Wicked: For Good
A movie review by Alex First
The musical fantasy that is Wicked Part II is dramatic, dark and satisfying.
The scheming Madame labels Elphaba The Wicked Witch of the West, leaving the good people of Oz petrified at the very thought of her.
This happens after Elphaba uncovered the truth about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) in Part I of Wicked, namely that he is nothing more than a fraudster.
As a result of Madame’s incessant campaign against her, Elphaba now lives in exile in the Ozian forest.
More than anything, Elphaba wants freedom for Oz’s silenced animals.
She would also like the good people of Oz, who adore and readily follow every word spoken by Glinda (Ariana Grande), to know the truth about The Wizard.
Glinda, who craves the spotlight but, unlike Elphaba, can’t perform magic – much to her chagrin – is Elphaba’s former schoolmate, from whom she is now estranged.
Madame, who has no regard for Glinda, uses her as a pawn, even employing a “transportable bubble” to mesmerise the latter’s adoring masses.
A surprise announcement concerning her imminent betrothal to the handsome Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) follows.
But, in truth, Fiyero’s love lies elsewhere and Glinda is haunted by her separation from Elphaba.
Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), also comes back into the picture.
Vengeful, she is desperate to reclaim what she mistakenly perceives as the love of munchkin Boq (Ethan Slater), who simply wants out.
And then a girl from Kansas, who, to Elphaba’s anger, Glinda gifts Nessa’s shoes, is sent down the Yellow Brick Road.
Complete with a cavalcade of catchy pop songs, all the ingredients come together beautifully to make Wicked: For Good an absorbing and emotional journey.
It is rich, redolent and colourful, employing an impressive array of special effects, including representation of the frightening tornado that descends on Oz.
So, too, the way the animals, large and small (think Noah’s Ark) appear.
Magnificent, often luxurious, costuming is yet another part of the movie’s appeal.
There is much to commend Wicked for Good, a lot in the performances of and chemistry between the two leads.
Cynthia Erivo is so expressive, resolute and driven as Elphaba, resigned to her fate.
Porcelain-like Ariana Grande also brings depth to Glinda, who, after many twists and turns, comes to understand the dynamic she and Elphaba have to play out.
Michelle Yeoh is a compelling and dismissive villain.
There is a supercilious entitlement to Jeff Goldblum and a righteousness about Jonathan Bailey as the Prince.
Marissa Bode makes a splash in her appearance as Nessarose, while Ethan Slater “boils” as Boq.
The filmmakers, led by director John M. Chu, have figuratively thrown the kitchen sink at Wicked: For Good.
It is a fitting finale to a beloved story of good versus evil.
Rated PG, it scores an 8 out of 10.
