Pop Commentary

Here are my top five takeaways from “Wicked: For Good!”

1. I’ve seen a lot of discourse saying the film isn’t that great and people taking it out of their predictions for a Best Picture nomination. I think that’s a little rash. I will admit that I liked the first movie better than the second, but that’s such a high bar. Part two is still so good and it deserves to be praised just as much.

2. I’ve also seen people arguing that “Wicked” shouldn’t have been split into two parts at all. Personally, I think one movie would be fine, but then people would just be complaining that it’s too long or rushed. At least with two films, we got to immerse ourselves in the world more and it gave us something to look forward to at a time when a lot of us are feeling a little hopeless.

3. One critique I do have for the film is that it referenced lines from the first movie a lot, like almost too much. I think maybe I wouldn’t have noticed that as much or wouldn’t have bothered me if it wasn’t split into two films. It would have felt more natural.

4. I absolutely think Ariana Grande deserves to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Her acting and singing in this film was astonishing and she delivered a full emotional arc as Glinda. Her biggest competition right now is probably Amy Madigan from “Weapons,” a performance I loved, but it really doesn’t hold a candle to Ariana.

5. I will admit that the first half of “For Good” isn’t as strong as the second half. I liked that they added “No Place Like Home” towards the beginning to spice it up, but my favorite songs were still mostly towards the end. “No Good Deed,” “Girl in the Bubble” and “For Good” were all so fabulous.

With all that said, I gave “Wicked: For Good” 9/10 stars after giving the first part 10/10. Not everyone needs to love it, but I’m a gay millennial who loves Ariana, so it’s right up my alley.

Let me know what you thought of “For Good” in the comments and subscribe to Pop Commentary for more reviews like this!