Sentimental Men – Episode 79
"We Have Been Changed FOR GOOD (Wicked Movie Review)"
Release Date: January 1, 2026
Hosts: Quincy Brown & Kevin Bianchi
Podcast Network: Broadway Podcast Network
Episode Overview
In this highly anticipated episode, Quincy and Kevin reunite after a significant hiatus and deep-dive into their review of the Wicked movie sequel. With their signature blend of humor, heart, and nuanced theater-geek takes, they count down their top five favorite things about the movie and reflect on the current state of Broadway. The conversation is filled with passionate discussion about Broadway favorites, sharp analysis of musical adaptation choices, and plenty of memorable moments.
Note: This summary focuses solely on episode content and skips ads and non-content interludes.
The State of Broadway: Where Are the New Musicals? (01:42 – 06:16)
- Quincy and Kevin lament the “famine” of original musicals on Broadway this season, noting a surplus of celebrity casting in plays and a drought of fresh shows.
- Quincy: “It's a very expensive looking production. I really liked it to the point that I was like, damn, I really want to see Sherry in. And then I did… If you missed it, you should be sad. And if you've been talking shit about it, you should stop doing that.” (02:16)
- They rattle off the few new musical titles (Queen of Versailles, Schmigadoon, Titanique, Beaches, Lost Boys, Two Strangers Carry a Cake across New York) and discuss categories for Best Actress in a Musical, which this season is stacked with favorites like Jessica Vosk, Kristin, Lea Michele, Casey Levy, and Shoshana Bean.
- Kevin: “I'm excited that it's Shoshana. I'm excited to have all the girlies back on Broadway at the same time.” (05:49)
Getting to Wicked: Setting Up Their Approach (06:19 – 07:10)
- The hosts acknowledge the discourse around the Wicked movie and decide to focus on their top five things they loved, saving their "five question marks" for their Patreon.
- Kevin: “You had the great idea to do just like a top five…for the public episode, we will talk about the top five things that we loved about this movie.” (07:06)
Top Five Favorite Things About the Wicked Movie
(07:10 – 18:20)
1. Elphaba’s Flight & Movie Opening
(07:10 – 08:48)
- Kevin was thrilled by the variety and dynamism in Elphaba’s flying scenes, calling them “strong,” “cool,” and “very motivated.”
- Quincy: “The whole opening of the movie, when she flies in and she's whacking the guards and surfing on her broom… pretty stellar.” (07:36)
2. The New Opening Sequence & Reorchestration
(07:44 – 08:48)
- Both gush over the newly orchestrated opening, which skillfully reacquaints the audience with all the characters and themes.
- Quincy: “I loved the Glinda walking out into the crowd and then everyone sings it back to her… set the stage well and bring us back in a nice way.” (08:07)
3. “As Long As You’re Mine” & The Love Dynamics
(08:57 – 11:32)
- They address some fans’ desire for more physical closeness between Elphaba and Fiyero like on stage, but Kevin argues this separation preserves the emotional impact of “For Good.”
- Kevin: “Only once can the lovers come together and sing the love ballad. And that's for good. That's not as long as you're mine.” (09:26)
- Quincy counters that he likes how the movie reveals Elphaba’s emotional boundaries and vulnerability.
- Quincy: “She's like, setting boundaries. It's like, healthy pre-sexual conversation and boundary setting.” (10:56)
- Discussion highlights the importance of Elphaba realizing her power to love and be loved.
4. “No Good Deed” Sequence
(12:08 – 13:03)
- Both hosts agree that “No Good Deed” in the film is a cinematic high point, efficiently conveying Elphaba’s internal unraveling.
- Quincy: “To me that is like peak cinema… she's reliving her life and coming to terms with and realizing…into thinking that she's wicked. I really, really thought it was well done.” (12:09)
- Kevin praises the way the movie built toward this number and its emotional intensity.
5. Cinematography & Key Scenic Moments
(13:05 – 15:17)
- Kevin was dazzled by the visual complexity of “Girl in the Bubble” and its creative interpretations.
- Kevin: “It was so dizzying and like you never knew if you were in the mirror world or the real world.” (13:05)
- Both enjoyed the “cat fight” scene for its originality and the way it retained iconic elements from the stage show.
- Quincy: “Glinda calls her greenie. Pretty intense slur. Yeah, it's... a little charged.” (14:16)
- Praised Ariana Grande’s acting throughout, specifically in the sequence where Fiyero is taken away.
Notable Transformations & Emotional Beats
(15:17 – 17:23)
- They discuss the Tin Man transformation, appreciating the clever visual clues and the way the scene was staged.
- Both were impressed by scenes emphasizing Oz’s political divisions and the personal consequences for characters like Bok.
- They highlight the emotionally powerful “diabolical shot” of Ariana and Cynthia on each side of the door during “For Good,” noting it was improvised and a definite tearjerker.
- Kevin: “I think the first time I watched it, I think that was the only time that I cried like that. I got a tear.” (16:39)
- Quincy: “The 12 punch of I love you. I love you, too. And then the two hands on the door in a shot that feels like it lasts forever.” (16:51)
Surprising Takeaways & Family Reactions
(20:02 – 21:16)
- Kevin liked how the sequel felt distinct from part one—almost like its own movie, not just a two-parter.
- Interesting anecdote: Quincy notes his family, who aren't musical theater nerds, preferred this movie because it featured “the best song”—For Good.
- Quincy: “My family all went to see it and they said they liked this movie better than the first one.” (20:22)
Rowdy Screenings & Theatre Culture
(21:19 – 22:56)
- Quincy attended a “rowdy screening” of Wicked with costumes, props, and a shadow-cast—a la Rocky Horror—and swears by its community-building energy.
- Quincy: “It was like community. It was like really special and fun and exciting... I would encourage everyone to, like, do something similar in their towns.” (22:35)
Home Release & Exclusive Events
(23:00 – 27:30)
- Kevin recaps a special event for the film’s home release, held at an interactive art museum reimagined with Wicked-themed rooms, costumes, and music. They also screened a full “Making of For Good” documentary.
- Kevin: “The documentary itself was so good. I like cried twice watching it... Most importantly, it has the footage of shirtless Jonathan Bailey chopping wood…” (25:04)
- Home release is set for December 26, with sing-along and bonus features (including deleted scenes).
International Wicked: Quincy’s Madrid Adventure
(27:35 – 37:11)
- Quincy describes his experience seeing a non-replica “Wicked” in Madrid (all in Spanish), highlighting cultural differences in theater and staging.
- The Madrid run is treated almost like an out-of-town tryout, and boasts a lush theater experience (in-theater bars, themed popcorn buckets!).
- Both hosts are astonished at the creative license taken—e.g., Glinda’s bubble throne, a flamboyant “zaddy” version of The Wizard, and new staging of “Thank Goodness.”
- Quincy: “It really actually did make me realize all of the genius and mechanation that went into how Broadway looks and feels and is staged too.” (30:34)
- Kevin: “I love a choice.” (36:17)
Closing Thoughts and Hopes for Awards
(37:11 – 38:25)
- The hosts speculate on possible live performances at the Oscars and express excitement for the future, hoping for more recognition for the film and its actresses.
- Kevin: “Next stop, the Academy Awards for the girls.” (37:25)
- Quincy: “Maybe we'll get no Good deed and...Girl in the Bubble and no Place like Home at the Oscars.” (37:59)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Quincy: “If you missed it, you should be sad. And if you've been talking shit about it, you should stop doing that.” (02:16)
- Kevin: “Only once can the lovers come together and sing the love ballad. And that's for good.” (09:26)
- Kevin: “It was so dizzying and like you never knew if you were in the mirror world or the real world.” (13:05)
- Kevin (reacting to the improvisation during ‘For Good’): “That was an audible gasp. And I think the first time I watched it, I think that was the only time that I cried like that.” (16:39)
- Quincy: “It was like community. It was like really special and fun and exciting and a great way to experience the movie.” (22:35)
- Kevin: “The documentary itself was so good. I like cried twice watching it… Most importantly, it has the footage of shirtless Jonathan Bailey chopping wood…” (25:04)
- Quincy (on the Madrid production): “It just feels like much more lush experience… it makes me want to see more. I really want to see the Brazil production.” (29:09–36:17)
Final Takeaways
- The hosts are deeply impressed by the Wicked movie’s emotional depth, bold staging, and creative choices.
- They urge listeners to see international productions, try rowdy screenings, and look forward to Wicked’s home release.
- Quincy and Kevin close by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and teasing possible future Oscar glory for Wicked.
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