“Wicked: For Good” is defying the expectations of some critics rightfully weary of sequels that, too often, seem to angle more for box office numbers than the integrity of a story. Many, however, couldn’t help but find the follow-up “numbing,” noting that a famously weaker second act likely set up the film to pale in comparison to the first.

Jon M. Chu’s second and final chapter in the big screen adaptation of “Wicked” — the “Wizard of Oz” prequel novel -turned-Broadway sensation — soars into theaters on Friday. It sees the return of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in their respective turns as Elphaba and Glinda, known in the original story as The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

The film, which arrives nearly a year to the day of its predecessor, currently holds a 72%

See Full Page