Podcast Summary:

MickeyJoTheatre – "Was WICKED: For Good, good enough? | REVIEW of the 2025 film starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande"
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Date: November 24, 2025

Episode Overview

In this spoiler-filled deep-dive, Mickey Jo (theatre critic and self-described "Wicked aficionado") reviews the highly anticipated film "Wicked: For Good" (2025), starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Mickey Jo analyzes the film as an adaptation of Wicked's second act, comparing it to the stage version, the first film, and its broader context within movie musicals. The episode is rich with detailed critique, insights into production and creative choices, commentary on performances, and a candid discussion of online fan and critical reactions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Initial Impressions and Context

• Bifurcated Reception: "The fans are divided on the Internet, the critics seem objectively confused and as someone who considers themselves to be both of those things, I am here today to tell you in full glorious detail whether or not I think Wicked for good was good enough." (02:00)
• Wicked Obsession: Mickey Jo's extensive background with both the stage show and film adaptations establishes the review's authority and personal investment.
• Spoiler Warning: The review is for listeners who have seen the film or don't mind spoilers.

2. Comparing Film One and Film Two (Act I vs. Act II Adaptation)

• Shift in Tone:
  • First film (Part 1) is described as youthful, fun, and coming-of-age, largely set at Shiz University.
  • "This one, they are older, it's more of a thorny love triangle, but it's a very politically minded film as well." (03:40)
• Political Satire and Messaging:
  • The film leans harder into fascist imagery, propaganda, and scapegoating, illustrating "in real time how the propaganda machine can work against an individual." (04:15)
  • Notable moment in "Thank Goodness": Elphaba's message "Our wizard lies" is manipulated by Madame Morrible to read "Oz dies," underscoring the film's themes of authoritarianism and misinformation. (04:45)

3. Expanded Character Beats and Plot Adaptations

• Bok and Nessarose:
  • Their dynamic is substantially enriched beyond the stage version. Nessarose, now Governor, implements “motility restrictions” in Munchkinland as a reflection of her heartbreak, leading to a train station scene where Munchkins are forcibly removed—a strong visual metaphor for personal grievance morphing into systemic oppression. (07:30)
• Tone & Comedy:
  • The film deliberately trims Glinda’s comic lines for a more serious, emotional tone, making her arc starker and more grounded.
  • "For the most part, it's Glinda's comedy lines that have gone in order for this to happen...if she was still saying these slightly ditzy things, then we wouldn't get the same sense of her emotional journey." (11:20)
• Friends’ Retained Roles:
  • Fanny and Shen Shen, Glinda's university friends, have a larger presence, absorbing much of the film's remaining humor. (12:00)

4. Music – Old, Reprised, and New

• Act II’s Musical Structure:
  • The adaptation is "more reprise based, it is more dialogue based than the first act was." (13:15)
  • Some iconic moments and transitions are missed by diehard fans—e.g., "I missed the reprise of Sentimental Man.” (24:20)
• Arrangements and Orchestration:
  • Some ensemble lines ("like some terrible green blizzard throughout the land she flies") are reassigned to Madame Morrible, but "Michelle Yeoh is not necessarily a gifted singer." (18:30)
• New Songs:
  • "No Place Like Home” (Elphaba):
    • Intended as an anthem for the animals of Oz but described as "incredibly tepid" and lacking impact, despite being written for Cynthia Erivo. "How are you going to write something for a voice like Cynthia Erivo's?...It just feels heavy and boring and pointless." (22:45)
  • "Girl in the Bubble” (Glinda):
    • Musically preferable but lands awkwardly within the narrative—arriving during heightened tension but offering introspection that feels mistimed. "It does not pick up where we just left off...it feels like we need something a little more powerful." (23:30)
• Memorable Motifs & Easter Eggs:
  • Choreography and musical sequences seem tailored for TikTok virality, notably the group corridor walk during "Thank Goodness." (15:55)
  • Clever use of motifs, notably in the new "Wonderful" verse and in Glinda's “bubble” symbolism throughout.

5. Plot Holes and Consistency Issues with 'Wizard of Oz'

• Temporal and Character Alignment:
  • Persisting questions and unresolved plot points arise when trying to synchronize Wicked’s narrative with the events of The Wizard of Oz, particularly regarding "the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, who we now know to be Fierro and Bok, coming into contact with each other and either recognizing each other or not." (31:15)
  • "Lion's out here telling the other animals that they should stay in Oz and not listen to her...It's giving gay Republican, if I'm being completely honest, a little bit race traitor as well if that's not too far to go." (32:35)
• Dorothy’s Minimal Appearance:
  • Remains a “sideline” presence, consistent with the stage show, though moments like the monkey carrying her away recall Wizard of Oz iconography. (38:35)

6. Visuals and Cinematic Choices

• Cinematography:
  • Praises the use of mirrors, circular motifs, and visual storytelling—especially scenes illustrating Glinda’s isolation and Elphaba’s persecutions ("loved seeing [the tornado] carrying the house towards Munchkin Land, and in particular the fact that it was tearing up the Yellow Brick Road.” (47:00))
  • Wishes for more vibrant, Oz-like color saturation.
• Costume Design:
  • Glinda’s iridescent gown sleeves are a "consistent irritation," particularly the asymmetry ("One of them was at like 15 degrees, the other was at like 35 degrees. It was bugging the hell out of me." (58:00))
  • Elphaba’s “for Good” costume earns high praise for structure, tailoring, and subtle broomstick allusions.
• Homages and Easter Eggs:
  • Glinda’s dress incorporates pink and blue, nodding to both the 1939 film and the stage show.
  • Highlights of choreography, friend reunions, and visual parallels to Wizard of Oz and Star Wars ("direct nod to the chase on the forest moon of Endor"). (50:57)

7. Performances & Central Characters

• Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba):
  • Strong, though sometimes "sidelined" by the film's Glinda-focused narrative. “I would have liked a little bit more emotional intensity and really distraught quality in ‘No Good Deed,’ but I also thought the film really framed itself as Glinda's story this time around..." (61:30)
• Ariana Grande (Glinda):
  • Central to the film; both vocally and narratively dominating. “It's going to be really hard to call hers a supporting performance, but I also thought that she was great." (62:05)
  • Particular moments are reminiscent of Kristin Chenoweth ("there was one little moment in thank Goodness when Ariana sounded very inspired by Kristin Chenoweth and she is a lifelong Wicked fan. So it was nice to hear what perhaps might even have been a deliberate homage." (62:35))
• Supporting Cast:
  • Positive notes for Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible’s weather magic and officiating the wedding), and fleshed-out roles for flying monkeys, especially Chistery.
  • Critical mention of Tin Man (Bok) and the Lion’s CGI.

8. Conclusions and Final Reflections

• Part Two vs. Sequel:
  • Listeners are urged to consider the film as "Part Two of one really long two part film adaptation," rather than a standalone sequel, for best enjoyment. (62:55)
• Emotional High Points:
  • The moment that "nearly made me cry" was the whisper scene between Elphaba and Glinda—a visual echo of the iconic Wicked poster. "By the time we get to the end of the film and we see the whisper moment, it all makes sense. And I can't believe I didn't see it coming. That was so good." (56:50)
  • The “Legally Blonde, please, won't you open the door? Slash, do you want to build a flying monkey moment” post-"For Good" is singled out as especially moving. (57:20)

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the film’s strengths and weaknesses:

  • “I enjoyed this film. I think it is a strong film...but...Wicked for Good is not entirely as strong a film as the initial Wicked movie, and I think there are a lot of obvious reasons for that.” (04:05)

• On the political allegory:

  • "That it is talking about propaganda, it's talking about scapegoating, and it's talking...about the means via which dictators and corrupt leaders attempt to cling to power, which is all incredibly timely and relevant. It's a story ultimately about fascism." (05:00)

• On new songs:

  • "This is not whatsoever reflective of Stephen Schwartz's best work. If it hasn't become obvious by this point, I did not enjoy this song. I thought this was the weaker of the two." (21:40)

• Performances:

  • "If they try once more to justify Ariana Grande in supporting categories for the awards this season, it's going to be really, really difficult because she is so central to the screen time and the narrative of this film." (62:10)

• On costume pet peeves:

  • "One of them was at like 15 degrees, the other was at like 35 degrees. It was bugging the hell out of me. And it only got worse." (57:50)

Structurally Important Segments

• Film/Theatre Comparison, Tone Shift, and Political Allegory: (02:00–12:50)
• Music, Songs New & Old, and Orchestration Choices: (12:55–28:50)
• Plot Holes and Canon Consistency: (30:49–42:33)
• Visual & Cinematic Elements, Costume, Cinematography: (42:33–59:00)
• Final Reflections, Performances, and Emotional Moments: (59:00–63:30)

Summary Tone & Style

Mickey Jo’s analysis blends wit, passion, and deep musical theatre knowledge with a fan’s eye for detail and a critic’s discernment. The episode is accessible for both Wicked newcomers and superfans, balancing deep textual analysis with personal commentary and cheeky asides. Throughout, Mickey Jo invites conversation, emphasizing community engagement and future explorations.

TL;DR

• "Wicked: For Good" is a solid but not quite equal follow-up to the first film, tackling heavier political themes, making bold musical and character choices, and shifting focus from Elphaba to Glinda.
• The adaptation's biggest successes are in expanded character work and visual storytelling; the biggest weaknesses are new songs and unresolved plot coherence with “Wizard of Oz.”
• Performances are standouts, especially Ariana Grande, but the film’s darker, less comedic tone marks a significant shift from "Part 1."
• Best enjoyed as part two of a unified adaptation, the film offers much for fans and will reward viewers who revisit both parts together.

For more, check out the ongoing "Wicked Wednesdays" series and join the conversation in the comments!