‘I couldn’t be happier’: The thrilling conclusion to the ‘Wicked’ story is simply Oz-mopolitan

Anyone who has ever had a conversation with me knows how much I love “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz” and anything and everything to do with Oz. It’s magical. If there’s a way to bring up “Wicked” in any conversation, I’ll do it. If there’s not, I’ll still find a way.

“The Wizard of Oz” was one of the first movies I remember watching. I went as Dorothy for

Halloween, but don’t worry, I gave the others some love, too. I had a “Wizard of Oz” costume chest and would often put on performances as Glinda in my puppet theater. When I say I loved Oz, I meant it.

“Wicked” was the first live theater performance I ever saw at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, and back in August, I finally got the chance to see it on Broadway. Life-changing. When the first “Wicked” film was released, I decided I had to review it, and it was, without a doubt, a 10/10. So, naturally, I felt it was my duty to review “Wicked: For Good” as well.

I had high expectations, and thankfully, they were met and then some. Assistant Culture Editor Ayla Peden and I attended an early screening of the film on Monday, Nov. 17 (shoutout Amazon Prime), and, pun intended, I was changed for good.

I’ve been talking about this film for ages to anyone and everyone who would listen. Some of my favorite musical moments in the show happen in Act 2 of “Wicked,” so I was excited to see how they’d translate to the screen. Sure, “Defying Gravity” is a show-stopper (literally), but have you heard “No Good Deed” from the second act?

The first key number for me was “Thank Goodness,” the opener of Act Two of “Wicked.” Ariana Grande’s rendition did not disappoint, and she even did the “Hilty high note” at the end of the song, an option up made famous by Broadway’s third full-time Glinda, Megan Hilty. As a Hilty enthusiast, this was incredibly exciting for me.

Another standout for me was Cynthia Erivo’s rendition of “No Good Deed.” I’ve always liked the song, but Erivo took it above and beyond with mind-blowing new riffs. This was the only number in the film that got uproarious applause from the audience. Erivo has a way of singing with such emotion that it fully transports the audience, and this number was a fantastic example of that. She can do anything. Erivo could probably sing the phone book and somehow still make me cry.

“Wonderful” has never been a favorite of mine, though. In the stage show, the Wizard sings the number by himself, and frankly, it’s boring. However, in the film, the song is a duet between Grande’s Glinda and Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard, and it turned out to be just what “Wonderful” was missing. I will be adding this to my playlist.

I can’t talk about “Wicked: For Good” without mentioning the song “For Good.” It was everything: beautiful, emotional, perfect. I was fully sobbing in the movie theater. If I say much more, I may start crying again.

The film also introduced two new songs that weren’t in the original stage adaptation. It’s no secret that Act Two of “Wicked” isn’t the strongest when it comes to pacing. So much of the Broadway show feels rushed and abrupt, but these new numbers and additional scenes helped make the story feel fuller and more complete.

Glinda’s new song, “The Girl in the Bubble,” adds depth to her character that was missing before. It shows that she cares more than she initially lets on, and that, despite what her big song “Popular” from the first film says, there are more important things in life than popularity.

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Stephen Schwartz also wrote a new song for Elphaba, called “No Place Like Home.” The title is a fun nod to the original “Wizard of Oz” film, but the song itself is a powerful ballad in which Elphaba reflects on her choice to stay in Oz, despite everyone hating her.

The film introduces some of the iconic Ozian characters we know and love, such as the cowardly lion, the tin man, the scarecrow and the farm girl from Kansas herself, Dorothy. However, instead of playing a prominent role in the film, Dorothy is a faceless character, serving more as a presence than a true figure in the story.

Erivo and Grande delivered breathtaking performances, which I personally thought exceeded the standard they set in the first film. I will be manifesting Oscars for them both. However, Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode and Michelle Yeoh all delivered standout performances in the film. Slater was especially great in contrast to his role in the first film. And, of course, Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James were just as hilarious as they were in “Wicked.”

The film also has such a strong message about the importance of doing and standing up for what is right. It’s part of what makes “Wicked” so magical. There were a few other moments and changes from the original Broadway show that truly made this film for me, but where’s the fun in giving that away? You’ll have to see it yourself to find out.

If you need me at any point in the foreseeable future, you can probably find me in a movie theater, watching “Wicked: For Good” as many times as I possibly can before they kick me out. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.

Rating: 10/10

powers40@miamioh.edu