After “Wicked: Part One” took audiences by storm with its emotional depth, vocal abilities, and bold performances, expectations for the sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” were high and proved to be unobtainable.

While “Wicked: For Good” delivers jaw-dropping vocals and a great conclusion to the story, it ultimately rushes through the heart of the storyline, leaving viewers wanting more.

Part two did have a shorter runtime, which could explain the rushed storyline. Where “Wicked: Part One” intentionally lingered on character development and emotional depth, “Wicked: For Good” moves quickly through big plot twists. Too quickly.

Storylines like Dorothy’s arrival to Oz were mentioned with little explanation or context. Also, everything surrounding Nessa’s death was mentioned at least once and lasted a span of two minutes. It felt like these storylines were pushed aside in favor of maintaining the movie’s forward momentum.

The pacing of “Wicked: For Good” was the biggest challenge the movie faced. What should have been an epic and emotional ending, one that left audiences in tears but yet fulfilled, felt instead like a fast goodbye. 

Performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo deserve credit. Their relationship throughout the movies carried the emotional and vocal weight of the films. Ervio’s ability to display vulnerability and deliver amazing vocals in songs like “No Good Deed” truly mesmerizes. In addition, Ariana Grande’s interpretation of Glinda and her introduction of her new original song, “The Girl in the Bubble,” added an emotional side to this film. Both actresses literally carried “Wicked” on their backs, constantly reminding us why they were chosen to lead this notable franchise.

While the leads shine, the supporting cast does not meet them this time. Characters that played critical roles in developing the storyline in “Wicked: Part One” almost feel sidelined in the sequel. Some of the scenes felt more like transitions rather than emotional progression, like a film too eager to reach the end that it forgot to earn it along the way.

The film remains overall impressive. The production design was still great, and the choreography and costumes still dazzled. And more than anything, the vocal performances were still breathtaking.

“Wicked: For Good” succeeds as a movie but struggles in its storytelling. It’s a good film–one definitely worth a watch–but also one that did not live up to its potential. “Wicked: For Good” lacks the emotional stillness and daring that made the first installment unforgettable. It delivers the magic of Oz but ultimately falls short of what I was hoping would be a gut-wrenching finale.