Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).

Splitting Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s treasured two-act musical into two feature films was so the right move, because this second chapter gives us double the fun and double the emotional punch. Jon M. Chu, King of Glamour, Maestro of Sparkle, takes the reins once more, and wow, does he use that bigger canvas to paint a richer, deeper, more emotionally charged story.

This time, the stakes are higher, the emotions sharper, and the bond between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) more intense than ever. Chu lets their sisterhood simmer, expand, and combust in the most captivating ways, bringing a darker, more intimate tone to Oz that will have you clutching your bestie’s arm for emotional support. The tension between them? Honey. It’s chef’s kiss. And watching their bond evolve, both fractured and fiercely loyal, is one of the most rewarding parts of this film.

Yes, the film goes deeper and a little darker than the first. This is a story about outsiders, about injustice, about finding your power even when the world tells you not to shine. There are moments that genuinely sting, moments that feel unfair and frightening, and you’ll absolutely want justice for our poor misunderstood Elphie.

But even with these heavier notes, Wicked: For Good is still an enchanting sugar-rush of colour, warmth, romance, sparkle and pure musical ecstasy. Chu’s direction is exquisite, every moment crafted with utter precision, and do not get me started on the fashion. Honey. The fashion. Haute couture enchantment. Gowns that shimmer, swirl, float and glow. Looks that belong in Vogue: Oz Edition. And the sets? A rainbow symphony of bubbles, flowers, glitter, sparkle and joy.

This film is delicious for the eyes. And yes, girl, you will fall in love. Hard.

From the swooping crane shots to the spellbinding effects, every single cinematic tool is firing on full glamour-mode. The animation and special effects breathe new life into Oz with extravagant detail and colour, making this magical world shimmer brighter than ever.

And musically? Oh my god. John Powell and Stephen Schwartz deliver a soaring, heart-thumping score that will have you tapping your toes, swaying your shoulders, maybe even belting out the final notes as you leave the theatre (no shame, babe). Ariana Grande absolutely stuns; her vocals are powerful, angelic, and playful all at once. Cynthia Erivo brings soul-deep emotion that could melt the Emerald City itself.

Plus, the supporting cast shines like sequins on Glinda’s gown: Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, who once again brings that deliciously sinister flair as the Wizard.

One of the absolute cutest and most magical elements of Wicked: For Good is how it seamlessly bridges Wicked, this sequel, and The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion… and yes, those legendary ruby slippers… all make their appearance in the most charming, sparkling way. It’s like a warm hug from your childhood. Chu’s integration of the Oz mythology is clever, enchanting and packed with nostalgia. It’s the perfect cherry-on-top moment that gives the whole journey a sense of destiny, wonder and girl-power joy.

If you’re looking for a film that celebrates eternal girlhood, that feeds your inner sparkle princess, that mixes heart, glamour, music, fashion and friendship into one exquisite cinematic cocktail… this is the movie for you.

The story is powerful. The costumes are gorgeous. The music is phenomenal. And the vibes? Pure magic. So text the group chat. Grab your besties. Hit the yellow brick road. And get ready for two hours of pure, beautiful, heart-bursting escapism. Because Wicked: For Good is absolutely the girls’ night out cinema event of the year.

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The post ‘Wicked: For Good’ – Review appeared first on SpicyPulp.

2024’s Wicked was a bonafide cultural moment with both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lauded for their performances as Elphaba and Glinda, and now after much patience and a whole heap of fanfare, audiences are preparing themselves for the all-new chapter of Wicked, with Wicked: For Good.

Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award® nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.

Watch the all-new super spectacular trailer for Wicked: For Good Below:

Here’s the official synopsis:

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).

Glinda (Ariana Grande), meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh), Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.

As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Olivier award winner and Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Tony nominee Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.

As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.

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This new trailer, which comes in at a whopping three minutes, promises an experience of absolute pure cinema for audiences, and fans of the original Wicked will be over the moon with what is delivered to them here. The size and scope of the picture is utterly enormous, and audiences will firmly be entranced in Oz, and with its rousing musical numbers and sparkling production, this is going to be a film you have to see in pure technicolour glory.

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Get ready for the magic when Wicked: For Good arrives in cinemas on November 20.

Image: Universal Pictures

The post The magic returns with ‘Wicked: For Good’ appeared first on SpicyPulp.