Wicked: For Good
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Wicked has kept audiences spellbound for over two decades, and the faithful have been waiting for the second act to materialise in cinemas. Director John M. Chu brings this magical realm back years after the events in the first act. The question is whether it can capture the same spirit that reimagines L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
After Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) is exiled from Oz, she becomes public enemy number one. Despite her attempts to expose the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), the Emerald City's citizens remain faithful to their leader with the help of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) and Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande). Upon the announcement of Glinda's engagement to Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey), tensions in the community escalate, and the animals and munchkins are treated as enemies of the people. All of these events lead Elphaba to take drastic measures to bring down the Wizard as an unlikely foursome enters the land who just want a heart, a brain, courage, and to get home.
After the powerhouse closing of the production's defining anthem, Defying Gravity, everything that follows may feel second best. Yet, for those familiar with the stage production, the following act has enough twists and turns to keep audiences captivated through to the end of Baum's reworked classic. As this journey weaves together the events surrounding Dorthy's fateful adventure on the yellow brick road with the story of friendship lost and found between the two witches, things take unexpected paths. As this episode does all it can to tie off the multitude of loose ends, some moments drag, but not enough to derail the overall experience.
Wicked: For Good does its best to let both lead performers showcase their talents, even though the songs are more connective tissue than grandiose powerhouse tunes. There are so many things happening in this film that everyone on and in the audience must do their best to keep up with to find satisfaction in the many-sided finish. The biggest challenge this movie will face is comparison to the first chapter as it brings this story home, which it eventually does in magically creative ways proving it is a great finale to a beloved series.
Reel Dialogue and Third Space have entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage with the Bible in a fresh and exciting way.
Reel Dialogue: Magical friendships
Do your personal relationships help you move towards your goals in life? Yet, how much of your time with friends is meant for your benefit, and when is it for the other person's advantage?
'Love your neighbor as yourself.' - Mark 12:31
At the heart of this story, inspired by L. Frank Baum, is a depiction of the value of friendship. On one side is the depth of these relationships and how we need to look beyond our own needs. On the other hand, we can see the value of friendship within the dullness of life and how someone's presence is as significant as their words.
Humans are designed for community and friendship. Each of these needs work and commitment that forgives selfishness and pride, while seeking a richer connection with those we love.
