The long-awaited sequel has had critical reviews and low ratings, despite the film breaking box office records.
“Wicked: For Good” disappointed viewers after its premiere this weekend, with many saying it was too long and drawn-out.
Reviewer Marrissa Hill, from Shade Studios, said: “it’s wasted on a story that didn’t need the extra two-and-a-half hours. Sometimes less really is more, and Wicked: For Good is proof.”
The film certainly defied gravity as it soared higher than any other stage adaptation to date, breaking records for the biggest international opening of a cinematic musical.
Vue cinemas reported its largest opening weekend since 2023, with Universal Studios making a whopping $226m (£170m) since the film premiered last Friday.
However, the impressive numbers have not been reflected in the audience’s response.
Russ wrote on the reviewing website Rotten Tomatoes: “this movie had everything it needed to be great. It just fell short of it.”
Nick also wrote: “the pace was too slow, adding meaningless feeling sections and an overall flatness to the experience.”
Overall, the musical received 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, when its 2024 predecessor sits at 88%.
Justin Chang, from the New Yorker, blamed the bad reception on the studios’ decision to split the story into two halves.
Chang noted that Hollywood does not shy away from a two-parter, both for financial and creative reasons. However, he said: “The “Wicked” split, at least, reeked of mercenary foolishness.”
He said that it made the pacing too slow, with two new songs being added which, in Chang’s opinion, were unnecessary.
Writer William Bimbani, from The Wrap, also criticised the studio’s choice to make a sequel.
He said that the year-long gap between the films created such high anticipation that it could never meet expectations. “The wait made “Wicked: For Good” all the more disappointing.”
Despite some saying the film was a let-down, box office sales have not been reportedly affected and the film is still being viewed by millions across the world.
Manohla Dargis, from The Telegraph, said: “The movie is a testament to diversity (species included) as a common good as well as to love, friendship and solidarity.”
