The first social media reactions to Wicked: For Good have arrived online, and they promise a satisfying finale for fans who have been looking forward to its release.
There has been anticipation for the upcoming film, which will cover the second act of the hit musical. Considering that the first movie was a massive box office success and received accolades, including two Oscar wins and a Best Picture nomination, there is an expectation that For Good will deliver the same hype and quality.
Fortunately, based on the early reactions, it looks like fans will be getting a satisfying conclusion to the epic musical.
What Do Critics Think of Wicked: For Good in Early Reactions?
Several critics and journalists who watched an early screening of Wicked: For Good have shared their first reactions on social media. The majority of the responses have been positive and called it a satisfying finale that fans have been hoping for.
Praises were made toward Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's performances, the musical numbers, Jon M. Chu's direction, production design, costumes, and cinematography.
Vanity Fair's Rebecca Ford wrote, "I spoke w/Jon M. Chu at the SCAD Film Festival just yesterday in front of a very enthusiastic crowd! Now I can finally share that I've seen Wicked: For Good and he's done it again! It's gorgeous, full of heart, and sticks the landing. A beautiful finale."
Meanwhile, Clayton Davis of Variety wrote that "Jon M. Chu helms an emotionally timely piece that deepens every spell cast by the first film. No surprise, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande are SPECTACULAR (again). You're NOT ready for the 'For Good' duet. A heartfelt end to Oz’s greatest friendship."
Chris Murphy of Vanity Fair noted that the film "expands and deepens the original source material in generally exciting and innovative ways. Cynthia and Ari take their performances to the next level with jaw-dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing."
BuzzFeed's Ada Enechi said in her post that Wicked: For Good "delivers in every way possible. The new original songs…life changing! They will melt your heart in ways you can’t even imagine. Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande have cemented their places in history, this is truly an unmissable sequel."
Destiny Jackson of Deadline called the film "an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history. There’s a lot for fans of the Broadway show to love with butterfly kiss sized surprises in store."
It should be noted that the embargo for the reviews on Wicked: For Good will not be lifted until days before its theatrical release, and more critics will watch in the coming weeks, so the consensus might still change. Either way, this is a sign that audiences will likely embrace the film.
What to Expect in Wicked: For Good
Following the massive success of the first movie last year, Wicked: For Good will serve as the epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion to the adaptation of the hit Broadway musical.
According to the official synopsis: "Elphaba, now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard."
"Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible, Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard."
"As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good."
The cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. The film is set to release in theaters this November 21.
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