'Wicked: For Good' isn't as wicked good as the first film, but brings in a lot more gravity

While certain to please fervent fans, "Wicked: For Good" strays from the magic of the first film to lean into the ... drama!

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"Wicked: For Good" is the second half to the film adaptation of the popular musical. The first part — "Wicked" — was released one year prior to rave reviews. It brought the unknown backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, aka Elphaba, to a whole new level of fandom. Cosplayers rejoiced.

Those fans will likely stay true to their beloved Elphaba and Glinda, the Good Witch, and will return to theaters wearing green and pink to see them again.

"Wicked: For Good" continues the grandeur of Oz with colorful scenery and stunning visuals that make a visit to a movie theater worth the trip. This movie is definitely a spectacle to see. It also aligns "Wicked" with 1939's "The Wizard of Oz" putting the big picture into view.

Yet, while "Wicked" defied gravity, this second movie will bring audiences back down to the Land of Oz.

"Wicked: For Good" isn't as strong of a show as the first "Wicked." If fans were singing and skipping as they exited the first film, they'll be chit chatting as they walk out at the end of this one. The first film was certain to inspire singing along or applauses after certain numbers and surprise cameos. But there are no songs here that rise to the level of "Defying Gravity" or "Popular".

Instead, "Wicked: For Good" steers away from much of the greater world of Oz and focuses on a handful of main characters to complete the story. And it hyper focuses on the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. If the first movie was about the wonder and dazzle of the curious world of Oz, this second film slows down to be all about the ... drama!

Yes, there was drama in the first movie. But without much of the fun and bouncy vibes of "Wicked," what's left are the characters, the gravity of their challenges, their personal growth, and the drama that binds it all together. That doesn't add up to a bad movie, but it does equate to a lot more tears.

In "Wicked: For Good" we find Elphaba hiding in the shadows of Oz while the powers that be brand her as the Wicked Witch of the West. She emerges to defend oppressed animals and fight corrupt powers. She may be cast as villain, but she fights for the good of Oz. Basically, she's Batman.

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On the other side is Glinda, embedded in the Oz industrial complex. She believes that she can eventually position herself into doing some real good for Oz. This causes some friction between her and best friend Elphaba. With Prince Fiyero added to the mix, a tense love triangle forms, which only adds to the ... drama!

Many viewers will revel in pointing out metaphors and themes, and there are plenty. But "Wicked: For Good" is primarily about true friendship, despite differences, disagreements, and challenges. Friendship isn't always easy, but it is to be cherished. Differences can be strengths. Elphaba and Glinda show us that. From this, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver performances as grand as the scenery of Oz.

It's worth noting that Glinda shows significant growth and thought in this second film. This musical has always leaned toward the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, but with "Wicked: For Good," it brings Glinda's journey into a more prominent role. One Glinda solo song in her apartment is filmed quite cleverly and really drives home the depth happening with this character. This scene is apt to create some cinephile buzz.

Finally, this movie serves to sync up the "Wicked" universe with the well-known "The Wizard of Oz" story. Just as there was always more going on with Elphaba than we knew, the same goes for all the characters that we're familiar with from the 1939 movie — Dorothy and her companions on the yellow brick road. These characters are around, sort of, but this movie isn't about them. Rather, it stitches these two tales together and wraps everything up with a bow — a pink bow.

While this second half of the tale won't be as revered as the first — in many ways, it's just a different type of story — it is still worth a trip to the movie theater to see where these witches will take us, and enjoy the views while we're at it.

"Wicked: For Good"

3/5 stars

Screen or stream?: Screen. While fewer sing along moments will break out, the visuals are to be enjoyed in their full splendor on a big screen.

Rated PG: Even when more mature content is implied, it's just implied. This movie leans into the classic movie tactic of panning away to some grand scenery. While we all know something is happening just off camera, kids will just think, "Oh, look! Fireworks!"

Good for kids?: Of course. Though, parents may have to explain underlying metaphors and themes, like state-sponsored oppression, propaganda, and mob mentalities.