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Oz looks brighter than ever—and yet the shadows feel longer. We pick up after a year-long wait and dive into Wicked For Good with fresh eyes, weighing how Elphaba’s defiance and Glinda’s sainthood collide in a finale that favors consequence over comfort. From the opening notes, the film signals a tonal pivot: fewer winks, more stakes; less glitter, more grit. That shift unlocks richer character work, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivering focused, emotionally tuned performances that carry the score without sacrificing story. Jeff Goldblum brings sly charm and menace to the Wizard, while Ethan Slater’s Boq and Nessa step into arcs that matter more in this half, rounding out a world that feels bruised but alive.
We get honest about what works and what grates. The vocals soar, choreography pops, and the adaptation keeps enough stage DNA to satisfy theater fans. But the new song No Place Like Home plants a very present-day political flag, trading allegory for lecture at a moment the narrative already makes its point. We unpack why that choice pulled some viewers out of Oz, and how it intersects with broader questions about art, message, and timing. We also address the much-talked-about love scene—brief, implied, and more suggestive than explicit—and share practical guidance for parents navigating the film’s darker tone, heightened peril, and whether a theatrical viewing is the right call.
Finally, we step back to rate the film and compare it to Part 1’s brighter pace and buoyant charm. Our verdict lands at 3.5 out of 5: a strong, well-acted conclusion with meaningful emotional beats, dulled slightly by a heavy-handed new number and occasional pacing drag. If Part 1 made you believe, this chapter asks what belief costs—and that question lingers after the credits. If you enjoy thoughtful film reviews, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show. What did you rate Wicked For Good? We want to hear it.

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