Wicked: For Good arrives with a lot of anticipation, especially coming off the success of the first film. As excited as I was for the sequel, this movie has some truly wicked flaws that keep it from soaring as high as it could.

The biggest issue is the rushed narrative. The film ties itself closely to Dorothy’s adventures in The Wizard of Oz, attempting to map its story onto iconic moments audiences already know. But instead of deepening the lore, the rapid pacing leaves little room to breathe. Scenes transition so quickly that viewers barely have time to adjust before the movie is already pushing into the next moment. There are even times when the logic becomes unintentionally funny—like two main characters belting out a number while Dorothy is supposedly trapped in the basement. It’s hard to feel tension when everyone keeps bursting into song.

And while Wicked is absolutely a musical, this sequel leans on music so heavily that dialogue feels almost nonexistent. Nearly every moment transitions into a song, giving the film a rhythmic sameness that doesn’t allow the audience to settle into the world or form deeper emotional connections without musical underscoring.

But despite its storytelling struggles, For Good still shines in many ways. The movie is visually stunning, with production value that has clearly leveled up in a major way. The world of Oz feels bigger, brighter, and more alive than ever. The cast also brings real passion—each actor fully commits to their character, delivering performances packed with emotional weight. And even if the film leans too hard into its soundtrack, many of the songs are undeniably catchy and memorable.

In the end, Wicked: For Good is far from a bad movie—it’s just one that stumbles while trying to juggle too much at once. The spectacle is there, the heart is there, and the music hits more often than it misses. But a more balanced narrative and stronger pacing could’ve made this sequel truly magical.

A solid 3-star experience with a beautiful look, strong performances, and a story that needed more time to breathe

Vibe’z Rating: ★★★