As theatre-goers know, the second act of a play or musical is always shorter than the first act. The filmmakers behind the screen adaptation of Wicked decided to split the acts into two movies. That leads to the question -- how would they make a full-length movie out of a one-hour second act?
Two new songs by composer Stephen Schwartz have been added, while scenes and plots take longer to develop in this two-hour and 18-minute sequel (note: the entire stage musical runs for a total of two hours, 45 minutes). That's not to say Wicked: For Good isn't stunning. Production designer Nathan Crowley infuses much detail into the colorful and impressive sets, and the bubble in which Glinda is transported is clearer than in the stage play, where the bubble can't actually pop. In the film, the bubble actually popping creates the illusion that Glinda, who has no powers at all, actually has magic. It's a very entertaining scene when she arrives in front of the people of Oz in the bubble and astounds them with it.
Just as with the first, the performances are incredible, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda continue to bowl audiences over with exceptional voices that seem to have no limits to their ranges.
Jonathan Bailey (People magazine's newly appointed "Sexiest Man Alive") as Fiyero is as dashing as ever, with a voice that easily meets the demands of the songs he performs. He is also instrumental in the biggest twist that comes in this installment -- one that will delight audiences.
However, when he's in danger, neither Elphaba nor Glinda puts themselves at risk to save him. Elphaba, with all of her powers, and Glinda, with her all-encompassing popularity, leave him to fend for himself. It's frustrating how long the audience has to wait before discovering what happens to him, while the girls work on their relationship.
Granted, this is a story of friendship between two women, and that is portrayed beautifully, although it's sometimes hard to appreciate as we're left worrying about Fiyero.
There are some funny moments, as when Dorothy and Toto from The Wizard of Oz make their appearances and we see how the Tin Man and Lion (and eventually the Scarecrow) came to be. Dorothy's presence is more concrete than what the stage musical is able to offer, although we never do see Dorothy's face (as it should be).
Wicked, like the many other stage musicals before it that were made into movies, would also have been better off as one film. It's not that it's difficult to remember what happened in the first one in a general sense, but instead of the padding and extra songs, a short segment summarizing what happened in the first movie would have enhanced viewers' enjoyment of the second part. After all, it's been more than a 15-minute intermission since we witnessed Elphaba's glorious moment as she sings "Defying Gravity," the most memorable song in the musical. It really should have had a reprise, as the other songs -- while pleasant -- don't match up to it.
Fans of Wicked, especially those who love the stage musical, will enjoy this second part, but for other moviegoers, it may seem a bit long and inflated. ~Alexandra Heilbron
3 out of 5 stars.
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