Will Ben Shapiro Think Wicked: For Good Is More Good Than The first? 

Wicked: For Good the second installment of the movie adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked released to theaters the week of November 17. The film follows the second act of the musical and is coming on the heels of the beloved first installment that even the stingiest of media consumers, Ben Shapiro, thought was incredible. See his thoughts on the 2024 Wicked here. 

But will Ben Shapiro think Wicked: For Good is more good than the first film? The conservative critic asks: is it entertaining? Does it have artistic/intellectual value? Is it liberal propaganda? 

The Conservative Critic Meter Check: 

Overall Rating: Sensational 

The follow up is just as good as the original installment albeit much more dramatic. The first Wicked had a lot of benefit from the “reveal” factor – the world had been created and seen on screen for the first time and it was dazzling. Additionally, the first act of the show has most of the top songs like ‘Defying Gravity,’ ‘The Wizard and I,’ and ‘Popular.’ And further Wicked was a character establishment which sets up the real story which is explored in Wicked: For Good, so it was able to be a little more light hearted and silly. 

But Wicked: For Good seems like a deeper story. A story about how friendships can last through extreme political disagreement, a very necessary sentiment in today’s political climate. Its also about love and bravery and ambition. Its action packed and the songs are fantastic, Cynthia Erivo’s vocals once again are just undeniable. The movie is visually and audibly beautiful, it has very minor moments where it drags a little, and its political message is universal. It is a must see film and definitely a top contender for best movie of the year. 

Is it entertaining? 

Rating: Dramatic and musical 

Wicked: For Good really shines in its adventurous story. There is quite a bit of action as Elpheba takes on Oz and the Wizard at odds with Galinda or “Glinda” who has taken on a major role in the Wizard’s government. There is a lot of emotional resonance in the struggle of both women, and in the plight of the Ozians. But there are also chase scenes, tussles and secrets revealed. There is a lot going on and the story really drives forward. 

Not to mention of course, there are wonderful songs (including one called ‘Wonderful’). In particular, the mid movie song “No Good Deed” absolutely brings the house down. More on that below. 

Does it have artistic intellectual value? 

Rating: Absolutely beautiful 

The movie is beautiful from frame one. Building on all the practical magic from the first movie, the elaborate set design and costumes sing on the screen and the cinematography works hand in glove with those visuals to really make the story pop. 

The music is insane. More than in Wicked, Ariana Grande as Galinda/Glinda the Good is given miles to roam with her beautiful soprano voice and Cynthia Erivo is just undeniable. There is a song “No Good Deed” in the middle of the film which is so good it will bring the audience to tears as if she was singing it live (I can’t even imagine my emotional reaction if I were to hear that performance live). The way the song is shot – more straight without interruptions of dialogue and plot- this critic argues it is better than “Defying Gravity.” Controversial take, but its that good.  

Finally, the acting performances are also pretty strong. In particular, Jonathan Bailey as Fiero is quite good and very compelling. Bailey’s Fiero is given more material than the stage version and while its only a little more, its significant and Bailey really took every moment of screen time and devoured it. Bailey stole the screen from Grande and Erivo multiple times which is saying a lot because those two women have indescribable chemistry and charisma on screen. 

Is it liberal propaganda? 

Rating: It’s actually about propaganda 

The movie is about propaganda. Without spoiling the movie, the story is about how to manipulate public perception and how the victors write the history. This is a universal message in terms of political lean. Additionally, any person of any political bend will interpret the good and evil in the movie has representing their own particular views. Its done so well that Im confident both sides will ardently argue that the Wizard is their political opponent and the good guys are them. People will accuse each other of not being “media literate” for thinking their side is actually the good ones in the story. A movie that does politics this way is SO strong. Its a storyteller that really understands the fundamentals of good v evil archetypes and the human psychology associated with those archetypes especially when applied to a recognizable political structure. 

Additionally, the underlying story is about two friends who despite extreme political differences continue to love each other. One of the friends is part of the political administration which is actively persecuting the other friend. But their love is unwavering even in disagreement. Their biggest fight in the film is entirely interpersonal and not politically motived. This message is the most important message a film could have in the year 2025. It is this critic’s hope that viewers watch this film and are inspired by this love and learn to put their differences aside. 

Conclusion 

Wicked: For Good is one of the best movies of the year (if not the best of the year) and I think Ben Shapiro will like this one too.