November 19, 2025
FILM: WICKED: FOR GOOD
DIRECTED BY: JON M CHU
STARRING: CYNTHIA ERIVO, ARIANA GRANDE, JEFF GOLDBLUM
RATING: 4 out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
When Wicked: For Good begins, we see the yellow brick road being constructed. This stimulated my mind to no end because knowing The Wizard of Oz since childhood it was the first time I saw the true “building blocks” of what became a classic. With Elphaba as the Wicked Witch wreaking havoc on the workers it felt like we were now moving closer to the story of Dorothy and Toto than the more distant-feeling events of the previous film, Wicked, did (think the later seasons of Better Call Saul and how cool it was to see its connections lining up to Breaking Bad.) All of this warms my heart and imagination. I’m not a huge fan of musicals but that 1939 original film starring Judy Garland is seeped into my blood. This may be why I found this second part of the Wicked story to be so enjoyable. It connects the past with the present in a very satisfying way.
I sat watching the new film in a theatre packed with critics and fans. The former was waiting to be impressed or disappointed. The latter wanted to bask in the glow of this magical story. My own brain was looking for the connections to The Wizard of Oz. I wanted to make sure it all added up; that there was a logical, continuous line from that film to this one. In addition to the yellow brick road, we see Glinda get her first bubble in which to fly. Elphaba’s sister Nessarose rises to become the governor of Munchkin land before Dorothy’s house falls on her. We learn that the infamous tornado that brought it there might have actually been caused by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), who seems more wicked herself than in the previous film. We also see the origins of Dorothy’s comrades the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Needless to say, all of this is fascinating to watch unfold. It’s like putting together the pieces of some century-long story puzzle. I’d seen the original stage production of Wicked but remembered nothing of how it bridged these worlds together.
It’s only those ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz that felt a bit dissatisfying: the color and design is off… However, that is a minor quibble with this film. The sets and costumes feel more alive than ever and the powerful visuals feel less CGI infused (though they are) than they were in the first film.
Even the score by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz seems to be bridging the gap between the 1930s era musical elements of the original film with more modern innovations. They add intensity to the fast-moving narrative which is full of action combined with heartwarming moments, including the big, emotionally affecting, Elphaba/Glinda number, As Long as You’re Mine. I also really liked the new song, No Place Like Home, which was added to the film. It brings a further thematic link between The Wizard of Oz and both Wicked films. While at times it may feel like there might be too many songs in this one, the many show stopping numbers render this mostly as a criticism that can be thrown at the majority of musicals.
There’s no question that Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda are pretty spectacular in the film. Both are in incredible voice and are able to inhabit the major dramatic swings both characters must endure. Jeff Goldblum etches even further into the complexity of the Wizard with humorous and dark intent. While Michelle Yeoh might not have the greatest singing voice of the film, her character’s more disapproving and sinister side is significantly pronounced than what I recall from Wicked. Jonathan Bailey’s presence as Fiyero brought swoons within the audience and then feelings of astonishment as the character makes his own emotional and physical transitions.
In the end, Wicked: For Good is entertaining, enthralling, and surprising as it cleverly takes us through the events that were happening before and alongside Dorothy’s journey to Oz. The kid inside me just marvels at the creation of this new link to the original film. The adult critic in me is thrilled at how well it all comes together. After seeing so many serious Oscar-bound films as of late, this one is a welcome descent into fantasy and imaginative storytelling.
Wicked: For Good opens in theaters tomorrow.
FILM: WICKED: FOR GOOD
DIRECTED BY: JON M CHU
STARRING: CYNTHIA ERIVO, ARIANA GRANDE, JEFF GOLDBLUM
RATING: 4 out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
When Wicked: For Good begins, we see the yellow brick road being constructed. This stimulated my mind to no end because knowing The Wizard of Oz since childhood it was the first time I saw the true “building blocks” of what became a classic. With Elphaba as the Wicked Witch wreaking havoc on the workers it felt like we were now moving closer to the story of Dorothy and Toto than the more distant-feeling events of the previous film, Wicked, did (think the later seasons of Better Call Saul and how cool it was to see its connections lining up to Breaking Bad.) All of this warms my heart and imagination. I’m not a huge fan of musicals but that 1939 original film starring Judy Garland is seeped into my blood. This may be why I found this second part of the Wicked story to be so enjoyable. It connects the past with the present in a very satisfying way.
I sat watching the new film in a theatre packed with critics and fans. The former was waiting to be impressed or disappointed. The latter wanted to bask in the glow of this magical story. My own brain was looking for the connections to The Wizard of Oz. I wanted to make sure it all added up; that there was a logical, continuous line from that film to this one. In addition to the yellow brick road, we see Glinda get her first bubble in which to fly. Elphaba’s sister Nessarose rises to become the governor of Munchkin land before Dorothy’s house falls on her. We learn that the infamous tornado that brought it there might have actually been caused by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), who seems more wicked herself than in the previous film. We also see the origins of Dorothy’s comrades the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Needless to say, all of this is fascinating to watch unfold. It’s like putting together the pieces of some century-long story puzzle. I’d seen the original stage production of Wicked but remembered nothing of how it bridged these worlds together.
It’s only those ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz that felt a bit dissatisfying: the color and design is off… However, that is a minor quibble with this film. The sets and costumes feel more alive than ever and the powerful visuals feel less CGI infused (though they are) than they were in the first film.
Even the score by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz seems to be bridging the gap between the 1930s era musical elements of the original film with more modern innovations. They add intensity to the fast-moving narrative which is full of action combined with heartwarming moments, including the big, emotionally affecting, Elphaba/Glinda number, As Long as You’re Mine. I also really liked the new song, No Place Like Home, which was added to the film. It brings a further thematic link between The Wizard of Oz and both Wicked films. While at times it may feel like there might be too many songs in this one, the many show stopping numbers render this mostly as a criticism that can be thrown at the majority of musicals.
There’s no question that Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda are pretty spectacular in the film. Both are in incredible voice and are able to inhabit the major dramatic swings both characters must endure. Jeff Goldblum etches even further into the complexity of the Wizard with humorous and dark intent. While Michelle Yeoh might not have the greatest singing voice of the film, her character’s more disapproving and sinister side is significantly pronounced than what I recall from Wicked. Jonathan Bailey’s presence as Fiyero brought swoons within the audience and then feelings of astonishment as the character makes his own emotional and physical transitions.
In the end, Wicked: For Good is entertaining, enthralling, and surprising as it cleverly takes us through the events that were happening before and alongside Dorothy’s journey to Oz. The kid inside me just marvels at the creation of this new link to the original film. The adult critic in me is thrilled at how well it all comes together. After seeing so many serious Oscar-bound films as of late, this one is a welcome descent into fantasy and imaginative storytelling.
Wicked: For Good opens in theaters tomorrow.