{"id":14607,"date":"2025-11-21T10:45:36","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T17:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=14607"},"modified":"2025-11-21T16:59:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T23:59:35","slug":"wicked-for-good","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/wicked-for-good\/","title":{"rendered":"Wicked: For Good * A Heartbreaking But Beautiful Portrait Of Friendship, Sacrifice And Corruption"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-14608\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WK2_Adv1Sheet2_Reach_RGB_3-379x601-a311903.jpg?resize=121%2C192&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"121\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WK2_Adv1Sheet2_Reach_RGB_3-379x601-a311903.jpg?resize=189%2C300&amp;ssl=1 189w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WK2_Adv1Sheet2_Reach_RGB_3-379x601-a311903.jpg?w=442&amp;ssl=1 442w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 121px) 100vw, 121px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>After challenging the Wizard&#8217;s totalitarian regime in Oz, Elphaba must grapple with her identity as the &#8220;Wicked Witch of the West&#8221;. Meanwhile, the Wizard has given Glinda the title &#8220;Glinda the Good&#8221; and a public status as the nation&#8217;s defender against Elphaba. The two witches must make decisions that seal their fates in this second musical installment.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ruhi K. comments, \u201c<em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> is a heartbreaking but beautiful portrait of friendship, sacrifice and corruption. The story is supported by fantabulous vocals, swankified design elements and performances with a caliber of depth rarely revealed by its two lead artists.\u201d Katherine S. adds, \u201cEveryone \u201crejoicify!\u201d The second half of <em>Wicked<\/em> is here! <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> is the perfect ending to Elphaba and Glinda\u2019s story with its incredible display of friendship, wickedly good singing, and breathtaking visuals, while also exploring deeper themes.\u201d Madeleine H.K. wraps it up with, \u201cThe performances in this film are outstanding. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande give emotional, deeply committed portrayals of their characters, and their chemistry makes the story\u2019s themes of friendship, honesty, and forgiveness feel totally real. Their voices are stunning, especially in the iconic songs that Wicked fans already love.\u201d See their full reviews below.<\/p>\n<p>Wicked: For Good<br \/>\nBy Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hPR2S0IgWiw?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14628\" style=\"width: 260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14628\" class=\" wp-image-14628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D085_00014R_CROP-601x371-d8fd5f6.jpg?resize=250%2C154&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D085_00014R_CROP-601x371-d8fd5f6.jpg?resize=300%2C185&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D085_00014R_CROP-601x371-d8fd5f6.jpg?w=601&amp;ssl=1 601w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14628\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">L to R: Ariana Grande is Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> is a heartbreaking but beautiful portrait of friendship, sacrifice and corruption. The story is supported by fantabulous vocals, swankified design elements and performances with a caliber of depth rarely revealed by its two lead artists. It also features a thrillifying plot twist unique to this adaptation of Gregory Maguire\u2019s beloved novel.<\/p>\n<p>The storyline picks up where Wicked left off, following Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as they navigate the ostracism Elphaba and the animals of Oz are faced with. Elphaba\u2019s dawning challenges are concurrent with her sister\u2019s (Marissa Bode) newfound political popularity, Glinda\u2019s rise to fame and the renovation of Oz, including the construction of the classic yellow brick road. Glinda and Elphaba must weather great tribulations, both personal and shared, to preserve their bond.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14626\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14626\" class=\" wp-image-14626\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D025_00101R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D025_00101R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D025_00101R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14626\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">L to R: Ariana Grande is Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> makes a powerful and timeless statement about society. The descent of Oz as its citizens rush to pin the blame on one another is representative of the fatal flaw\u2013desire, whether for wealth or glory, control or love\u2013that makes humans so vulnerable to manipulation. Glinda and Elphaba symbolize two different kinds of oppression\u2013one forced into compliance and the other silenced, exiled entirely for fear of Oz\u2019s delicate balance breaking. The near demise of their friendship is a call for unity, strengthened in its intensity by the cinematic features and the actors\u2019 work. Grande and Erivo both undergo a truly astounding metamorphosis from the first installment of Wicked; they allow us to witness moments of agony, desperation and aching vulnerability that transcend their already-moving previous performances. The inclusion of a young Glinda (Scarlett Spears) draws further compassion. The vocal pieces, featuring both new tunes and familiar favorites, left me awestruck.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14620\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14620\" class=\" wp-image-14620\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D085_00403R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D085_00403R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D085_00403R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14620\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Finally, the set design and special effects are breathtaking\u2013Jon M. Chu has fashioned a whole ozmopolitan world for Glinda and Elphaba\u2019s story to unfold in.<\/p>\n<p><em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> is a perfectly-timed reminder that no one person is responsible for the downfall of society; everyone has to contribute for all citizens to receive the support they need. Every voice must be heard; it is only when power is used wisely that acceptance can thrive and progress is made. It also highlights the resilience that true friendship takes to maintain.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases to theaters on November 21, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Wicked: For Good<br \/>\nBy Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14617\" style=\"width: 262px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14617\" class=\" wp-image-14617\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_TP_00111-600x251-bd24542.jpg?resize=252%2C106&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"252\" height=\"106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_TP_00111-600x251-bd24542.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_TP_00111-600x251-bd24542.jpg?w=599&amp;ssl=1 599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14617\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Everyone \u201crejoicify!\u201d The second half of <em>Wicked<\/em> is here! <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> is the perfect ending to Elphaba and Glinda\u2019s story with its incredible display of friendship, wickedly good singing, and breathtaking visuals, while also exploring deeper themes.<\/p>\n<p>Following the same plot as the musical of the same name, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now a fugitive, has become known as the \u201cWicked Witch of the West,\u201d while Glinda (Ariana Grande) takes on the role of \u201cGlinda the Good,\u201d but the lines between good and wicked are more blurred than ever. We see both grappling with this all while Oz is growing increasingly divided. Can Elphaba expose the Wizard\u2019s lies and clear her name, or will she go down in history as the wickedest witch in Oz?<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14614\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14614\" class=\" wp-image-14614\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D154_00011_D038_0434R_COMP-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D154_00011_D038_0434R_COMP-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D154_00011_D038_0434R_COMP-600x400-bf06395.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14614\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I\u2019ll preface this by saying that I liked part one of <em>Wicked<\/em> a bit better, yet I still enjoyed this movie quite a lot. The pacing feels a little off in the beginning, but it all comes together beautifully by the end and gives a powerful closing to the story. Like the first movie, people of all ages will enjoy <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em>. It keeps younger audiences engaged with its vivid, magical settings of Oz, and it moves older audiences through its extremely authentic portrayal of friendship and exploration of complex messages. \u00a0Everyone will leave the theater humming the catchy music, of course. This movie has one of the strongest displays of acting I\u2019ve seen in a long time. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Ethan Slater as Boq have strong performances and it\u2019s interesting to see what motivates them and how much they\u2019ve changed throughout the franchise.<\/p>\n<p>But the most compelling performances that really sticks out to me are from the two leading ladies. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have formed a close friendship in real life, and this makes their portrayal of frenemies even more powerful.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14615\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14615\" class=\" wp-image-14615\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D046_00112_0120R_COMP.jpg?resize=251%2C176&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D046_00112_0120R_COMP.jpg?resize=300%2C210&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D046_00112_0120R_COMP.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14615\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">L to R: Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Watching them reminded me of being with my own friends, so it was a great reminder to be thankful for close friends as we enter Thanksgiving break. Both actors stand out individually in their solos, and their voices blend beautifully in their duets, which gave me goosebumps more than a few times. There are even two new songs, \u201cNo Place Like Home\u201d and \u201cThe Girl in the Bubble,\u201d though my favorite performances were \u201cWonderful\u201d and \u201cFor Good.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>Wicked: For Good <\/em>explores many deep themes like the power of close friendship, doing what\u2019s right even when it\u2019s hard, and how propaganda can shape reality, allowing those in control to decide who the good and evil are. Parents should be advised that there are a few intense scenes as well as a bit of romance.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Fans of the musical and the first film will love this movie, and so will non-fans. It comes out in theaters on November 21, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Wicked: For Good<br \/>\nBy Madeleine H.K., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, age 13<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14611\" style=\"width: 258px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14611\" class=\" wp-image-14611\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D052_00131R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=248%2C165&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"248\" height=\"165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D052_00131R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D052_00131R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14611\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Michelle Yeoh is Madame Morrible in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I loved <em>Wicked: For Good!<\/em>\u00a0 It makes an epic and heartwarming conclusion to the two-part cinematic event that swept the world last year. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this final chapter brings even more emotion, spectacle, and character depth to the untold story of the witches of Oz. This film is powerful, inspiring, and visually breathtaking from beginning to end.<\/p>\n<p>The story picks up with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) living completely separate lives after choices that divided them. Elphaba, now seen as the Wicked Witch of the West, hides in the forest while fighting for the rights of Oz\u2019s Animals. Glinda has become the glittering face of \u201cgoodness\u201d in Emerald City, where she enjoys popularity but also feels the growing weight of her responsibilities\u2014and her regrets. While Glinda prepares for a massive royal wedding to Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), she is haunted by the loss of her friendship with Elphaba.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14623\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14623\" class=\" wp-image-14623\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D080_00384R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D080_00384R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D080_00384R-600x400-bf06395.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14623\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">L to R: Jonathan Bailey is Fiyero and Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>When she tries to reunite Elphaba with The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), the attempt only pushes them further apart, setting off consequences that affect everyone around them, including Boq (Ethan Slater) and Nessarose (Marissa Bode). Everything intensifies when a girl from Kansas arrives and changes the fate of Oz forever.<\/p>\n<p>The performances in this film are outstanding. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande give emotional, deeply committed portrayals of their characters, and their chemistry makes the story\u2019s themes of friendship, honesty, and forgiveness feel totally real. Their voices are stunning, especially in the iconic songs that Wicked fans already love.<\/p>\n<p>The supporting cast\u2014Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, and many others\u2014add humor, heart, and dramatic tension. The visual design is spectacular. From the shimmering Emerald City to the darker edges of the Ozian forest, every scene feels magical and larger-than-life.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_14612\" style=\"width: 263px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14612\" class=\" wp-image-14612\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D046_00274_0275R_CROP-601x470-14907c6.jpg?resize=253%2C198&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"253\" height=\"198\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D046_00274_0275R_CROP-601x470-14907c6.jpg?resize=300%2C235&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2552_D046_00274_0275R_CROP-601x470-14907c6.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14612\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jeff Goldblum is The Wizard of Oz in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The music by Stephen Schwartz and John Powell elevates the entire movie, blending classic melodies with new emotional layers. My favorite part is how this film focuses on the bond between Elphaba and Glinda. Their relationship becomes the emotional center of the story, and watching them confront their fears, mistakes, and love for one another is both inspiring and heartbreaking.<\/p>\n<p>The film delivers a powerful message about understanding, empathy, and how one friendship can change a whole world\u2014for good.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults. Wicked: For Good opens in theaters November 21, 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After challenging the Wizard&#8217;s totalitarian regime in Oz, Elphaba must grapple with her identity as the &#8220;Wicked Witch of the West&#8221;. Meanwhile, the Wizard has given Glinda the title &#8220;Glinda the Good&#8221; and a public status as the nation&#8217;s defender against Elphaba. The two witches must make decisions that seal their fates in this second musical installment.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ruhi K. comments, \u201cWicked: For Good is a heartbreaking but beautiful portrait of friendship, sacrifice and corruption. The story is supported by fantabulous vocals, swankified design elements and performances with a caliber of depth rarely revealed by its two lead artists.\u201d Katherine S. adds, \u201cEveryone \u201crejoicify!\u201d The second half of Wicked is here! Wicked: For Good is the perfect ending to Elphaba and Glinda\u2019s story with its incredible display of friendship, wickedly good singing, and breathtaking visuals, while also exploring deeper themes.\u201d Madeleine H.K. wraps it up with, \u201cThe performances in this film are outstanding. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande give emotional, deeply committed portrayals of their characters, and their chemistry makes the story\u2019s themes of friendship, honesty, and forgiveness feel totally real. Their voices are stunning, especially in the iconic songs that Wicked fans already love.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[9940,8454,935,7739,3495,8450,1783,9935,6743,9934,8445,9938,1207,725,9937,9936,6814,69,9933,961,3566,3450,8444,8451,8446,858,1166,62,9932,9939,1771,9931,9930,9928,9929,5057],"class_list":["post-14607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-aaron-teoh-guan-ti","tag-adam-james","tag-ariana-grande","tag-bowen-yang","tag-broadway","tag-bronwyn-james","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-change","tag-colman-domingo","tag-elphaba","tag-ethan-slater","tag-fairy-tale","tag-family","tag-fantasy","tag-for-the-better","tag-forever","tag-forgiveness","tag-friendship","tag-glinda","tag-idina-menzel","tag-jeff-goldblum","tag-jon-m-chu","tag-jonathan-bailey","tag-keala-settle","tag-marissa-bode","tag-michelle-yeoh","tag-movie-reviews","tag-musical","tag-oz","tag-pop-musical","tag-romance","tag-scarlett-spears","tag-synthia-erivo","tag-wicked","tag-wicked-for-good","tag-wizard-of-oz"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3NB","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14607","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14607"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14607\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14631,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14607\/revisions\/14631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}