Wicked: For Good: November’s Movie of the Month

One doesn’t need to take a yellow brick road to conclude that the cultural phenomenon that IS Wicked would also take November’s Movie of the Month. The fanfare and the anticipation ALONE win it the illustrious prize. ‘Wicked: For Good’ brings to a close a journey we all started a year ago, completing 2024’s ‘Wicked.’ The music, the cast, the production, ‘Wicked: For Good’ has more than made its case to be this month’s pick.

‘Wicked: For Good’ brings to a close the journey of Elphaba, played to the utmost perfection by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande, who matches Erivo step by step. Indeed, it’s the chemistry that these two leads have that makes the series work so damn well. The audience becomes immersed in their struggle. They are perfectly matched, and we, the audience, are rewarded for that. There are statues in their future, come award season.

The Music of Wicked

Of course, ‘Wicked: For Good’ would not be Wicked if not for the music. Matching classic songs and originals written specifically for the film. Finding the tone of an almost 21-year-old play can be difficult, but the edition of “No Place Like Home,” sung by Erivo, and “The Girl In The Bubble,” sung by Grande, add to the already deep catalog of songs that appear between ‘Wicked’ and ‘Wicked: For Good.’ The soundtrack is truly stunning, and seeing it performed in IMAX is awe-inspiring. It is truly a spectacle.

Read More: Wicked in the Land of Oz: A Look Back at the Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The soundtrack would not be complete without the cinematography and choreography. ‘Wicked’ works because you can’t take your eyes off the screen. It’s colorful and animated. Simply put, they’re a lot of fun and easy to sing along to. There’s a reason we’re still humming “Defying Gravity” from last year.

Wicked’s Unmatched Chemistry

Aside from the two leads, ‘Wicked’ boasts a truly stacked cast. Jeff Goldblum, in what may be his best role in years, embodies just exactly who and, most importantly, WHAT the wizard was. He’s scary in a weird way, given the power he’s able to wield. Michelle Yeoh, who has been making some incredible films over the last few years, puts on another Oscar-worthy performance as the calculating Madame Morrible. Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode all bring unique performances to the screen. It’s, as Scorsese would call it, true cinema.

The key to chemistry is good direction. John Chu has proven over two full-length films that he has not only an eye for story but also an eye for casting. Chu’s take on the classic book turned stage production is everything right with ‘Wicked’ in the first place. It’s bold and doesn’t back down. The colors pop and the scenes are spectacular. The audience is instantly transported back to Oz. Even the title card is worth noting, making a call back to ‘Wicked’ as well as 1939’s ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Chu’s work has the potential for gold when the award season finally settles in.

Wicked: The Grand Finale

Earning a whopping $30.8 million in previews alone, the biggest preview number for the year 2025, it is clear ‘Wicked’ is more than a movie, it’s a movement. When it’s all said and done. ‘Wicked’ will have made a substantial amount of money and a legion of fans happy while bringing more into the fold. The film has inspired fans to go in groups, to dress up, and to sing loudly and proudly. The film is an unmitigated success both financially and for the fans who have been clamoring for more since last year’s release of the first act of the film.

‘Wicked’ over the past two years has created a cultural firestorm. It has united audiences, young and old, while creating entirely new “stans.” ‘Wicked: For Good’ was always destined for greatness, and November’s Movie of the Month is just the beginning.

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