“Wicked: For Good” directed by Jon M. Chu features Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), the film following the first part “Wicked” which was released in theaters in 2024.

After years of anticipation, the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” has finally made its way to the big screen. The film follows the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood girl born with green skin and actual magic, and Glinda, who is good and a rising star in the emerald city. Without giving away key moments, the film stays faithful to the heart of the original story which is exploring themes of identity, power, and the blurry line between good and evil while expanding certain scenes to give viewers a deeper look into Oz and its political undercurrents.

I went to see the first part of “Wicked” in theaters and was excited to see the second and was curious to see how they would compare.

The movie was pretty fast paced and for what they were trying to achieve but I also understand the idea that they are trying to include all the parts and songs from the musical to keep it real. Although some parts could have been touched on more and others cut out completely the film does a great job of drawing you in.

Visually, “Wicked: For Good” is a spectacle. The production design stays true to the musical’s whimsical aesthetic while elevating it with rich detail, immersive effects, and a vibrant color palette. The iconic soundtrack remains one of the film’s biggest strengths, with updated arrangements that honor the Broadway score while taking advantage of cinematic sound. A lot of the songs have become super popular and most people would recognize them instantly.

“Wicked: For Good” keeps the magic of the first film while offering something new. A new part to the story, new songs to love, and a new movie to enjoy. This proves that even after all these years, this story can still defy gravity.