“According to the National Research Group, Gen Z goes to the movies more than any other—90% of this generation goes to the movies regularly, along with 80% of millennials.” (NCM) Many people like to watch Mystery movies, Horror movies, or movies by Director Jon M. Chu of “Wicked” (part one). Chu’s most recent release “Wicked: For Good” was a popular choice to go see. With returning actors from “Wicked” such as, Cynthia Eriko as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda and Jonathan Bailey as Prince Fiyero. “Wicked: For Good” plunges audiences turmoil, exploring the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda as their world unravels.
In “Wicked” part one it talks more about Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship and the difficulties they face to keep their friendship going because Elphaba was willing to speak out against the oz, but Glinda blind by her desire to keep her popularity works for the wizard. Despite all that Glinda and Elphaba still care and protect each other even through difficult times, in one moment in both movies you can see that Glinda understands that Prince Fiyero does in both movies. In wicked for good Glinda and Elphaba’s story continues where it tells how the tin man and the scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion came to be.
“Wicked: For Good” starts off with Elphaba’s escape from the Emerald City after she discovers the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is not only a fraud, but working with with Madame Morrible to strip the animals of Oz of their rights. Because Elphaba was named the wicked witch by the wizards, she goes into hiding and decides to lead a resistance movement to free the animals of Oz. Meanwhile, Glinda stays in the Emerald city and becomes a public figure and pawn for The Wizard. She is torn between popularity and power and her loyalty to her friend Elphaba. The film details Glinda’s internal journey and growing maturity as she begins to understand the truth about Oz’s oppressive politics. It also expands on the love triangle involving Fiyero, who is engaged to Glinda but still in love Elphaba. Ultimately the story shows how the two friend are driven apart by public perception and fulfilling their destinies, while revealing the true story behind their “wicked” and “good” labels.
The chemistry between Cynthia Eriko and Ariana Grande remains the heart of the film. Grande, in particular drives the story with her amazing voice and acting skills. She moves Glinda’s story by putting in a mix of humor and insecurity into the movie which helps us understand why Glinda chooses popularity. Her singing developed into a more opera style singing which towards the end of the story helped her character be seen more as a powerful figure of Authority. Arian Grande also portrays Glinda as a leader because Glinda does not just lose Elphaba, she makes a hard decision of staying in oz to make it better from the inside, with a secret goal to honor her friend.
In conclusion, “Wicked: For Good” is more than just a sequal showing how good and wicked are often just labels put on someone by more powerful figures. By diving into the corruption of Oz and the sacrifices both Elphaba and Glinda made, the film provides a satisfying and emotion original story for the iconic characters we thought we knew. This film serves as a powerful reminder that the most important choices we make are the ones that happen when the world is watching.
