Wicked: Partie II

The music and songs were just as great as the first one. What I loved about this movie is that there was alot more emotion and less action towards the end. I think that is what made hit the most. I was nice the see the wizard of Oz references and I was very surprised by some of the reveals. I think the cinematography is a little better than the first. There are more visually interesting shots. I think I need to rewatch this film as I think the first movie is better. But it is one of the best movies of the year. I highly recommend it.

The pacing in this film doesnt quite hold attention like the first. For some reason the set pieces still look good but also seem a bit smaller somehow? Or less detailed maybe? Not sure but there felt like a lot of more obvious cgi in this one. There was no real main hit song like the first one had and they were all a bit less memorable so that was disappointing, possibly aside from no place like home. I was personally happy with the ending. All of these 10s are embarrassing this film was not at all visually stunning and was hard to hear regularly. Obviously die hard wicked fans who would give anything wicked a 10. If youre not a serious man wicked fan this isnt a good movie.

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.

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.