The long-awaited sequel for the fan-favorite film adaptation of the musical “Wicked” has finally arrived, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally compelling story. It honors its stage presence, bringing in beloved characters like Dorothy and her dog Toto, as well as the cowardly lion, the tin man, and the scarecrow, all while embracing the cinematic medium.

The story picks up five years after the first “Wicked” movie took place. Everyone in Oz has turned against Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) because of her refusal to support the Wizard’s harsh political regime, characterized by his frequent abuse and harm of the animals who reside peacefully in Oz. The Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum, and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) seek to capture and imprison Elphaba for her alleged crimes against the government. Meanwhile, Glinda (Ariana Grande) who has been named “Glinda the Good” by her trusting and loyal fans, is marrying Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey).  Glinda attempts to orchestrate a deal between Elphaba and the Wizard to free the animals of Oz being held captive, but events quickly turn south when the Wizard does not live up to his end of the bargain.

While the first “Wicked” movie had a more powerful ending with Elphaba’s outstanding raw vocals for “Defying Gravity,” Elphaba and Glinda continue to unleash a powerful musical punch on all vocals. However, overall, the soundtrack for the first “Wicked” soundtrack was better and the chemistry between Elphaba and Glinda was notably more poignant. The story’s pace was also much slower in “Wicked: For Good” than the previous movie, making it feel inferior to the prior film. While both movies ran longer than two hours, some slow scenes in the sequel, particularly those focused on characters as they meander through forests or in their homes, bog down the film.

Some of those characters, however, stood out.  Boq (Ethan Slater) and Prince Fiyero evolved from supporting roles in the first “Wicked” into significant characters that shifted the storyline in in this movie.  Between her emotional scenes and operatic voice, Ariana Grande sparkled in the film.

Even though I enjoyed the first “Wicked” more than its sequel, this movie tells a satisfying story of the unbreakable bonds of friendship. The movie demonstrates how friendship can be a catalyst for self-growth and self-confidence.

Grade: A-