"Wicked: For Good" - Stunning Performances with Mixed Spells

People come into our lives for a reason.

Wicked: For Good is a 2025 film that continues the story of Glinda and Elphaba. Now living two separate lives in Oz, their paths cross once more when a new threat stirs trouble in the land. The women must settle their rift if the land can merit peace.

I spent a whole year feverishly awaiting part 2 of Wicked. As soon as the release day arrived, I wore my green and pink to the theater. Wicked: For Good is a story about friendship and redemption, but the film’s execution is not as strong compared to the first, deriving less focus on the main storyline.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are beyond the definition of magnificent. While Erivo captivates scenes with astounding vocal work, it’s Grande who does amazing acting work. She really dove into this character and delivered an emotional performance as Glinda.

The friendship Erivo and Grande created in this movie shines through their characters, especially in the signature duet “For Good.” Their dynamic remains the beating heart of the yellow brick road.

In my review of the first film, I said that I wanted to see more of the supporting cast. We do, and it’s mixed between well-acted scenes and filler. Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode reprise their characters.

Insert Jeff-Goldblum-fangirling here because it starts now. Goldblum deserves a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Jeff Goldblum plays the wizard. While he brings his trademark comedic skills, I have never seen Goldberg in a compelling dramatic performance like this. His best acting is in a realization. Goldblum’s performance shouldn’t go unnoticed.

My favorite scene that now lives rent-free in my head is Goldblum, Erivo, and Grande dancing together in “Wonderful.” I would love to see Goldberg sing and dance more. However, this song felt like it should have been in the first film.

Jon M. Chu truly brought the Wicked universe justice in his direction. He has spent four years working on both films. Chu made the film emotional, letting his actors make choices. The most important element he wanted to reflect in the film was authenticity. Chu said that he has not had an easy journey in the film industry, but Wicked has changed his confidence.

I like how he handled the “Wizard of Oz” crossover scenes. These scenes didn’t take focus away since they’ve already had their own movie.

However, the story never reaches narrative sharpness compared to the first movie. This movie didn’t have to be over two hours. For Good felt like an overstuffed scarecrow. With all the subplots with the supporting characters, it took focus away from Glinda and Elphaba.

It’s evident that the film is made for fans who know the story, but certain storylines are confusing when you don’t understand the context of the scene. For example, Boq’s (Slater) outcome. Everything happens offscreen, but it’s never explained how Boc ends up this way.

Plotlines feel stretched or underdeveloped, especially in the transition between songs. Don’t get me wrong, the songs are fantastic, especially with the vocal prowess from Erivo and Grande, but none of them really stuck out. Songs include “Every Day More Wicked,” “No Good Deed,” and “The Girl in the Bubble.”

The magic of cinema is in every sequence. These visuals enhance this magical world, but to me, the CGI backdrops were overused.

Wicked: For Good is still amazing to experience in theaters. It’s good to see sold-out theaters. I loved watching the younger audiences light up in pure joy at the movie.