Review: Wicked - For Good
It's been a year-long wait, but the second half of the movie adaptation of Wicked has finally arrived in theaters. I have been a fan of the Broadway musical for twenty years, so I was excited to see it brought ot he big screen. This film covered the second act of the play, and more than doubled its length from the stage version. Though the additional footage was more noticeable in this movie than it was in the first one, I did not think it detracted from the plot in any way. The second act of the musical is quiet, emotional, and mature, which was accurately reflected by this adaptation. In terms of authenticity, it helped that Winnie Holzman, the writer of the book for the Broadway musical, also wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation, and that Gregory Maguire, the author of the thematically divergent novel that inspired it, was not involved.
Since both Wicked movies were shot simultaneously, this movie contains many of the same breathtaking practical imagery and effects as the first, but with a darker overall feel that mirrors the second act of the play. I have to give props to Paul Tazewell, the movie's costume designer, for creating the most stunningly gorgeous dress I have ever seen in a live-action movie. This movie did what Disney has failed to do in their most recent live-action remakes and gave us a gown that evokes all the otherworldly magic of a fairy tale princess. Glinda's signature pink blends beautifully with the sky blue color of her Broadway dress in For Good to create a glittering pastel dream. The cinematography was whimsical and surreal, transporting audiences to the mystical realm of Oz, particularly during emotion-driven musical numbers such as "As Long As You're Mine."
Just like in the first film, actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande gave it their all with heartwrenching performances as Elphaba and Glinda. Their singing was on par with or surpassed the many Broadway performers who have embodied these roles. The emotional tension of the play's second act shone through in their heartfelt singing and the dynamic cinematography that showcased the struggles they were going through when all of Oz turned against Elphaba, forcing Glinda to hide her friendship. Two new musical numbers, entitled "There's No Place Like Home" and "The Girl in the Bubble," allotted additional opportunities for them to express their veiled feelings behind the Wizard's political scandals. Glinda's new solo was a bigger character moment between the two. Ariana's talents are put on display further when she joins the Wizard for his performance of "Wonderful," a song that was originally a private moment between Elphaba and the Wizard.
Although the plot and dialogue remain largely the same as the Broadway musical, minor changes were made to account for the longer runtime, in addition to a few other details. Actress Marissa Bode has spoken out about her desire for Nessarose not to be seen as a disabled person who needs to be "fixed" by Elphaba's magic. In addition to the new songs, the movie added a flashback of Glinda's childhood, which was cute but mostly unnecessary, as it repeats information that has already been established in the first movie. The Wizard of Oz elements are tastefully incorporated into the background just like in the Broadway show, making it necessary for moviegoers to be familiar with the 1939 classic before exploring this new take. Overall, I think fans of the musical will be satisfied by this loyal interpretation.
Wicked: For Good is a stunning adaptation of the beloved musical's second act, staying true to the spirit of the original while adding its own cinematic flair. The performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are exceptional, and the visuals are breathtaking, particularly Glinda's show-stopping gown. With its emotional depth and whimsical cinematography, this film is a must-see for fans of the musical and newcomers alike, offering a fresh yet faithful adaptation of the iconic story. It won't be long before fans are able to binge the entire cinematic interpretation of the show, which will run nearly five hours. Would you rather watch the two-and-a-half-hour stage show or marathon the extended films for the full Wicked experience?? Let me know in the comments!
Since both Wicked movies were shot simultaneously, this movie contains many of the same breathtaking practical imagery and effects as the first, but with a darker overall feel that mirrors the second act of the play. I have to give props to Paul Tazewell, the movie's costume designer, for creating the most stunningly gorgeous dress I have ever seen in a live-action movie. This movie did what Disney has failed to do in their most recent live-action remakes and gave us a gown that evokes all the otherworldly magic of a fairy tale princess. Glinda's signature pink blends beautifully with the sky blue color of her Broadway dress in For Good to create a glittering pastel dream. The cinematography was whimsical and surreal, transporting audiences to the mystical realm of Oz, particularly during emotion-driven musical numbers such as "As Long As You're Mine."
Just like in the first film, actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande gave it their all with heartwrenching performances as Elphaba and Glinda. Their singing was on par with or surpassed the many Broadway performers who have embodied these roles. The emotional tension of the play's second act shone through in their heartfelt singing and the dynamic cinematography that showcased the struggles they were going through when all of Oz turned against Elphaba, forcing Glinda to hide her friendship. Two new musical numbers, entitled "There's No Place Like Home" and "The Girl in the Bubble," allotted additional opportunities for them to express their veiled feelings behind the Wizard's political scandals. Glinda's new solo was a bigger character moment between the two. Ariana's talents are put on display further when she joins the Wizard for his performance of "Wonderful," a song that was originally a private moment between Elphaba and the Wizard.
Although the plot and dialogue remain largely the same as the Broadway musical, minor changes were made to account for the longer runtime, in addition to a few other details. Actress Marissa Bode has spoken out about her desire for Nessarose not to be seen as a disabled person who needs to be "fixed" by Elphaba's magic. In addition to the new songs, the movie added a flashback of Glinda's childhood, which was cute but mostly unnecessary, as it repeats information that has already been established in the first movie. The Wizard of Oz elements are tastefully incorporated into the background just like in the Broadway show, making it necessary for moviegoers to be familiar with the 1939 classic before exploring this new take. Overall, I think fans of the musical will be satisfied by this loyal interpretation.
Wicked: For Good is a stunning adaptation of the beloved musical's second act, staying true to the spirit of the original while adding its own cinematic flair. The performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are exceptional, and the visuals are breathtaking, particularly Glinda's show-stopping gown. With its emotional depth and whimsical cinematography, this film is a must-see for fans of the musical and newcomers alike, offering a fresh yet faithful adaptation of the iconic story. It won't be long before fans are able to binge the entire cinematic interpretation of the show, which will run nearly five hours. Would you rather watch the two-and-a-half-hour stage show or marathon the extended films for the full Wicked experience?? Let me know in the comments!
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