As one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year, Wicked: For Good has plenty to live up to. With the second part of the musical extravaganza just a few days away from hitting the big screen, the first reviews have come in – but how does it fare against its predecessor?
The musical-fantasy film will continue the story of Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) following the latter's ostracisation from Oz society, with the character now deemed a villain in the mystical land.
Directed by Jon M Chu from a screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, the film boasts a stacked supporting cast including Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh and Colman Domingo.
With the big release coming on Friday (21 November), Wicked: For Good currently has an approval rating of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes from 117 reviews, though it's likely to change over the coming days. This is lower than its predecessor, which has a rating of 88% from 403 reviews.
You can read a selection of reviews below:
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What to Read Next
Digital Spy
"For some fans, it might be enough to get more of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's excellent performances that confirm they were perfect casting for the roles. For others, though, Wicked: For Good won't prove to be quite as wonderful as the first movie."
The Guardian
"It keeps the rainbow-coloured dreaminess and the Broadway show tune zinginess from part one, and we still get those periodic, surreal pronouncements given by the city’s notables to the diverse folk of Oz, those non-player characters crowding the streets."
Variety
"The thrillifying follow-up to last year’s incomplete musical hit fixes flaws in the Broadway show’s second act, elevating Cynthia Erivo, while sharpening its critique of those who lead by deception."
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The Times
"They've only gone and done it. The makers of this musical sequel have delivered a film that surpasses last year’s box-office smash in verve, ambition and emotional ache."
The Independent
"For Good has little sense of movement, literally or emotionally – no profound revelations, no wonder or spectacle. All that's to be done now is for each character to process, via standardised ballad, what they’ve learned."
Wicked: For Good is released in cinemas on 21 November.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
