The Mosley Review: Wicked: For Good

As a theater kid, I know all too well how difficult it is to nail the second half of a show. The first half always brings the house down with kinetic energy that carries you right into the second half. Sometimes the second half isn't as great or sometimes its better than the first. This show in particular is commonly known to have a not so strong second half, but I didn't care. Like Dune Part 1 and 2, these 2 films are one big movie split in half. You feel that immediately when the film starts and the quality of storytelling and visuals continued to dazzle. I loved that the film is darker in tone and delves deeper into themes of racism, socialism and the many lies of those in power. What I truly loved is how this half handled the "Wizard of Oz" tale by having it happen in the background. I was afraid that the focus would slightly shift away from the core story of Galinda and Elphaba and I was thoroughly relieved that it stayed focused. The many twist and turns of the story were fun to experience. This half of the story did feel a bit disjointed with the many plot points feeling somewhat slammed together and some bits felt rushed. Either way, the performances were the cement that solidified this final trip along the yellow brick road.

Ariana Grande continues to shine as Galinda and man does she explore the many layers of complex emotions the character experiences. The double life she lives as the "Glinda the Good" and just as herself in private was truly heartbreaking. The sad part about it was that her vanity truly took her over as she herself couldn’t resist it. By the film's end though, her transformation becomes complete as she finally steps into her own light and I loved her journey along the way. Jonathan Bailey continues to shine as Fiyero Tigelaar. Gone is the carefree and fun loving rebel and what's left is a tormented man painfully yearning for his true love. His charm was still intact and he continued to steal scenes. Jeff Goldblum was on cloud 9 as the shifty con artist, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. He lives for the fun and seductive lie of keeping people happy while keeping his devilish power intact. His musical number was stark reminder of what Galinda could become and how easily Elphaba was seduced in the beginning. Michelle Yeoh was at her most sly and evil this time around as Madame Morrible. There's always someone pulling the strings behind the curtain of the show and Morrible was the ultimate puppet master of the biggest events of the story. I found myself hating her so much more and that is a testament of Yeoh's skill as an actress. Marissa Bode was great and spiteful as Elphaba's estranged sister, Nessarose Thropp. I felt sorrow for her because all she ever asked for was happiness and yet, she was denied. Her eventual rejection was soul crushing. Ethan Slater was great again as the love struck, Boq Woodsman. The man truly gets a taste of the sort of racial divide happening in Oz. The spark that was there between him and Nessarose was nothing but that and it was rough to see it deteriorate. Once his transformation is complete into another iconic character, he becomes one of the scariest versions I've ever seen and his rage was truly felt. Cynthia Ervio steals the show once again with her strong screen presence and powerful voice as Elphaba. Her warrior spirit as she fights to get the truth to people of Oz was heroing and unstoppable. I loved her chemistry with Fiyero more here and seeing their love story get explored was wonderful. The reunion between her and Nessa was thick with tension and heartbreaking to see the family history repeat itself. I can go on and on about her chemistry with all the other characters, but her friendship with Galinda was the heart of the entire story.

When you get to see both perspectives of the world from two characters, it is something truly special. Cynthia and Ariana are two halves of the same heart and it is truly realized. Galinda's rise to fame and Elphaba's fall from grace was epic and yet their love for one another stays true. I don't think I've seen such a special sisterhood between two characters that was this magnetic. Each character's showstopping number come at the right moment of realization and evolution of their arcs. Galinda's "The Girl in the Bubble" was riddled with internal sadness and loneliness as she realizes here time to step out of the manufactured fantasy is upon her. Ariana delivers all this in one of the best filmed sequences of the film. Cynthia's soul shattering version of "No Good Deed" was the turning point for the character and truly the moment the film comes together. The anger, despair and fire inside of Elphaba was on full display. The moment they meet again in a climatic scene was full of love, jealousy and it ends in one of the funniest fights between sisters I've ever seen. The most heartbreaking moment of the film comes with the finale. The trailer gives you a taste, but their rendition of "For Good", along with a visual moment involving a door, left me in almost unbearable heartbreak.

The teamwork between composer John Powell and Stephen Schwartz was truly magnificent. The original music from Schwartz mixed with Powell's powerful orchestration gave the musical more energy and complemented the visuals. The design of the world is truly lavish in both the city of Oz and Elphaba's hideout. I did love that if you look closely, there is a bit of imperfection to Oz given the tone. Like I said, second halves of any show are hard to pull off and this one in particular was no easy feat. For some this half will be divisive, but for me, this was equally as engaging and more emotional than part 1. Even with the disjointedness of the story and the odd pacing, Director John M. Chu has directed a wonderful adaptation of the most beloved musical and I cannot sing his praises more. This is a must see on the biggest screen possible. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments. Thanks for reading!