Copyright Newsweek
Almost a year since Wicked hit theaters and defied all expectations, becoming a critical and box office hit, the world has been desperate to see the highly anticipated sequel to Jon M. Chu's visionary adaptation of the Broadway musical. The countdown to Wicked: For Good is dwindling, and we're heading into the release month with our first reactions to the film from critics who had the honor of seeing it almost a month before release. It will surprise no one to hear that Jon M. Chu has done it again, with Jazz Tangcay at Variety saying the film "exceeds all expectations." "Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close," Tangcay says. "Wicked: For Good is sheer musical greatness." Ada Enechi echoes the praise of Tangcay, saying, "Wicked: For Good delivers in every way possible." Enechi calls the new original songs written specifically for the film "life changing" and says, "they will melt your heart in ways you can't even imagine." Variety's Clayton Davis says, "Jon M. Chu helms an emotionally timely piece that deepens every spell cast by the first film." He rounds out his initial reaction by praising the film's leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, calling their performances "spectacular." Also delivering a positive first reaction is Deadline's Destiny Jackson, who says the film is "an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history." Jackson also teases that there are "surprises in store." "Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo continue to own, extend and BE Glinda and Elphaba," says Metro UK's Tori Brazier. Brazier also praises two of the songs audiences are most excited to see in action, saying, "The music is still mined for everything; For Good & No Good Deed are stand-outs." So, there you have it. Universal Pictures has another hit on its hands with Wicked: For Good, and the early reactions suggest it will mirror – if not exceed – the success of the first. What Will Happen in Wicked: For Good? Wicked: For Good picks up right after 'Defying Gravity', the same way the Broadway show opens Act Two. Elphaba's reputation as "The Wicked Witch" is being cemented, as Glinda is left behind in Oz to become "Glinda the Good". With the narrative twisted and secrets coming to the surface, the two friends are at odds as the world around them grows more contentious. Wicked: For Good Release Date
