Wicked: For Good is such a beautiful celebration of the people who enter your life and leave an indelible mark on you forever. It's a powerful representation of friendship and sisterhood in their purest forms, as well as a reminder of the younger versions of ourselves that continue to live within us years later.
Once again, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo deliver truly incredible performances. I said this in my review of the first part too, but it bears repeating: there is no one else in the world who could have embodied Glinda and Elphaba the way Ariana and Cynthia did. They were made for these roles, and their commitment shines through every moment. Jonathan Bailey also stood out as Fiyero, bringing depth and growth to his character arc in ways that was so crucial to the overall story.
The second part of Wicked is undeniably darker than the first, but it builds beautifully on top of it, adding new layers of complexity to each character's journey. It's not only a creative expansion of the original Wizard of Oz universe, but such a well-executed adaptation of the iconic Wicked stage play as well. I’ve loved Wicked ever since I first saw it on Broadway back in 2015 and everyone did such an amazing job at bringing this story to life on screen.
The soundtrack is gorgeously performed, a testament to the sheer talent of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. They are two of the greatest vocalists of our time and their chemistry is what makes Wicked so unforgettable. Many of the songs reprise iconic moments from the first film, with callbacks to songs like "No One Mourns The Wicked" and "Defying Gravity" that carry new meaning when heard in this context. The way the lyrics mirror the story across time adds a poignant layer of reflection. The other classics are just as breathtaking, "No Good Deed" gives me chills every time I hear it, and it might be one of my favorite songs across both films. Cynthia is an absolute powerhouse in that number, as she is in every song she performs.
In addition, the soundtrack introduces a couple of new songs not adapted from the Broadway show. "No Place Like Home", is a new solo performed by Cynthia. It is such a standout, truly an emotional centerpiece that feels destined to become a classic in its own right. "The Girl in the Bubble", a solo performed by Ariana, serves as a beautiful moment of reflection for Glinda, capturing the personal growth she experiences toward the end of the film and setting up the finale with breathtaking poignancy.
The final song, the title track "For Good", is absolutely incredible, it brings me to tears every single time I hear it. It will stay with me forever, as the song goes, it'll be with me like a handprint on my heart. "And now, whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend," is one of my favorite lyrics of the song that represent the core meaning of this story in such a special way.
The storytelling and the emotion of "For Good" is just the most powerful way to close this chapter. Even if Glinda and Elphaba may no longer be in each other's lives in the same way as before, the song stands as a stunning reminder of the immeasurable impact they had on one another. Their bond, though changed, is insurmountable in its significance, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and transformation that will never fade.
The soundtrack is obviously an integral part of this film, and as an avid vinyl collector, I love having it in my collection. So many of these songs move me deeply, telling the Wicked story so beautifully even when experienced apart from the film itself.
There were several stunning vinyl variants released across different retailers, but I chose the Target exclusive. I had also purchased the Target exclusive vinyl for Part 1, a split pink and green pressing, which perfectly captured the aesthetic of the film and its characters. The Part 2 pressing was executed just as thoughtfully. It features an exclusive cover and a 12x12 lenticular insert that overlays the standard jacket. While a few different exclusive covers were available, I especially loved how this one mirrored the design of the first soundtrack, creating a cohesive set.
When placed together, the two inner sleeves form a map of the Land of Oz, which is such a creative detail that shows just how much thought went into the design. The gatefold imagery is also so vibrant and immersive with the way it brings the film's universe to life.
Both discs beautifully capture the visual aesthetics of Glinda and Elphaba's characters. Disc 1 is a beautiful multicolor pink metallic swirl. When held up to the light, this disc has a silver metallic shift, which pictures cannot do justice for. It reminds me of a mix between the two iconic gowns Glinda wears in both parts of the film, especially with the slight lilac tint that is among the baby pink swirl. Disc 2 is an equally gorgeous emerald green swirl with a gold metallic shift. The way these two compliment each other perfectly reflects the dynamic between Glinda and Elphaba.
"Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good" 💚🩷
Thanks for reading! Safe to say, I have been truly changed for good after these two Wicked films. I wrote all about my thoughts on the first part last year, along with the Target exclusive pink and green split vinyl. Many more are linked below and coming soon! 💚🩷
-Melissa ♡
All photos are my own!
Related Posts:
Wicked: Part 1 // Exclusive Vinyl & Soundtrack Review
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