The verdict is in for the highly anticipated finale of the Wicked film series, and it's spectacular. Wicked: For Good has landed an astonishing early score on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, despite not having its full public release.
A Staggering Early Verdict
Film enthusiasts have spoken, granting the second part of the musical adaptation a monumental 97% audience score. This impressive rating is based on over 2,000 verified audience reviews, submitted by lucky fans who attended exclusive early screenings.
The opportunity for these advance viewings came largely through Amazon Prime's ticket sales, which offered preview tickets for a special screening on Monday, November 17. This allowed thousands of movie buffs to experience the conclusion of the story days before its official cinematic debut.
Audience Acclaim for Grande and Erivo
Returning to their iconic roles, Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba have received heaps of praise from early viewers. The film picks up where the first instalment left off, following Elphaba's journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum.
One captivated fan review highlighted the film's emotional depth, stating, "Ariana was incredible as Glinda; definitely taps the feels throughout the movie and has some deeply thoughtful provoking moments that truly connect the audience to the story." Another praised the continuation of the narrative, writing, "It’s the second half to an already amazing first half... it had some of my favourite songs from the original musical."
Critics Offer a More Measured Response
While audience reception has been wildly enthusiastic, professional critics have been somewhat more reserved. At the time of writing, the critical score on Rotten Tomatoes stands at 72%, based on just over 100 reviews.
One expert critique suggested that while the film benefits from compelling story developments, it possesses "the less momentous musical numbers" compared to its predecessor.
This audience-driven score currently positions Wicked: For Good as the highest-rated major commercial film of the year, a status that may be challenged once the film is released worldwide to the general public on Friday, November 21.
The first film, released last year, was both a critical and commercial smash, achieving an 88% audience score from over 25,000 reviews and grossing a colossal $758 million (£577.7 million) at the global box office. It also secured ten Oscar nominations, winning two Academy Awards for costume and production design. All eyes are now on whether the sequel can replicate this phenomenal success.
