Wicked 2: For Good

Wicked 2: For Good (2025)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The producers set a high bar with the first installment, and this conclusion delivers. Fans of the musical may be surprised as we have 3 new musical numbers and, of course, a few small adaptations to the film (like Glinda joining in Wonderful). The changes flow very well with the story, though on a whole there isn't as much non-stop action as there was in the first installment. This is expected given the timing of intermission in the musical, yet they still manage to keep emotions high and drive the story even with the slower pace. Definitely one you'll want to see at least once. Now I'm waiting for it to come out on streaming so I can watch it again. 

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While this is the original movie everyone thinks of when they think of Dorothy and the Emerald City, in a lot of ways, it's been eclipsed in recent years by Wicked. They both take place in the same land, but are based on book series by different authors. The Wizard of Oz takes after L. Frank Baum's series, while Wicked is based on the prequel spinoff series written by Gregory Maguire. Due to this there are many similarities, but also some differences between the series. For example, Wicked the movie has chosen to stay true to the original silver slippers from the books rather than the ruby slippers of the movie and the stage adaptation (originally changed because red appeared better on screen). This original movie also combines Glinda with the Witch of the North, who is a different witch in Baum's book series (Locasta or Tattypoo). In the books, Glinda is originally the Witch of the South. Due to Glinda the Good introducing herself to Dorothy as "The Witch of the North" in this film though, this is the title she keeps in Maguire's adaptation as well. 

There is also a lot of perspective that isn't really thought of unless you come back and watch this movie after reading some of the books or seeing Wicked. For example, if Glinda and Elphaba were friends, why does Glinda give away her sister's shoes? That would have been a very simple and easy way to help her friend. If Glinda is so "good" as her name implies too, why did she use the entire movie to teach Dorothy a lesson and drive her to kill her friend rather than just helping her home to start with? Dorothy wouldn't have believed that she had the power to go home herself after just meeting both Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West, or the munchkins? Realizing she's in another world isn't enough of a surprise to swallow that magic would be that difficult too? It also would have played off better had the entire thing not been written off as a dream at the end of the movie, though it's understandable why given the medium and the audience of the time when this was produced.

While this original tale is still a classic and well known for many reasons, it does fall just a tad short once you really dive into the world and what the backstory may be for all of these characters. That also applies just with the L. Frank Baum books alone, let alone adding in the mythos from Maguire's storytelling to add to the mix. All in all, if you enjoy this world, there's no shortage of material to entertain with.  

Wicked

Wicked (2024)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Admittedly, I went into this a little cautiously optimistic and skeptical at the same time as I'd heard mixed reviews and love the musical, so it could have been great or a total disaster as an on screen adaptation, especially once the announcement was made it would be split into 2 separate films, with the second part coming out the end of next year. While it's not absolutely perfect, this does a pretty grand job with the story, and the stopping point actually makes a lot of sense for the split story, matching with the natural intermission break in the musical. For those who are fans, or even just like a bit of nostalgia, watch closely and you'll see a few easter eggs that really add a bit of extra fun to the show. It's rather impressive the way this has been filmed as well, with most of the sets actually being built and CGI used more as an enhancement than the overall production with everything on a green screen. It gives everything a touch of more realism while still being fantastic in entirely unique and different ways that really only make sense for a world of fantasy like this one. The main songs from the musical have mostly also been kept true to their original forms, with adaptations where they fit the actresses' voices better, which makes sense really. It's rather impressive that the majority of the singing was done on stage and not just in a studio for production on this one, especially with how popular the soundtrack is (yes, I totally realize that's one of the songs too 😉).

While I expected my daughter to at least enjoy the movie as she had recently gone with me to see the musical on stage, I did not expect my younger son to be interested in seeing this one as he'd had no interest in the play. Short of the monkey scene, which a friend had warned me avoiding any spoilers might be rather intense for those who are more sensitive or empathic (which my daughter is pretty big time) they both also said they loved the film and would definitely watch it again. The music was familiar as well, even to my son who didn't join us for the musical as it's part of my driving playlist, so he's heard the songs growing up even if he hadn't seen the show and didn't know the story itself. He's certainly not old enough to have read the books (neither one of them are, though my daughter is getting close if she wants more of the background and details to the tale later on). This will be one we'll look forward to the digital release and plan to see the sequel when it comes out. Hopefully it will be just as enjoyable.

Wicked

Wicked (2003)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I first heard the music for Wicked back in college, though it wasn't until 2009 that I finally got to see it for the first time. Since then, I've seen the musical 3 times when it's come to town. While the story can be considered a bit racy at times (in fact the book is supposedly rather graphic), the music is thoroughly enjoyable. While Popular is, well, popular, and Defying Gravity is by far one of the more well known songs, my favorites are No Good Deed and For Good. This is another soundtrack that I can listen to constantly, or a show that I could see over and over again. There are rumors that it may be made into a movie in the future. My only hope is that they take the time to do it justice compared to the Broadway production if/when it happens.