Part two of the retelling of the story behind the witches of The Wizard of Oz conjures up an array of emotions. And a few surprises. Whereas part one leans more towards frothy fun, WICKED: FOR GOOD becomes much more serious and almost horrific; mild violence is shown, but much worse is suggested and thankfully not shown to keep the film accessible to younger viewers.
Visually, the film, directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu, is a stunner – images of fields of tulips, floating castles, the City of Oz, and the wedding scene are unforgettable.
Standout performances are Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba – her voice is miraculous- and Ariana Grande as Galinda/Glinda – her voice is also a revelation – and the arc of their relationship is convincing. Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard is entertaining and provides needed comic relief; his denouement upon realizing his connection to Elphaba was a bit flat and could have used more screentime. For Madame Morrible, Michelle Yeoh provides an ominous presence; her steely glares at Glinda are chilling, and her incantation of a storm scene is powerful.
Surprising this viewer, the film introduces serious themes that are as relevant to people in the real world as to Munchkins and Ozians. Persecution and imprisonment of those who are different and vulnerable; the eyes of persecuted animals depict such pain and suffering – the flying monkeys are nightmarish, yet pitiable victims of enslavement by those in power. The adoration of those in positions of power. A willingness to be dazzled by those who use pomp and showy theatrics to lead us to accept messages to do things we otherwise would not do. The bubble as illusion to power and separation “from the masses,” then being popped to expose the truth. Labeling some as good and others as evil. Thought-provoking, heavy themes that add a surprising depth to this film.
Where WICKED: FOR GOOD falls short… The film feels about 20 minutes too long as some scenes drag. Sidekick characters like those played by Bowen Chang and Bronwen James are, unfortunately, tossed aside as the film narrows in focus to the core characters. The blooming of physical passion between Elphaba and Prince Fiyero Tigelaar seems rushed and sudden – and a little out of character for Elphaba who is committed to making things right. The world is falling apart – yet there is time to canoodle in a treehouse? But then again, these are young, passionate people, and she seeks love and to be loved – so maybe that is reasonable? And maybe a rush to passion is a realistic human reaction to stress and fear? My wife said the scene was like a replay of actor Bailey’s role in Bridgerton – just with a different woman: “Yup, here we go again, removing your fancy jacket, slipping down the suspenders, unbuttoning the billowy white shirt…seen this before!”
The love triangle theme is predictable and a little disappointing. I didn’t like seeing that the story of the relationship between two powerful women involves a fight over a guy. That said, there had to be a riff between the two for the film to dovetail with the storyline of the 1939 Wizard of Oz. The way Dorothy and the other main characters of that film are drawn into the story of this film is creative and clever. The Tin Man story is satisfyingly developed and unexpectedly scary with a sad twist as to how he lost his heart (does he ever find it?). Less so is the story behind the lion as to why he’s cowardly (and pretty ungrateful, I’d say). The story of the Scarecrow is also clever and sad but it doesn’t really make sense to me as to why the scarecrow (Prince Fiyero) would join Dorothy on the yellow brick road to see the Wizard (he’s got more important things to do with Elphie). The way Dorothy and the others are depicted, and others’ reactions to her, is a delight.
The film’s last scene is a trite storybook ending, but isn’t that what we want from a fairy tale? Despite its flaws, WICKED: FOR GOOD may change you and maybe for the better.
See the trailer of WICKED: FOR GOOD here.
Seeing the movie at Alamo Drafthouse at Sloans Lake was a great way to go though (it’s also playing at Alamo’s Littleton and Westminster locations). Whether enjoying a bite and a drink before the show or ordering during, it’s a primo way to experience a film. Check out the WICKED: FOR GOOD-themed food and drink menu available at all screenings which includes the Pink & Green Pizza (striped with tomato cream and spinach pesto on a thin crust); Green Elixir cocktail (Malibu Coconut Rum melon liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice and cherry); The Good-Wich (chicken, caramelized onions and lemon garlic aioli in a pita with fries); and the Kahlua Twister (Kahlua and vodka dessert cocktail). The special menu is available at your theatre seat until Jan. 5, 2026!
Check out Alamo’s additional special screenings and features:
- WICKED: FOR GOOD Movie Party
- WICKED Double Feature
- WICKED: FOR GOOD 3D Early Access Screening
- WICKED: FOR GOOD The Big Show Early Access Screening
- WICKED: FOR GOOD Alamo Drafthouse merchandise
-By Jimmy McDonough, InGoodTasteDenver.com
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