Wicked Parte II

After all of the audio cuts from the trailers that had me SO looking forward to entire numbers, I daresay it landed flat for me. I wanted to be gut-wrenched during and after this film but I just wasn't. There wasn't enough tension build-up to release during For Good and unfortunately I was underwhelmed by the delivery. I left the theater unmoved by the supporting cast performances. Act II is known to be the weaker act for the stage version, but the film had an opportunity to deliver better pacing and fuller picture. The plot points that feel rushed on stage felt rushed in the move as well.

Overall, the film kept my interest and boasts stunning optics, but doesn't touch the level of masterpiece or re-watchability part one had.

Elphaba and Glinda find their respective paths, but their friendship is sorely tested. Can it survive, or will the once-close witches become mortal enemies?

The first film quite literally took the world by storm, entertaining millions and surprising many-people who went in expecting to loathe it were satisfied.

Where the first film is whimsical, uplifting, and somehow familiar, this second act is altogether more serious and a little deeper.

Dazzling special effects make it feel grand and opulent, but sometimes it's so polished and dazzling that the story gets a little lost. Occasionally it's so sentimental that it becomes a bit much.

It's not quite the hocus without the pocus, but it's not a patch on the first movie. Yes, it's visually stunning and nobody on earth could tell me there isn't chemistry between Cynthia and Ariana-it's there-but everything else just feels a little subdued.

As expected, there are many references to the first film. I couldn't help but think I'd sooner have been watching that. Die-hards will surely love it, but those who were unexpectedly surprised by the first may feel a little short-changed.

6/10.

"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.

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.

Went into this with high expectations but left feeling indifferent.

As good as Cynthia Erivos performance is it wasn't enough to pull this film together.

Characters plot weak and story rushed. Whole thing was stretched far too thin- needed a good 45 minutes chopped off it.

Songs dull and immemorial- Dare I say a bit boring.

There were elements I enjoyed and liked the spin of how Tin man, Cowardly lion and Scarecrow were re-invented.

Hated the ending but I liked Cynthia's character and wanted vindication for her so was disappointed. I felt a lot of the characters were unnecessary additions .Overview ( Just Ok) I actually checked my phone several times during the showing to see how long was left. Such a shame as it had great potential.