The final cinematic event of 2025 arrives this weekend as Wicked: For Good prepares to cast its spell over UK audiences, with early reviews suggesting it might defy the year's challenging box office trends.
Critical Reception and Rotten Tomatoes Verdict
As the curtain prepares to rise on what could be one of the year's last major theatrical successes, Wicked: For Good has secured a respectable 73% 'Fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 102 professional reviews. Perhaps more tellingly, the film has achieved an impressive 97% score on the platform's Popcornmeter, calculated from over 25,000 verified audience ratings.
While the critical consensus indicates the sequel hasn't quite matched the unanimous praise showered on its predecessor, the overall reception remains firmly positive. Film critic Zach Pope captured the general sentiment, describing the film as "magical" though conceding it's "not as magical as Part One."
Performance Praise and Narrative Critiques
Once again, the spotlight falls brightly on the film's leading ladies. Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba has already generated Oscar buzz, while Ariana Grande returns to captivate audiences as Glinda. Director Jon M. Chu's vision also continues to earn plaudits from reviewers.
Carla Hay from Culture Mix praised the director's work, stating the film "delivers a lavish spectacle that is more action-packed and more emotionally impactful than the first Wicked movie."
However, some critics identified issues with the film's structure. The lack of cohesion between the first and second instalments emerged as a recurring theme, though FILMHOUNDS Magazine's Paul Klein noted this was "something that was never going to be in Chu's hands, and for what he has, he excels at."
San Francisco Chronicle's Carla Mayer offered a more critical perspective, suggesting the film allocates "too much space for trite dialogue, obvious special effects and pointless skirmishes" while neglecting the development of key relationships.
Audience Reaction and Box Office Prospects
Despite mixed critical opinions, early audience responses have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. One cinema-goer expressed how the film "absolutely shattered me in the best possible way," particularly praising the emotional depth of the musical numbers.
They elaborated: "I've heard that song more times than I can count, but something about how it was framed in the second film felt deeper, heavier, and so much more raw. When Glinda and Elphaba hit those final lines together, it was impossible not to cry."
Wicked: For Good opens across UK cinemas including Vue and Odeon on November 21, 2025. Given the film's anticipated popularity and the limited remaining opportunities for major cinematic events this year, prospective viewers are advised to book tickets in advance through their preferred cinema's online box office.
