“Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you… I have been changed…. for good.” – Glinda and Elphaba.

From the Broadway spotlight in downtown New York, the muscle has adapted into its own wonderful adventure into the world of Oz. With its first ever adaptation for the silver screen, Wicked: Part One took the world on a whimsical return to the world of Munchkins and talking animals, the first time since 2013 with Oz: The Great and Powerful. It truly proved to be popular with a gravity defining box office return. Could Wicked: For Good follows through on its predecessor’s flight to the top of pop culture. You better believe it, because moving forward we will see more of the land of Oz. Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians and Wicked: Part One) changes us for the better with his own creative direction of the musical adaptation. Ariana Grande (Wicked: Part One) steals the show with one of the best supporting actress performances of the year and Cynthia Erivo (Bad Times at the El Royale) shows us no good deed goes unpunished. From costume design to dance choreography, Wicked: For Good proves Oz is home to fascinating and enjoyable  stories. Why would Dorothy ever want to leave?

Wicked: For Good starts with the construction of the famous yellow brick road, showing us how it was created. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) disrupts the build, saving those less fortunate from forced pain. She returns to her hideout, continuing her studying of the Grimmerie. Propaganda is spread throughout Oz with the miss tellings of the wicked witch of the west (Elphaba), and the rise of Glinda the good (Ariana Grande). Glinda begins a new chapter with the betrothal of her and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) announced by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). They are interrupted by Elphaba trying to show the true wicked creature of Oz, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). As Fiyero continues his search for Elphaba, she returns home
to Nessarose (Marissa Bode), as she continues to struggle to make Boq (Ethan Slater) fall in love with her. Nessarose attempts a spell to have the heart of Boq, only for her to curse him, and Elphaba tries to save him, changing him forever. Glinda prepares for her wedding, only to be interrupted by the witch. They go and meet with the Wizard and form a truce/pact only for Elphaba to find the Wizards’ deceptions and once again defies his wishes. With the wedding ruined, Fiyero follows his heart and joins Elphaba. As they fly away together, Glinda plans to capture the witch. A storm brews and the death of a loved one brings Elphaba out of her own joy to say goodbye. The plan works, but Fiyero arrives to save Elphaba, only for him to be captured and tortured. Elphaba attempts to save him but believes she had failed, cursing any good deed and will truly turn wicked. Glinda watches as a quartet led by Dorothy and a few people she once knew are sent to kill the witch. Having a change of heart, she rushes to save Elphaba. The two recollect the past and turn to what must be done for a better future. Glinda watches as the shadow of her friend disappears from Oz. With a goodbye, she returns to the Wizard with demands and truths. She leads Oz towards a better future with the departure of the Wizard; with the magic she gains from her old friend.

Fans of theatrical plays will have their differences with the direction of the films. With two new song additions, and the concept of making it two different films infuriated some. It felt necessary for the characters. Director Jon M. Chu dictation of the two-film system helped with the character development from young school friends to mature leaders of two different ideologies. Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, and Ethan Slater bring important characters to the forefront with emotion and strong acting. The former gains the hearts of every audience member through affection and tragedy. While the latter displays the opposite end of the spectrum with rage and hate. You feel for the characters and what happened to them, and you could not get that with a single film. We get Jeff Goldblum’s best with his rendition of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, aka Oscar Diggs. From songs like Wonderful and his later enticing depiction of grief, we get the man in emeralds full range. One of the few shortcomings comes from Michelle Yeoh. A miss cast where
her singing seems off tune and pungent. With the direction of her character off balance and Michelle seems to have checked out.

Wicked: Part One won Oscars for costume and production design. Wicked: For Good, should follow suit. Oz is painted with beauty, and the songs help us dance through life. What is different between the two is the acting, as Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater should be nominated for supporting roles. We feel with them, and sorrow fills our souls as we see the downfall of the beloved characters from the first film. The characters help us understand the true form of wickedness. Though still leaving us with happiness in our hearts for an ending that brings joyful tears. What makes this movie wonderful is the fan fair. Everywhere you go, you see green and pink outfits representing the characters they admire or identify with. Yours truly wore an outfit to match Fiyero. Wear green or pink and enjoy one of the best emotional roller coasters of the year. Here is to you being changed for the better, for good