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Defying expectations never looked so good. Bad: Good leaps onto the big screen with just the right amount of magic, mischief, and musical power to keep the audience under its spell. Whether you’re an Oz-obsessed fan or just arrived following the hot yellow brick road, this film makes sure you’re up to date they are badfun time – broomsticks optional.
The structure
Now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile in the Ozian Forest, while Glinda lives in a palace in the Emerald City, enjoying the benefits of fame and popularity. As an angry mob rises up against the Wicked Witch, he’ll need to reunite with Glinda to change himself, and all of Oz, for good.
Film Review
Bad: Good cinematically enchanting fans of the Broadway sensation have waited years to see it. What makes this adaptation stand out is not just the visual spectacle but the emotional depth it brings to an already beloved story. With beautiful set-pieces and a wonderfully reimagined Oz, the film manages to feel both familiar and refreshingly new.
Erivo returns with real gravitas as Elphaba – now reprising her role as the Wicked Witch of the West. Her performance is powerful, emotionally integrated, and yet more vulnerable here than ever. He balances Elphaba’s burning sense of justice with deep loneliness, making her stakes feel very real. Grande reprises her role as Glinda, and brings a light loveliness and warmth that contrasts well with Erivo’s toughness. In For the GoodGlinda’s journey becomes dark and surreal, and Grande handles that tonal shift expertly, giving Glinda more heart and less sparkle — without losing her signature performance. As the Wizard, Goldblum brings his trademark charm and sly menace. His character feels morally eccentric in this installment — more than just the typical “all-powerful” ruler, his performance hints at decay and corruption, giving the film a rich, terrifying underworld.
A Truly Magical Actor
Bailey returns as Fiyero, and his presence feels stronger and more serious than in the first film. She is naive and very conflicted, which works well given the emotional and romantic tension at the heart of For the Good. His chemistry with both Glinda and Elphaba helps set up some of the film’s most intimate moments. Yeoh brings beauty and subtle menace to Madame Morrible. He’s not just a power broker in Oz – his performance suggests hidden motives and emotional implications. He’s not a villain, and Yeoh makes him feel like someone who works in shades of gray.
Boq, played by Slater, has a more important arc in this film than before. In For the Goodhis transformation (both emotional and narrative) is more defined, and Slater gets more room to shine. His approach feels sincere, and he does well to bring complexity to a character that could easily be put aside. Bode plays Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister, and the film gives her a lot of story weight. Notably, the screen adaptation changed certain aspects of his arc (for example, he flies instead of walking, in the film version), which increased the dialogue. Her performance is heartfelt, and her portrayal adds both emotional tension and nuance to the sisters’ relationship.
The film thrives on its central friendship – a layered, complex connection that comes through with warmth, humor, and heart. Both lead performances shine brilliantly, bringing intense charisma and genuine vulnerability to their roles. Their chemistry is magnetic, and every moment shared reinforces the emotional core of the narrative.
Musically, long-time fans will be delighted: the classics come on strong. The extra cinematic scale allows the soundtrack to fully envelop the audience, while new programs and new songs enrich the experience without overshadowing the classics. The singing and voice acting elevates each number, creating scenes that feel like pure, goosebump-filled magic.
Catch Wicked For Good on Spotify:
From a technical standpoint, the film shines. The production design combines creativity – from the charming costumes to the amazing locations that enhance the Oz fantasy perfectly. Imaginative lighting and swaggering camera work transforms fiction into reality in every shimmering frame. Cameos from some Wizard of Oz characters link Glinda and Elphaba’s story to the classic Oz legend, while not taking away from the focus on the witches.
In terms of excess, the film balances comedy, heart, and high-level drama with grace. It honors the great emotions of Broadway while embracing the subtleties allowed for film storytelling. Themes of identity, courage, public opinion, and moral complexity are presented in a way that audiences of all ages can relate to.
I highly encourage you to go watch the prequel, Wicked, and maybe consider watching the 1939 classic, ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
Concluding remarks
At best, Bad: Good reminds viewers that every story has more than one point of view — especially when the world insists on calling someone a bully. The pacing is fast but grounded, ensuring that the emotional journey remains compelling from the first note to the last curtain. The returning cast is one of the biggest strengths Bad: Good. Erivo and Grande remain the heart of the story, presenting performances with real emotional weight. The supporting cast – Goldblum, Yeoh, Bailey, Slater, Bode, and others – deepen the world of Oz with nuance, not just spectacle. Their character arcs feel earned, and the film does justice to the prequel setup laid out in the first movie.
A triumphant musical tale that casts a spell from start to finish.
Even without spoilers, that’s easy to say Bad: Good it doesn’t just defy gravity – it defies expectations. With unforgettable performances, a beloved soundtrack revived, and brilliant cinematography, this film is set to become a classic.
If you were expecting “good” this adaptation… good news. The wait was worth it. I rate this movie 4 out of 5. There is no post-credits scene, so no last minute trick unfortunately. Be sure to follow the yellow brick road to your nearest cinema, and enjoy the magic on the big screen, because there is there is no place like the cinema!
Here is the official trailer for Wicked For Good:
