By Madeline McGuire
*SPOILER ALERT*
I have been changed for good.
Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz that tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North). The musical first opened on Broadway on October 30, 2003, with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth starring as Elphaba Thropp and Galinda Upland, respectively.
Wicked: Part 1 opened in theaters last November, and since then, it has taken over social media, the news, and TV. The first movie covers the entire first act of the show, ending with Elphaba seeking revenge on the wizard during “Defying Gravity.”
Before watching the first film, I only knew two songs, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” but I didn’t know anything about the story, so I was going in completely blind. Boy, was I shocked. I fell in love with the movie immediately. Cynthia Erivo wowed everyone with her incredible acting and magical voice. Ariana Grande is a fantastic actress and singer anyway, but she has become someone completely different with Glinda. I personally loved the first film. I’ve always been a massive fan of musicals and musical movies, being a musical kid myself. Part 1 had a lot of hidden “Easter eggs” regarding Part 2 and even The Wizard of Oz from 1939. But part 2 brought it all together and really explained everything.
Wicked: For Good hit the theaters on November 21st, and goodness knows, it has been a hell of a ride so far. The film is about Elphaba, now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, living in exile in the Ozian forest. At the same time, Glinda resides at the palace in Emerald City, reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, she’ll need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good.
*SPOILERS* I personally loved this one. I already knew about Boq and Fiyero’s fates going into it, as well as the lion cub; however, I had no idea about the wizard’s personal connection with Elphaba! I mean, it makes sense. They did a really good job casting him in the first one. I had a feeling about that when I saw the wizard drinking from a green bottle, his own “green elixir.” This movie had so much going on, and it did not disappoint. I was having so much fun the entire time! Also, that ending was insane! It changes everything I know about The Wizard of Oz, and not in a bad way. I’m so happy I was able to see both films and fall in love with them. I cannot express my gratitution
Something I didn’t like very much was the fact that they didn’t show Dorothy’s face, especially considering how much Bethany Weaver looks like Judy Garland. Also, Elphaba put her down in a hole instead of just locking her in a room, as in the original 1939 film. They also gave Toto a leash, which he didn’t have in The Wizard of Oz. Maybe that just further excuses Elphaba’s anger with her. Not just because she owns an animal, one that doesn’t speak, but also controlling that animal with a leash.
I have been listening to the soundtrack on repeat, just like I did for the first one. I have been rejoicifying in these beautiful songs. My favorite song from Part 1, other than the two I already knew, has to be between “What Is This Feeling,” “The Wizard and I,” and “Dancing Through Life.” My favorite song from For Good is definitely No Good Deed, because I love singing “FIYEEEERRROOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!” So good! But I also love “For Good,” as much as it made me cry. It’s so beautiful. Furthermore, the fact that both Ariana and Cynthia sang live while filming is incredible!
After Part 1, I thought Glinda was the bad one, and Elphaba was the good one. Now I know they are both good. They both have had troubled childhoods, and they both are doing what they know to be right.
I love both movies and highly recommend them to anyone who hasn’t seen them yet. It is absolutely thrillifying. You will be so obsessulated, it could be seen as a bit scandalocious.
You will be changed for good.
Spring 2026 
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