Reception for Wicked‘s highly anticipated second act, For Good, are here and the reviews are not “defying gravity”, sitting at 72% on Rotten Tomatoes from 120 reviews. The film has not yet had its wide release so there is still time for change, but based on the volume of reviews so far it is safe to assume that there will not be a drastic shift. For reference, the first film currently holds an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes with 403 reviews.
This is an indicator of a mixed reaction to the film, with critics pointing out a variety of different strengths and weaknesses of the sequel.
Nerdbot’s Derrick Murray points out that the film is “a mixed bag…due to the barebones narrative of the adaptive source material.”
Collider’s Therese Lacson gave strong praise for the film, but did point out that its “loyalty to the source material comes at its detriment.” She also pointed to some shaky CGI and pacing, but felt it was still a strong conclusion to the story of Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West. A common theme among these critics and others is that Wicked: For Good is adapting weaker material when propped against the highs of the first film.
Regardless, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who were both nominated for Academy Awards for the first film in the respective categories of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, are both being lauded for their performances. Jeff Goldblum also makes his return as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Jonathan Bailey is back as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh returns as Madame Morrible, and Peter Dinklage reprises his role as Dr. Dillamond. Colman Domingo is debuting in the franchise as The Cowardly Lion.
Wicked: For Good drops into theaters on November 21st.
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