Wicked: For Good was a movie I definitely felt I needed to see. I’m honestly with the majority of viewers on this one: Part Two wasn’t as strong as Part One. That said, it was still good—and I actually enjoyed it enough to see it twice in theaters.
There was something truly special about the first film. Seeing Elphaba and Glinda as college students, watching their friendship form, and learning the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West gave Part One a sense of magic and emotional depth that really stood out. The origin story, the world-building, and the character development all felt fresh and meaningful.
Part Two shifts its focus and perspective. This time, the story leans more into the traditional Wizard of Oz framework, incorporating Dorothy and following events alongside the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion. While this approach made sense narratively, it did lose some of the spark that made the first part feel so unique.
That being said, Wicked: For Good still has a lot going for it. One of the strongest elements is Glinda’s character arc. In the first film, she’s bubbly, silly, and often naïve. In this second chapter, we really see her mature. She begins to understand the consequences of her actions and is faced with the difficult choice of who she wants to be—and whether she will truly stand “for good.”
The song “For Good” was especially powerful. It beautifully captures the idea that friendships can endure, even through conflict, separation, and heartbreak. The message that someone can change your life forever—even if they’re no longer beside you—really stood out to me and was one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the film.
The romantic subplot between Elphaba and the Scarecrow was decent, though not my favorite part. It worked well enough and stayed true to the stage musical, but I do feel it could have been executed a little better emotionally. Still, it didn’t take away from the overall story.
I appreciated that the film remained faithful to the Broadway play while also adding a few extra songs, which helped expand certain emotional beats. Overall, the plot was solid, the lessons were meaningful, and the story was thoughtfully told.
Is Wicked: For Good better than Part One? No—Part One is still the standout. But this second installment delivers strong themes, emotional growth, and a satisfying continuation of the story. While there are elements I might have changed, I still think it was a good film with important messages about friendship, accountability, and choosing who you want to be
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