The highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good hits theaters very soon, but the critics have already seen it – and here are their verdicts.
Wicked was one of the movie sensations of 2024. The film, based on the hugely successful stage show and starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, took $759 million at the global box office, making it one of the most successful of the year.
But there were always planned to be two parts of this movie and now the conclusion, Wicked: For Good, will be released on November 21. This movie will continue the story of Glinda and Elphaba and their relationship, five years on and explore how things have changed – and continue to.
As always, movie critics have been able to see advanced screenings of the movie, and their judgements are now in. Here is a round up of what they are saying.
Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood Reporter
In the Hollywood Reporter, John Rooney gives a largely positive response to the sequel, noting that the casting of Grande and Erivo was “a masterstroke”, not only for their singing abilities, but the depths they bring to their characters.
The plotting is praised – particularly how elements of the original Wizard of Oz film are woven into the story – as are supporting actors such as Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum. The “spectacular” production design and “wildly imaginative” costumes are, as with the first film, standouts.
BBC
Caryn James’ assessment of Wicked: For Good is that while it won’t win any sceptics over, but for those who are already converts, it is constantly enjoyable.
James adds that any ideas of social commentary – such as the false images that allow the Wizard to control Oz – are skipped past.
While the film is described as “slick and shiny” – James argues that this is what many fans want, awarding it four out of five stars.
Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes’ critics have given Wicked: For Good a generally positive judgement, scoring 73% on the Tomatometer from 106 reviews, at the time of writing. It has however fared better among fans – it has 97% on the Popcornmeter from more than 2,500 reviews.
Some critics criticised its length, saying it makes it sluggish in places, while others bemoaned too much “trite dialogue”. But others praised its ambition and for expanding on the universe of characters.
Variety
Peter Debruge at Variety praises the movie for “fixing flaws in the Broadway show’s second act”. He does note that seeing the first film is essential to be able to pick up the plot threads.
He notes that Glinda and Elphaba have more scenes – and songs – together in this second movie than they have in the second act of the stage show, something he notes as a common complaint. He also praises the inclusion of more of the Scarecrow and Tin Man’s backstory.
As he concludes – “the emotions are real; everything else is movie magic”.
Empire
John Nugent gives Wicked: For Good a lukewarm review of three stars out of five, saying it is the weaker of the two movies, and with a lower percentage of memorable songs.
He also notes that the second movie has a different tone to the first – sadder – which makes it less fun for everyone. He also notes that the songs aren’t as good as in the first movie – but that was also a complaint of the stage show – although No Good Deed is praised.
He concludes that it is Wicked: For Good, but not Wicked: For Great.
The Independent
Clarisse Loughrey was not a fan of the movie. Calling the sequel an “aimless slog” and criticising the lighting of the movie in a two-star review. She also says the movie has no profound revelations, wonder or spectacle.
However, new song No Place Like Home, and Erivo’s delivery of it, are praised. But Grande’s The Girl in the Bubble was judged as less effective.
