“wicked: Part Two” Falls Short of Oz’s Magic
The film adaptation of “Wicked: For Good” has drawn criticism for its departure from the source material and its inability to recapture the magic of the original “Wizard of Oz.” A recent review highlights a perceived failure to balance corrective storytelling with respect for established lore, resulting in a film that feels “hopelessly mangled.”
The review points to narrative changes that, while present in Gregory Maguire’s novel as a means of introducing moral ambiguity, feel jarring when presented directly onscreen.Examples cited include alterations to the backstories of iconic characters like the Tin Man and Scarecrow, which the reviewer suggests border on “an abomination.” The film appears “cowed by its iconic predecessor,” responding with a desire to dismantle the classic rather than build upon it.
While Maguire’s novel aimed to explore a more mature and sexually explicit interpretation of Baum’s work, the film adaptation is described as “made of softer stuff.” The reviewer specifically critiques the romantic duet “Somehow I’ve fallen / under your spell / And somehow I’m feeling / it’s up that I fell” and the subsequent dialog between Elphaba and Fiyero (“You’re gorgeous,” ”It’s not lying. It’s looking at things in another way.”) as underwhelming.
Despite the film’s shortcomings, the performances of Cynthia erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as glinda are praised. Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba’s defiance is noted as especially compelling, while Grande demonstrates growth in portraying Glinda‘s disillusionment. The review highlights a new ballad, where Glinda sings, “It’s time for her bubble to pop,” as a rare moment of self-awareness, though occurring during a tonally jarring scene of societal chaos.
The film’s thematic exploration of societal manipulation and the need for a scapegoat - Elphaba’s assertion that “They need someone to be wicked, so that you can be good” – is deemed ”cynical” and “unearned.” The review argues that the film fails to establish Oz as a believable, fantastical reality, lacking curiosity about its history, culture, or the political implications of the Wizard’s rule. the citizens of Oz are portrayed as a faceless mass, and the film’s appeal to the audience’s “superior conscience” is interpreted as contemptuous.
Ultimately, the review concludes that while the performances of Erivo and Grande are strengths, “Wicked: For Good” falls short of its potential, failing to capture the enduring magic of its predecessors.
