlike innocence, naivety and rose-coloured glasses. There are numerous subtexts, prominently about human rights, freedom, and notions of good and evil, which make the film optimal for multiple viewings. There’s too much happening to absorb in one sitting, and the gorgeous visuals of scenes such as the wedding make reviewing a pleasure.
The story of 'Wicked' alone is powerful enough to wet the eyes of the hardest tinman – or woman – and can change the viewer in any format. Chu’s films attempt excellence in every category, and should satisfy from the most ardent fan to those soon to become fans. 'For Good'? So good.
