Wicked for Good review: The best superhero movie of the year is here

Wicked for Good is a superb sequel to the all-conquering musical sensation; one that raises the stakes in spectacular fashion, and sees Elphaba soar to new heights as she becomes the hero Oz deserves, but not the one it needs right now.

It might not be categorised as such, but make no mistake, Wicked is a superhero movie, being an origin story that introduces super-powered hero Elphaba, then pits her against the forces of evil.

That’s even more pronounced in Wicked For Good, where airborne Elphaba is reintroduced rescuing enslaved animals, before striking a heroic pose that wouldn’t be out of place in a Marvel movie, then riding her broomstick away like it’s a hoverboard.

So while 2025 has been a solid year for comic book movies, thanks to Fantastic Four steadying the MCU ship, and Superman launching the new DCU in style, Wicked for Good is superior to both; a fine musical that’s also the best superhero movie of the year.

What is Wicked for Good about?

Universal Pictures

Wicked for Good concerns Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West, and the devastating affect that has on those she loves.

The film picks up a few months after the events of its predecessor, with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) now an outcast living in the woods, as the Oz propaganda machine – overseen by Madam Morrible (Michelle Yeoh, whom they’re still making sing) – spreads rumors and lies about her wicked intent.

Which introduces an interesting theme that harks back to Batman movie The Dark Knight, concerning whether Oz needs a villainous symbol for the kingdom to unite against, and if good can only exist if wicked is out there.

As while Elphaba is being branded bad, Galinda (Ariana Grande) has become Glinda the Good. She’s also disguising her magical deficiency with a flying bubble, and planning her wedding to Fieyero (Jonathan Bailey), who isn’t quite as sure of their union as she is.

But there’s trouble brewing in the land of Oz, with animals disappearing, the landscape changing, and a new arrival called Dorothy off to see the Wizard, then heading straight for the Wicked Witch on a mission to seize her broom…

History rears its ugly head

Universal

Dorothy’s journey nicely dovetails with Elphaba’s, her beloved story playing out in the background, where she’s glimpsed in shadow or silhouette.

But the truly dark stuff is happening in the foreground, via a sub-plot that has its roots in Nazi Germany. “Some animals cannot be trusted,” says the Wizard, and so suddenly no-go areas spring up, and travel restrictions are put in place.

With that culture of fear polluting the atmosphere, four-legged friends become refugees, while those who speak out are carried away by flying monkeys, and never seen again.

What makes it worse is that these policies are introduced by characters we embraced during the first movie, which turns a simple story of good versus evil into something more complex.

While it also supplies the film with beautiful new song ‘No Place Like Home’ – penned by Stephen Schwartz – which briefly provides inspiration for those on the run, while also functioning as a powerful rallying cry.

The Glinda problem

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That one is belted out by Erivo in typically dynamic fashion, and becomes a welcome addition to the musical book. The same can’t be said for other new song ‘The Girl in the Bubble,’ a Glinda number for which the movie pretty much stutters to a halt.

And that’s an ongoing issue in Wicked for Good – Glinda’s story just isn’t as interesting as Elphaba’s, and her songs aren’t as good, most notably ‘I Couldn’t be Happier.’ But the movie feels the need to give them equal weight, so we keep returning to this much weaker story strand.

Similarly, while the Dorothy stuff is nicely handled, and the Scarecrow/Tin Man/Cowardly Lion introductions mostly work, efforts to stay consistent with the Wizard of Oz story result in some awkward character dynamics.

Indeed, enemies just hang out and sing to each other while they’re at war, which doesn’t ring true, while everyone is pretty chill about a major character death, when the moment demands much more.

Magic Moments

But those weaknesses are far outweighed by Wicked for Good’s many strengths. The sets and costumes are again amazing, making the film a feast for the eyes as well as they ears.

While Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are phenomenal as the twin protagonists, showcasing the full range of Ozian emotions as their love endeavours to conquer all.

Jon Chu draws multi-faceted performances from the pair, while he directs the heck out of proceedings, with highlights including a hilarious fight that pits wand against broom, and a touching sequence with two characters either side of a door, that won’t leave a dry eye in the house.

Is Wicked Part 2 good?

Universal Pictures

Meaning minor quibbles aside, Wicked for Good is a triumph on multiple fronts; one that effortlessly combines music, dance, action, romance, and drama, while delivering major superhero thrills.

It’s a timely film about discrimination and tolerance, in which characters are encouraged to “look at things in another way,” when trying to find the good in each other.

While Dana Fox’s script avoids the blockbuster pitfall of ending proceedings with a big battle; instead Wicked for Good focusses on micro over the macro, and ends on a beautifully simple message of hope.

Wicked for Good score: 4/5

Wicked for Good is in cinemas from November 21, 2025.