In this continuation, we pick up several years after Elphaba flees The Emerald City. Glinda has just been given a new propagandist position, Fiyero has been made head of the royal guard (a role he has been using as an excuse to search for Elphaba), and The Yellow Brick Road has just been completed. With all of Oz out for her head, will Elphaba be able to protect not just herself but the lives of her friends?
Jonathan Bailey is fine as Fiyero, but is given little to do and gets minimal screen time. Surprising, as he’s an integral character to the proceedings. Jeff Goldblum remains as wonderful and delightful as ever as The Wizard. He is incredibly charismatic and actually does a little dancing this time (YAY!!!). Ethan Slater as Boq gives what is likely the best supporting performance in the film. His arc remains rich and intriguing.
Ariana Grande remains the VIP, continuing to completely nail it as Glinda. Expect another Best Supporting Actress nom for her. Cynthia Erivo is still great as Elphaba (no surprise there). The less said about Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible, the better. What tragic mis-casting.
The cinematography by Alice Brooks is fine, but can’t hold a candle to that from Part One. The Vaseline on the camera lens remains an issue. The production design by Nathan Crowley is still quite good, but his work in Part One was vastly superior. The reason why the technical elements don’t dazzle as much here is likely because this sequel is much darker, and having bright and poppy sets (no pun intended) would probably dilute the darkness found here.
Jon M. Chu is back in the director’s chair, but lacks the sauce this go-round. The energy from Part One effectively bleeds into the first two acts, but the pacing is uneven. There are also a few areas that could have been expanded upon. More Fiyero would have been nice, more time with the classic characters from Oz or new takes on the pre-existing scenes from the classic film would have been appreciated, it would have been cool to spend more time in Kiamo Ko aka Elphaba’s castle.
Jon M. Chu faithfully adapts the second act of the musical, and in so doing also adapts all of its flaws. There was plenty of room for improvement and expansion, but all avenues are ignored for the already trod (yellow brick) road. There is still some fun to be had, but this sequel could have been great. Instead, it’s only For Good. Don’t expect a Best Picture nom this time.
3 STARS
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