Wicked For Good 3D Movie Review

Wicked For Good 3D Movie Review

Written By: Adolph Vega


3D

I watched Wicked for Good in a laser projection theater, and sadly, the 3D presentation feels like an afterthought. There are moments where the film genuinely commits to dimensionality—especially scenes featuring flying particle effects that pop off the screen. The chase scene in the woods with flying monkeys looks especially nice in 3D thanks to its strong use of layered depth. A panning sequence involving mechanical gears is also well executed, and a tunnel scene full of monkeys uses depth effectively. These moments prove the film could have been a strong 3D experience. About 15% of Wicked for Good looks genuinely great in 3D, while the remaining 85% maintains shallow, minimal layering with almost no real depth.

Unfortunately, those highlights are very brief and infrequent. Most of the movie sits in very shallow depth, with flat compositions and camera angles that don’t complement stereoscopic 3D imagery. Several scenes that clearly should have been visually rich simply aren’t. There are noticeable ghosting issues as well as shots where objects extend slightly out of frame, but not in a way that feels intentional—just awkward.

The result is 3D that isn’t terrible, but is ultimately forgettable and under-utilized. It feels as though the creative team only committed to 3D in a handful of sequences and treated the majority of the film like a normal 2D production. If you’re watching in a less-than-ideal theater—dim bulbs, older projectors, or no laser setup—this experience could easily drop a point. Wicked for Good has overall weak 3D, and it’s hard to recommend seeing it in this format.

Final 3D Score: 6/10

Movie

Wicked for Good picks up after the first film with no recap, no “previously on,” and no help for anyone who didn’t recently rewatch Wicked: Part One. This isn’t a sequel in the traditional sense—it’s the second half of a story that was originally one stage play, and it expects you to already know what’s going on. If you haven’t seen the first film, you’ll likely spend a good chunk of this one confused. Because it is structured as a direct continuation, the narrative doesn’t feel self-contained.

Wicked for Good is simply too long. The pacing starts slow and continues to drag in several places due to unnecessary scenes and story detours that don’t add much weight. An early birthday scene is a great example—it’s pleasant, but ultimately unnecessary and adds to the bloated runtime. That said, the emotional core of Wicked for Good is very strong, especially in the final act, which almost had me in tears. It’s powerful, bittersweet, and likely to hit audiences hard in a satisfying yet sad way. The tone is more serious than the first movie, though it maintains a similar overall quality—I just didn’t enjoy it as much.

Musically, the performances are excellent. Every song is sung with passion and gravitas, and the titular song “For Good” is superb. However, outside the context of the movie, most songs aren’t especially catchy or memorable. I’m not convinced these tracks will be popular, or if they’ll defy gravity and become hits on the radio.

Visually, the film delivers what you’d expect: gorgeous costumes, detailed sets, and strong production design equal to or better than the first installment. CGI is mostly good, though some scenes feel oddly digital when practical effects or makeup would’ve worked better—one character in particular looked like they should’ve been done with prosthetics instead of full CG. The movie ties into The Wizard of Oz (1939) in ways that are sometimes a little too cute, but still effective, acting half as table-setting for that story and half as closure for Wicked’s arc. Some iconic Oz characters get meaningful backstory, though the depth varies from character to character.

Overall, Wicked for Good is emotionally resonant, well-acted, and thematically rich, especially in its portrayal of propaganda, dictatorship, and the power of collective belief. Performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are standout strengths; they have genuine onscreen chemistry and carry the emotional weight of the story. Jeff Goldblum gives the Wizard a charismatic, grifter-like edge, and I’m glad he gets more screen time and his own musical number. While the movie maintains the high quality of the first, the pacing and excess runtime hold it back. Wicked for Good offers a thoughtful reflection on what it really means to be “wicked” or “good,” reminding us that those labels often depend on who controls the narrative—and how those in power weaponize them to shape truth.


Final Movie Score: 8/10



Learn more about how we rate 3D content via the link below:

https://www.3dor2d.com/3d-or-2d-ratingssystem/


Read our review for the original Wicked Movie via the link below:

https://www.3dor2d.com/reviews/wicked-3d-movie-review

Official Website :

https://www.wickedmovie.com/

© 2025 Universal Pictures. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.


Wicked 3D Movie Review

Wicked 3D Movie Review

By Adolph Vega


3D

The 3D presentation of Wicked is a mixed bag that leans more toward moments of brilliance than consistent excellence. Perhaps it was due to my theater, but the overall 3D visuals felt subdued, as if the magic that defines the story wasn’t entirely optimized for the format. The vibrant visuals and rich color palette are undeniably beautiful, with the world of Oz coming to life in bright and vivid detail. However, while certain scenes shine, much of the movie’s use of 3D is just fine, failing to leave a lasting impression across its runtime.

 

That said, the 3D truly enhances several key moments, elevating them to cinematic visual spectacles. 3D depth really makes the library scene memorable with its layered depth and enchanting atmosphere, is particularly breathtaking. One quick scene on a river with the mesmerizing ribbon fish is phenomenal in 3D. Those fish seem to flow out of the screen with a dazzling grace. The climactic final flying sequence also benefits from the added dimension, delivering a grand and immersive conclusion. Overall, Wicked has solid 3D visuals. As per usual I must state that your experience may vary depending on your local cinema (I imagine that it will look better in IMAX 3D or other premium formats). While the visuals are bright and engaging, the film feels like it could have been stronger in its execution of the format, leaving room for improvement in delivering a truly transformative 3D experience.

Final 3D Score: 7/10

Movie

Wicked is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece—a dazzling spectacle that transcends expectations and delivers one of the most engaging movie experiences of the decade (2020’s). Having watched the play last year, I approached this adaptation with high hopes, and not only were those expectations met, but they were thoroughly exceeded. This is a film that takes the already iconic subversive source material and elevates it to a new level of artistry, making it not just a worthy adaptation but a superior one in almost every conceivable way. This is a film that the entire family can love. Wicked is cinema at its best.

 

Yes, Wicked is a musical, and unapologetically so. If musicals aren’t your thing, too bad—you’d still be hard-pressed to find fault with the jaw-dropping performances. Each song is impeccably sung, filled with power, and resonance that linger long after the credits roll. The music is more than just a backdrop; it is the lifeblood of the movie, delivering moments that are fun, emotional, and deeply moving. The chemistry between the characters adds another layer to this, as the relationships feel authentic and real, drawing the audience further into this enchanting world. All the notes are hit perfectly, and everyone gives a stellar performance singing and delivering their dialogue. The characters sing because that is natural for the characters, and it fits the movie perfectly. This movie may charm you into liking musicals-it’s simply that wickedly good.

 

Visually, Wicked is an absolute triumph. From the breathtaking sets that transport you to a fully realized Oz to the intricate, fabulous costumes that feel like characters themselves, every visual element is a feast for the eyes. The film doesn’t just depict Oz—it immerses you in it, making it feel like a tangible, visitable world. The dance choreography only amplifies this immersion, with sequences so beautifully orchestrated that they feel like an extension of the narrative. The makeup is truly beautiful and is crafted with love. Whether it’s the grandiosity of the Emerald City or the intimate moments between the characters, the visuals and movement work together to create an atmosphere that is truly magical. The sets are grand, and they all look incredible.  The CGI is fantastic and overall, the visual aesthetic is truly extraordinary.

 

The writing in Wicked is sharp and deeply emotional. Originally ahead of its time when it debuted in 2003, the story now resonates with even greater poignancy—perfect for late 2024 and beyond. Its themes of fake news, hatred of minorities, acceptance, resilience, and the cost of ambition feel more relevant (sadly) than ever in today’s world. Impossible as it may sound, but the story of Wicked is somehow both timely and timeless. The narrative strikes a perfect balance between fun and depth, delivering humor, drama, and heart-wrenching moments that will stay with audiences for years to come. The allegories represented in this film are all expertly done as it never feels too preachy. Wicked is a film that deeply connected with me, offering a message of hope, perseverance, and love even in dark times. Despite its epic runtime (2 hours 40 minutes), the film never overly feels long. This movie ends perfectly, delivering a satisfying conclusion to the plot while still leaving me wanting more. I can’t wait to rewatch this movie, and I eagerly anticipate its second part in 2025.

 

The performances by the cast are nothing short of iconic. Each actor fully inhabits their role, making their characters unforgettable and, at times, downright meme-worthy. Wicked is perfectly cast. The movie’s fabulousness, in every sense of the word, is a celebration of individuality and identity, and it embraces its campy, vibrant, and deeply emotional tone with pride.

 

Perhaps what stands out most is how Wicked surpasses the play. While the stage production had its undeniable brilliance, this adaptation refines and improves upon it, trimming the weaker elements and enhancing the highlights. Some moments from the play didn’t make it into the movie, and some characters are given less screen time, but overall, the film is superior. It’s a rare feat when a movie adaptation outshines its stage counterpart.

 

This is not just a movie; it’s an instant classic, a film that will be studied, celebrated, and revisited for decades to come. It’s the perfect film for these challenging times, a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire, uplift, and unite.

 

Whether you’re a fan of musicals or not, Wicked demands to be seen. It is, without question, one of the greatest prequels stories (The Wizard of Oz) of all time, and I left the theaters feeling 100% satisfied. Wicked is truly fantabulous wonderful film. From its jaw-dropping visuals to its emotionally charged performances, from its timely themes to its unforgettable music, Wicked is an unparalleled cinematic achievement in excellence.


Final Movie Score: 10/10 and Editor’s Choice Movie Award



Learn more about how we rate 3D content via the link below:

https://www.3dor2d.com/3d-or-2d-ratingssystem/


Official Website :

https://www.wickedmovie.com/

© 2024 Universal Pictures. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.