The highly anticipated “Wicked: For Good” struggles to find its footing. This second installment is a cinematic journey back to the Land of Oz. It fails to impress despite immense fan expectation.
New musical numbers for its lead stars could not save the film. Critics pinpoint a particularly “wooden” performance from Ariana Grande as Glinda. This also comes alongside a narrative feeling both “bloated” and “boring.”
This follow-up to the Oz origin story fails to deliver the magic audiences craved. It received a starkly disappointing 1/5 star rating from leading film critics. The initial buzz is clearly negative.
A Disappointing Return to Oz: “Wicked: For Good” Fails to Enchant
The realm of Oz, so richly imagined in its stage origins, offered immense promise. Many hoped for a two-part cinematic adaptation. However, “Wicked: For Good” unfortunately derails this potential.
Early critical reception indicates a significant misstep. The ambitious musical film struggles here. It seemingly cannot translate its stage magic effectively. What should have been a triumphant continuation reportedly feels like a cinematic chore. Many viewers will find the experience tedious rather than immersive.
The Burden of Expectation on a Beloved Musical Adaptation
Adapting a global phenomenon like “Wicked” always carries immense pressure. Fans hold deep affection for the original stage production. Translating that magic to the silver screen requires a delicate touch.
Unfortunately, “Wicked: For Good” seems to buckle under this pressure. It struggles to balance fidelity with cinematic innovation. The film’s extended runtime and additional songs were meant to deepen the story. Instead, they reportedly contribute to its narrative drag. This sequel aimed high but seemingly missed the mark. Its execution particularly disappoints.
Ariana Grande’s Glinda: A Performance Under Scrutiny
A central point of contention for “Wicked: For Good” is the portrayal of Glinda. Pop superstar Ariana Grande takes on this iconic role. Initial reviews describe her performance as “painfully wooden.”
This is a significant blow. The character of Glinda is known for her effervescent charm. She also possesses a complex emotional arc. Glinda needs a captivating stage presence. A critic labeling her acting “wooden” suggests a lack of depth. It implies a disconnect between the performer and the role’s demands. This leaves audiences feeling unengaged with her journey.
The Impact of a ‘Wooden’ Portrayal on a Pivotal Character
Glinda is not merely a supporting player in the “Wicked” narrative. Her relationship with Elphaba forms the emotional core of the story. Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba with her characteristic intensity. A less-than-convincing Glinda can significantly undermine the entire film.
The character’s transformation from bubbly socialite to conflicted figure requires nuanced acting. If Grande’s performance lacks subtlety, the emotional stakes diminish. It prevents viewers from fully investing in Glinda’s internal struggles. This certainly contributes to the overall feeling of boredom mentioned by critics.
Bloated Run Time and a Boring Narrative: The Sequel’s Downfall
Beyond individual performances, “Wicked: For Good” reportedly suffers from fundamental structural issues. The critique highlights the film as “bloated and boring.” This usually implies an excessive run time. It suggests scenes filled with unnecessary content.
A bloated film often prioritizes spectacle over cohesive pacing. It might feature tangential storylines. This results in an experience that drags. Even with new songs, the film fails to maintain audience interest. The reviewer explicitly states the film “fails to take flight.” This is a direct criticism of its overall energy.
The Peril of Splitting a Story: When More Isn’t Better
The decision to split the “Wicked” narrative into two cinematic parts always presented risks. It allows for greater detail. However, it also demands compelling storytelling across both installments. The original stage musical builds to a powerful climax. This happens just before the interval, captivating the audience.
“Wicked: For Good” picks up where the first part left off. It seems unable to sustain the tension. This suggests the latter half of the story struggles on its own. What worked as a second act on stage doesn’t always translate into a full, engaging feature film. The pacing feels off. This leads to a sense of protracted tedium.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and the Unfulfilled Promise
Cynthia Erivo takes on the challenging role of Elphaba. She brings her powerful vocal talents to the character. Even with Erivo’s presence, the film apparently cannot overcome its other flaws.
The character of Elphaba requires immense emotional depth and vocal prowess. Erivo is undoubtedly a talent capable of delivering this. However, a strong individual performance can only do so much. When the overall structure is “bloated” and a co-star’s performance is “wooden,” even a standout Elphaba might struggle. She cannot lift the entire production alone. The film needed both leads to truly soar.
New Songs, Same Problems? The Score’s Contribution
The sequel reportedly includes new songs for both Elphaba and Glinda. While new music can enhance an adaptation, it must serve the narrative effectively. If the film is “bloated,” these new numbers might not feel organic. They could even contribute to the perceived slowness.
A truly engaging musical weaves its songs seamlessly into the plot. If the new compositions simply extend the runtime, they become part of the problem. This suggests the new material, despite its potential, fails to invigorate the film. It does not advance character or story in a meaningful way.
Overall Critical Consensus: A Resounding Disappointment
Robbie Collin, a Chief Film Critic, delivered a harsh 1/5 rating. This low score signals a significant failure. It highlights profound issues in direction, script, and performances. Such a rating is rare for a high-profile musical adaptation.
The overall sentiment is one of irritation and boredom. This review serves as a strong warning. It indicates that “Wicked: For Good” struggles to capture any magic from its source material. Fans looking for an enchanting return to Oz will likely find themselves profoundly disappointed. This cinematic sequel simply does not deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific criticisms have emerged regarding “Wicked: For Good”?
Critics have highlighted several significant issues with “Wicked: For Good.” A prominent criticism centers on Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda, described as “painfully wooden.” Beyond individual performances, the film is widely characterized as “bloated and boring.” The narrative reportedly drags, failing to maintain audience engagement. A leading film critic gave the movie a stark 1/5 rating, underscoring its overall lack of magic and inability to live up to the high expectations set by its popular stage predecessor.
Which key roles do Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande play in the “Wicked” sequel?
In “Wicked: For Good,” the highly anticipated sequel, Cynthia Erivo takes on the powerful role of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West. She brings her acclaimed vocal talents to the character. Ariana Grande stars opposite her as Glinda, the bubbly and complex Good Witch. Their dynamic relationship forms the heart of the “Wicked” story. However, reviews suggest Grande’s performance as Glinda may not have fully captured the character’s nuanced essence, impacting the film’s overall reception.
Should fans of the original “Wicked” musical still watch “Wicked: For Good” despite negative reviews?
Fans of the original “Wicked” musical should approach “Wicked: For Good” with tempered expectations, according to initial critical reactions. While the film attempts to expand on the beloved Oz origin story, reviews suggest it struggles to capture the stage production’s magic, being described as “irritating” and “bloated.” Even staunch defenders of the stage show might concede that the cinematic sequel peaks too early. If you’re curious about the continuation of Elphaba and Glinda’s story, proceed with caution, but be prepared for potential disappointment based on the 1/5 star rating.
“Wicked: For Good” appears to be a cinematic endeavor that buckles under its own ambition. It also struggles with the weight of immense expectation. What promised to be a magical continuation of the Oz origin story has instead been delivered as a “bloated and boring” film. This is punctuated by a critically “wooden” performance from Ariana Grande.
For those who cherished the intricate world of Oz and the powerful narrative of “Wicked,” this sequel delivers a significant disappointment. It serves as a stark reminder that some stage magic proves notoriously difficult to translate successfully to the big screen. Perhaps revisiting the original Broadway cast recording might offer a more enchanting experience. Fans seeking the true spirit of Oz may find solace there.
