Jon M. Chu's two-part "Wicked" adaptation, totaling 297 minutes, concludes with "For Good," a film that delivers overwhelming spectacle and "muchness." While delighting devoted fans with more of everything, its epic length and "production over movie" feel may prove tiresome for others, despite strong performances, especially from Cynthia Erivo.
The highly anticipated two-part musical adaptation of "Wicked," directed by Jon M. Chu, culminates with "Wicked: For Good," bringing the combined runtime of both films to a staggering 297 minutes. This extensive duration, far exceeding the stage musical, underscores the adaptation's commitment to grand spectacle, power ballads, sprawling sets, and vibrant technicolor – a deliberate embrace of "muchness" that defines the "Wicked" experience. For fans who were enchanted by the first part, "For Good" offers a generous continuation, featuring more of Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and dramatic soliloquies, reinforcing the idea that for them, "more is good." However, for viewers less captivated by this "Wizard of Oz" revision, the sheer length and the film's tendency to feel more like an elaborate "Production than a movie" can be overwhelming. While acknowledging the significant talent on display, particularly Cynthia Erivo's performance, the review suggests that "For Good" shares its predecessor's challenge in transcending its complex origins as an adaptation built upon over a century of American entertainment, from L. Frank Baum's original work to the Broadway hit.
