The Wicked Problem with the Ending

So, let’s dive into this hot mess of a film, shall we? Ever since Broadway fans started whispering sweet nothings about the film adaptation of Wicked splitting into two parts, the alarm bells were ringing! Seriously, they warned us that the second half wouldn’t be anywhere near as fabulous as the first. And they were spot on!

Where Did the Music Go?

Now, don’t get me wrong—the leading ladies, Elphaba and Glinda, played by the oh-so-talented Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, totally slay! But here’s the issue: the story takes a dark ride without the accompanying catchy tunes. I mean, where’s the bombastic energy of “Popular” or the heart-stopping glory of “Defying Gravity?”

A Half-Baked Sequel

So, what did we get instead? A flick called Wicked: For Good that’s trying to elevate itself but falls flat! They tossed in some new scenes and songs, but sadly they just don’t pack the punch that we expect from the first half. Next to those iconic numbers, these feel more like elevator music. The connection between our favorite witches also suffers, thanks to the year-long wait between the first film and the sequel. Yikes!

The Not-So-Happy Ending

But let’s talk turkey—what really stinks about this whole split? This new movie is aiming for a wrap-up that’s sweeter than pie, quite unlike the grittier original novel or Broadway musical. Instead of a fierce, empowering finale for our two leading ladies, we’re served a half-hearted apology with a side of authoritarian approval. Thanks, but no thanks!

From Novel to Musical to Madness

Remember, Wicked wasn’t just a musical—it started as a bite-sized piece of cynicism from Gregory Maguire. His book flipped Oz on its head, showing Elphaba as an outcast forced into villainy while Glinda was the queen bee backstabbing her! The stage version leaned into their friendship instead, making it all about sisterhood—with a cherry on top!

New Tunes, Old Problems

As for the new movie? Well, while it throws some musical bits in, it has to pump up the story to stretch it into a feature-length film. We end up staring at Elphaba fighting the system and Glinda stuffing her pockets and, whoa—where did all the charm go?

An Ending with a Twist

The end of Wicked: For Good gives off some serious vibes from The Dark Knight. Before making her escape (and faking her own death—classic move!), Elphaba tells Glinda she has to embrace being “wicked.” Here’s the kicker: by doing so, she allows Glinda to shine while she’s left in the shadows. What a friend!

The Political Irony

This moment was heart-wrenching, but let’s face it—it’s a bit cynical. The citizens of Oz morph into a mindless audience, just clapping on command while the Wizard plays puppet master. So, Elphaba sacrifices her happiness for Glinda’s rise? Talk about mixed signals!

A Bizarre Conclusion

Much like a bad breakup, the film ends with Glinda stepping into the “good” role while peddling lies about the Wicked Witch to secure her power. Yay for a “benevolent dictatorship!” As the credits roll, we’re left musing over how Glinda’s reign feels eerily familiar—like swapping one tyrant for another.

A Final Curtain Call

Sure, Wicked: For Good is here with flashy effects and the promise of family fun—but it also raises a big ol’ red flag about how it handles power dynamics. The filmmakers set the tone of helping their favorite autocrat at the cost of our beloved Wicked Witch. What a missed opportunity!

So buckle up, folks—Wicked: For Good is now out in theaters, but maybe save your popcorn for something that doesn’t leave a bad taste behind!