Act 2 of 'Wicked: For Good' is finally out, but the second instalment doesn’t seem to be winning critics over.

Me, on the other hand… look, I’m a musical theatre nerd. I’m seeing this from a very different perspective. Some may call it an obsession, but let me try to put on my impartial ‘Wicked’ hat (preferably one like Elphaba's - that thing was lowkey FAB) and get into it.

The movie picks up about five years after the events of Act 1, when we saw Elphaba - played by the incredibly talented Cynthia Erivo - take off into the twilight sky after 'Defying Gravity', while Glinda, portrayed by the beautiful Ariana Grande, watched her best friend seemingly become the Wicked Witch.

As the film rolled on, I was immediately pulled in by Ariana’s acting - it’s very different to the first movie. Act 2 is darker, more fast-paced, and honestly, if you’re taking kids, just a heads up: There are a few jump scares. (My popcorn went airborne at one point.)

Let’s be clear: the 'Wicked' franchise, including the Broadway shows, is the definition of preaching to the choir. If you’re not into tassels, bright colours, and breaking into song every three minutes, it’s not going to convert you. But what has shocked me is the critique of Ariana’s acting and the supposed lack of strength in the songs this time around.

The Telegraph's chief film critic Robbie Collin claimed, “Ariana Grande is painfully wooden in 'Wicked’s irritating sequel,” adding, “Even the staunchest defenders… would have to concede that it peaks just before the interval.”

I’m sorry - what did people expect from that role? Glinda is literally defined by poise, grace, and stillness. “She walks slowly.” Bro… what do you think this is? 'Wicked: For Fast and Furious?' (Give me a second to breathe.)

While people debate whose movie this is, comparing the two leads, Act 2 is undeniably Glinda’s story. Ariana embodies her emotional arc more deeply than in the first film, bringing the entire timeline together.

Both leads were given two new original songs by composer Stephen Schwartz. Okay, fine - they’re not as instantly captivating as the classic score. But they’re meant to show where the characters are emotionally. 

‘Girl in The Bubble,’ sung by Ariana, almost gets lost in the glitter and movement around her. ‘No Place Like Home,’ sung by Cynthia Erivo, blends into the sweeping Broadway-style arrangements, which, I fear, started to blur together for some viewers.

One superfan at rova HQ said: “I absolutely loved it!!! It definitely takes a more raw and sad turn in part two. The musical performances were SO good! The chemistry between Cynthia and Ariana was so genuine and beautiful - it made me look past the characters and just see two beautiful friends/sisters singing to each other!!”

Another agreed: “I thought it was a lot more emotional than the first one. The first one's soundtrack was definitely stronger - you can’t beat ending a film with a triumphant song like ‘Defying Gravity’. 

"That said, I think the second film’s ending was still great and powerful. I loved how they tied the story in with The Wizard of Oz to show different perspectives.”

The movie encapsulates sisterhood/friendship like nothing else, and I couldn’t help but think of my own gals while witnessing it. I ball my eyes out everytime I hear ‘For Good’ 

Director Jon Chu often brings the camera in close, framing Erivo and Grande in a way that lands emotionally. Still, the film leans heavily on busy, bustling choreography that can feel overwhelming.

From my seat (which, yes, was definitely one of the best in the cinema), Grande really steps into her power here. She makes every scene count. She’s always been a natural fit for Glinda, capturing the character’s sparkle with those signature giggles and perfectly timed hair flips - but you can feel her optimism slowly slipping as disappointment takes over. 

When she delivers the line, “I couldn’t be happier,” the emotional tension beneath that cheerful exterior is unmistakable.

Meanwhile, Erivo continues to craft Elphaba as someone fiercely committed to exposing the Wizard’s deception, while holding onto the familiar pain of being misunderstood - an arc that remains compelling, even if we’ve felt parts of it before.

The final chapter of this musical adaptation won’t convert anyone already unconvinced, but it’s genuinely entertaining throughout. Ariana Grande, in particular, delivers standout moments. Her comedic timing never misses. And look - I tried to be impartial, I really did… but I’m standing ten toes down for her.

The soundtrack is out now, and you can listen to the whole thing here.