Wicked: Partie II

Unlike the first movie, the sequel was very fast paced. This costed the movie emotion, depth, nuance and complex characters. Here, characters felt one dimensional and often singular in purpose. The purpose being, the advancement of the plot.

There's 2 reasons that make it worth watching - the first is the chemistry between Cynthia and Ariana is still strong (and dare I say falls flat everywhere else), and the second is the advancement of the plot. But if you've watched the first movie more than once, chances are you're probably not going to be as enthused to watch this more than once. At times, it felt like a Marvel movie - move fast, use light humour to break tension and segue, and have characters switch on a dime.

Overall, this feels undercooked. I would have happily waited another year for a sequel with better pacing and direction.

Despite Cynthia stealing every scene with her amazing presence, voice and acting, for me part 2 just didn't work. Weak plot, what was there was rushed through, squeezed in Dorothy etc with no explanation or context, Nessa story not explained (although she's annoying so glad she wasn't on screen any more than needed), very little on the wizard, quick spoiler reveal and then he flew off, and Michelle yeoh is just dreadful throughout. The passion between fiyaro and elpheba was a bit awkward and unbelievable, which is a shame. But the friendship between Glinda and Elpheba was strong and emotional, by far the outstanding performance, but nothing else came close. And the music was just a bit rubbish, perhaps we were spoilt in the first.

As remarkable as the performances are-both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande truly shine throughout the film (particularly Grande's Glinda, whose maturity and emotional depth anchor much of this second half)-Wicked: Part Two ultimately lacks the strength and cohesion of its predecessor.

Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh all deliver standout performances, finally given the space to demonstrate why their casting mattered-something Part One failed to fully achieve for its supporting ensemble. On a technical level, the production design, makeup, costume design, and visual effects remain top-tier, matching the quality and ambition of the first installment. Cinematography is improved compared to Part 1.

However, while Part One stands firmly on its own-filled with the stronger musical numbers, color, and humor that have long defined the land of Oz-this second chapter feels more supplementary than essential for casual viewers. The editing and screenplay choices often prevent key musical moments such as "Thank Goodness" and "Wonderful" from reaching their full impact, trimming them so heavily that their magic is somewhat lost.

Conversely, several numbers receive impressive upgrades-"No Good Deed," "For Good," and "As Long As You're Mine" emerge as highlights, likely to leave audiences humming on their way out of the theater. It's during "I'm Not That Girl (Reprise)" that Grande's performance truly ascends, signaling the start of what could be an awards-worthy portrayal, rich in vulnerability and command.

In the end, while Part Two is undeniably flawed, it remains as enchanting as its material allows, offering moments of genuine wonder even as it falters under inevitable comparison to its predecessor. Despite its uneven pacing, this adaptation manages to refine and elevate many aspects of the Broadway source-ensuring that audiences will still leave the theater satisfied, their hearts light, and their spirits touched by a bit of Oz's timeless magic.

"Wicked: For Good" aims high with its musical ambitions, but the final result feels surprisingly hollow. It's the kind of film that promises grandeur - rich songs, emotional storytelling, a sweeping theatrical tone - yet delivers something that rarely rises above mediocre. For me, in contraposition with the previous very well done production, this movie is carried only by a few scattered moments of charm but weighed down by far too many shortcomings.

The biggest disappointment is the music. In a film where songs should carry emotion, character, and narrative weight, they instead feel weak, repetitive, and strangely uninspired. Most numbers come and go without leaving any impression, lacking both melodic strength and thematic purpose. Rather than elevating the story, the music often slows it down.

The script doesn't help. It feels thin, undercooked, and far too reliant on broad strokes rather than meaningful character development. Emotional turns arrive without buildup, conflicts lack impact, and the dialogue rarely adds depth. It's a story with potential, but very little of that potential makes it to the screen.

The pacing is equally problematic - inconsistent to the point of distraction. Some scenes drag without offering substance, while others rush through moments that should carry dramatic weight. The result is a film that feels both bloated and oddly empty, never finding its rhythm.

"Wicked: For Good" isn't without effort or intention, but it never manages to bring its ideas together into something compelling. It's underwhelming, forgettable, and a far cry from the magical musical experience it tries to be.

I think I would've given Wicked for Good a full extra star is Madam Morrible hadn't been performed by an actress as miscast as could be.

Now, I'm not a Wicked Nerd nor am I the biggest fan of musicals per se and neither is Michelle Yeoh, I have found out.

I actually liked the first Wicked, even though I wasn't a fan of Yeoh's performance; it was not as bad as could be.

Wicked part II was always going to be the lesser of the two films, simply because the first act of the musical has a more enjoyable plot and way nicer songs.

However, I wanted to give this film a fair chance.

Sure, the characters are, and their development is, quite questionable, but the film overall is enjoyable. Except whenever Madam Morrible opens her mouth.

And don't get me wrong; I think Michelle Yeoh is a wonderful and amazing actress. Just not in this role.

The sets and costumes are great. Lighting is good, but not as good as the first and the performances are excellent (apart from one).