Editor’s note: This movie review contains spoilers.
I’m a sucker for a good back story; but I was sold by the combination of phenomenal camerawork, emotional acting and an overall stunning production of the movie musical “Wicked for Good.”
First off, I love the story of Glinda and Elphaba. There are so many emotions shown in their relationship, and I find their joy and annoyances with each other very relatable. They felt very deeply about everything, and I thought the acting really demonstrated the range of emotions felt.
I especially enjoyed the scenes where they fought over Fiyero, which were really funny and showed how silly it is when we let new love interests get in the way of long-standing friendships. I’m typically not in support of fighting over a man, but when you’re fighting over Jonathan Bailey, I get it.
Speaking of Fiyero, I really liked the backstory of the scarecrow, the lion and the tin man. Even though I didn’t know much about these characters going in, I really enjoyed the backstory. I thought it was interesting how these curses were the product of Elphaba trying to be helpful and do something good, it made her anger even more validated.
Last year I left the first “Wicked” movie really disliking Glinda. But this sequel totally changed my mind about her. I came into the theater thinking Glinda was shallow and a bit of a traitor for working with the wizard in the first “Wicked” film, until I was then shown the reasoning behind her actions and how she was trying to make her childhood-self proud.
Although it appeared she was at odds with Elphaba, I was happy to see how deep-down Glinda really wanted the best for her and helped her achieve her goals. Personally, I think Glinda did an amazing job taking over Oz and honoring her best friend’s wishes after she left.
Glinda’s singing “The Girl in the Bubble,” acted as a thesis statement of her emotions, which were shown so beautifully throughout the film. While singing, she finally steps into her power and decides to stand up to those hunting Elphaba and turning Oz against her.
And if you didn’t like Elphaba already, wait until you hear her singing “No Good Deed.”
This song was so powerful, demonstrating her rage perfectly. She is so frustrated by always trying to do the right thing, but it never works out as planned; she is longing to be understood. It is all so relatable and really makes you want to pull for her.
The emotions and songs were absolutely beautiful, but so was the design of the film. The transitions between bright and beautiful colors with deep and dramatic colors, combined with the camera work highlighted detail in both the characters and settings. I thought the sets and costumes were beautiful in this film, especially in the early wedding scenes.
I’m a notorious non-movie watcher. If you mention a movie, even a classic, chances are I haven’t seen it. But “Wicked” and “Wicked for Good” really blew me away, and may have convinced me to finally watch “The Wizard of Oz.”
