Key Highlights
- The musical adaptation’s second and final instalment of “Wicked: For Good” is described as ’emotionally soaring’.
- Ariana Grande’s performance in the film is highlighted for her moments to shine, making the most of them.
- Director Jon M Chu milks every tear-jerking moment, with powerful vocal performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
- The film concludes on a heartfelt note, with a song that captures the essence of eternal friendship.
The Wicked Tale Continues: “For Good” Explores Friendship and Deception
Wicked: For Good, the sequel to last year’s hit film Wicked, is a continuation of the emotionally charged tale that has captivated audiences for two decades. The musical adaptation’s second and final instalment isn’t likely to win over sceptics who are critical of the candy-coloured spectacle and overt sentimentality. However, if you’re fine with embracing the spectacle, this latest entry is more captivating than its predecessor.
Ariana Grande’s Stellar Performance
One of the standout performances in Wicked: For Good comes from Ariana Grande, who shines in her role as Glinda, the princess-y one in pink. Grande has always been ideal for the character, giving Glinda just the right little giggle and hair flip. In this instalment, she gets more narrative depth, becoming disappointed and disillusioned as she sings “I couldn’t be happier,” which reveals cracks in her happy facade.
Powerful Vocal Performances
The film features powerful vocal performances from both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who portrays the green-skinned outsider Elphaba. Erivo’s voice is described as “powerful” and “vehement,” while Grande’s performance is described as “perfectly light-handed and lyrical.” The camera captures these moments effectively, with close-ups that highlight their expressions as they sing.
The Plot and Themes
Wicked: For Good picks up where the first film left off. Elphaba, after discovering that the Wizard is a fraud, now lives in a dense, dark forest, hunted by his soldiers led by Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey). Despite still having feelings for Elphaba, Fiyero is engaged to Glinda, who lives in a spacious, pink and marble Art Deco apartment. The film explores themes of friendship, deception, and the power of image over reality.
The Final Note
Despite its lack of subtlety and thematic depth, Wicked: For Good is an ode to eternal friendship. Its heart comes near the end when the witches face each other and sing “For Good,” a moment that captures the essence of their bond. The film may be slick and shiny, but it may also be just what its many fans want.
★★★★☆
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