The anticipated sequel of the film “Wicked,” titled “Wicked: For Good,” was finally released on Nov. 21. After the release of the first movie, fans could barely wait to continue watching the story of the two beloved witches, Glinda and Elphaba.
Both movies adapt the fan-adored Broadway musical “Wicked” on screen. The story follows the life of the iconic Wicked Witch of the West. The musical takes place before and during the plot of “The Wizard of Oz.”
The movie “Wicked,” released in 2024, covered the entirety of Act I of the musical. “Wicked: For Good” finishes off the story with Act II.
Just at the release of the title, fans were already building anticipation. The iconic song of Act II, “For Good,” is mentioned in the title, sung when Glinda and Elphaba say their final goodbyes.
Sophomore Julia Vasconcelos saw the movie on opening night. She was not disappointed.
“It was really good,” Vasconelos said. “The music is really well made.”
One of the most appreciated aspects of the sequel was the in-depth character development of both Glinda and Elphaba. The movie even added two new songs to deepen the characters’ perspectives: “No Place Like Home,” sung by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, and “Girl in a Bubble,” sung by Ariana Grande as Glinda. Starting from the moment of the album’s track release on Spotify, fan theories were sprouting everywhere about what each song could mean in terms of the plot.
“No Place Like Home” gave viewers extra insight on Elphaba’s deep connection to her home, Oz, despite the hate she has been given her whole life. In the song, she urges the animals to fight back against the Wizard’s persecution. “Girl In a Bubble” reflects on Glinda’s realization that she can no longer be truly happy seeking attention.
With these extra layers added to the characters, fans were sure that the movie would exceed their expectations. Still, online commenters weren’t all happy with the outcome with the movie holding a Rotten Tomato score of 67%.
Most complaints sprouted from the idea that the movie was underwhelming. Others thought that the plot seemed scattered and unclear.
“I feel like some of the song changes were unnecessary, especially Glinda being added to ‘Wonderful,’” Jade Boulos said, a senior at Sage Creek who first saw “Wicked” on Broadway. She mentions how the song dedicated to the Wizard, “Wonderful,” was changed from its original version to fit the movie.
Despite the changes added to the movie, it still satisfied viewers with the overall conclusion of the story.
“It was pretty great,” Boulos said. “I really enjoyed the movie.”
Whether old or new fans are watching the new release, both can agree that the conclusion is a bittersweet way to wrap up the story of the two witches.
