Wicked: For Good has received broadly positive reviews from critics – but manny are far less spellbound than they were by the first film.

Several critics tipped Ariana Grande too repeat her supporting actress nomination at the Oscars in March, following the release of Wicked.

The first part of the film adaptation of the hit musical has landed in cinemas, and while it’s largely been well-received, some reviewers feel it doesn’t quite live up to the magic of the stage show – or the 1939 Wizard of Oz.

The film, starring Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, tells the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy’s arrival.

“grande and Erivo are both excellent,” writes the Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw,”and their chemistry is the film’s strongest asset.” However, he adds that the film is “overlong and lacks narrative drive.”

The Hollywood Reporter‘s David Rooney agrees, praising the performances but noting the film “struggles to recapture the stage production’s energy and intimacy.”

Others have been more excited. Variety‘s peter Debruge calls it “a dazzling spectacle” and “a crowd-pleaser that delivers on it’s promise of a magical cinematic experience.”

But the film’s length – clocking in at nearly three hours – is a common complaint. Some critics argue that the story feels stretched and that the pacing is uneven.

Despite the mixed reviews, Wicked: Part One is expected to be a box office success, with many fans eager to see their favourite musical brought to life on the big screen.Part Two is already scheduled for release in 2025.

‘Wicked: For Good’ Reviews Are In – And They’re Mixed

The second part of the film adaptation of the hit musical Wicked has landed in cinemas, with critics offering a range of opinions on Wicked: For Good.

The films tell the origin story of Elphaba,the Wicked Witch of the West,played by British actress Cynthia Erivo. Wicked: For Good also sees Jeff Goldblum return as the Wizard, alongside Michelle Yeoh as Madame morrible and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero.

The i paper’s Francesca Steele said: “It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Part One, but this is still a highly entertaining display of what musical theater can do on screen with top level performances and a true affection for the world-building.”

Many critics were less enthusiastic. “There’s no magic in this aimless slog of a sequel,” said the Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey in a two-star review.

“If yoru complaint about last year’s Wicked was that it was so oddly lit that you could barely see what was going on, then fear not – in Wicked: For good, you won’t mind so much, because there’s so little to look at.”

In a one-star review, the Telegraph’s Robbie Collin said: “It doesn’t amount to two hours of story – the stage show clips through the same plot in around half the time – and the padding is as obvious as it is indeed exhausting.”

He suggested the central pair’s friendship “rings false”, adding: “What should be piercing, impassioned moments are by turns frivolous and sappy.”

‘Wicked: Part Two’ Garners Positive Reviews, Praising Grande and Erivo

Early reviews for Wicked: Part Two are surfacing, and critics are largely positive about the continuation of the musical adaptation. Both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are receiving significant praise for their performances.

Variety‘s peter Debruge noted that Grande displays “fragility” in a more “nuanced” performance. “Whereas Grande had a relatively one-dimensional role to play in part one, Glinda now faces a complex evolution,” he said.

The Hollywood Reporter‘s David Rooney highlighted Grande’s acting experience, stating, “Grande has been acting since she was a kid, and her quiet moments of introspection, anxiety or sadness show tender depths, as does her loyalty to Elphaba.”

Rooney also lauded Erivo’s performance. “Make no mistake, Erivo remains a powerhouse, with pipes that shake the heavens and a wellspring of unforced emotional intensity that never runs dry.”

the Guardian‘s Peter Bradshaw echoed the sentiment, calling Erivo’s performance “What a performance from Erivo” in a four-star review. He also affirmed that the sequel “keeps the rainbow-coloured dreaminess and the Broadway show tune zinginess from part one.”