The magical world of Wicked has returned to the big screen with “Wicked: For Good,” the long-awaited second half of Wicked: Part 1. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, “Wicked: For Good” brings us back to Oz for emotional, dramatic conclusions. But how does it compare to the first film?

“Wicked: For Good” picks up where the first movie left off, following Elphaba in exile as the now-infamous Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda as the beloved symbol of “good” in Oz. Their deep friendship becomes the emotional center of the film.

If you loved the first Wicked for its catchy, fun songs, you might notice that For Good doesn’t hit the same way. The new songs are good, but they don’t quite stick in your head like the originals. That said, they do a lot to carry the emotion of the film, which is where For Good really shines.

This movie is much more emotional than the first. Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship, the challenges they face, and the stakes of the story hit hard. There’s so much more happening in this sequel, such as twists, big moments, and emotional parts that keep you fully invested. The first movie built the world and the story, but the second one really pays it off.

Just like the first movie, the performances are a major highlight. Erivo and Grande deliver powerful vocals and genuine chemistry that keep the heart of the story beating, especially at the climax.

Something that has shocked the audience is the weird relationship between 

Grande and Erivo. In interviews, the two are always very touchy and seem to be 

pretty close friends, some may say a little too close. Grande went on a podcast 

with Amy Poehler and said, “You like to touch, in a non sexual way, in a loving way, like supporting each other. You like to hold each other’s hands, it’s very sweet.” 

And I think both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo probably think of it in the same way. There have also been some memes that came out shortly after the movie. Michelle Yeoh, who plays Madame Morrible, has said multiple times in interviews, the line: “Madame Morrible flip it around, Wicked Witch.” She started to say this line because when you flip the M’s around its W’s. She has continued to say this in many interviews, so it has since become a meme and also a TikTok dance. 

 If you’re a fan of the original Wicked, which was a Broadway musical, then “Wicked For Good” is definitely a worthwhile watch. The songs might not be as catchy as the first movie’s, but the emotion, the drama, and the story make it unforgettable. It’s a perfect mix of excitement and heart, and it makes the wait completely worth it.