The second half of this musical is totally different from the first. The original was bright, colorful and delightful (my review). This time the story dives deep into the downside. Almost every song (including the 2 new ones) is sullen and plaintive. Nothing upbeat. Even though Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande still have chemistry, they aren’t allowed much emotional intensity, except maybe the final scene. This makes their numbers less effective. Michelle Yeo and Jeff Goldblum make passable villains, but even Jonathan Bailey’s dashing prince is more muted. The whole thing is dark in more ways than one: Cinematographer Alice Brooks made it sometimes hard to see the faces (I don’t know you’d even watch it on a phone). Fans of the musical will already recognize the new elements (songs, scenes and even glimpses of Dorothy) and they may appreciate the resolution. Even though it ties things up, the film “defies” the dazzling charm of the first one. 
(2 / 5)
