Wicked: For Good: Emotional, Enchanting, but Not Quite Wicked-Level Magic

I was really looking forward to Part 2 of this story, and while I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, I definitely expected more. Wicked for Good does deliver a tense, emotional, and magical conclusion to Elphaba’s arc, and in many ways, its emotionally driven storytelling works even better than the first film. A lot of characters get room to shine, and—unsurprisingly—Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda once again give standout performances. Their moments of connection truly land, and the darker tone elevates the stakes beautifully.

Where the film struggles is in living up to the heights of Wicked. The musical beats don’t hit with the same force, and the songs this time around feel noticeably less memorable. Despite feeling long, the pacing doesn’t quite breathe; the third act comes off rushed, with several classic Wizard of Oz elements squeezed in rather than naturally woven.

Overall, Wicked for Good remains a solid continuation—emotional, entertaining, and still full of magic—even if it never quite becomes the powerhouse follow-up it could have been.