Wicked: For Good (2025) – Dr. Mac’s Christian Movie Review: Spells, Songs, and Spiritual Sight for Families

Broadway fans, buckle up! The most anticipated musical sequel of 2025 has finally arrived, and as someone who's spent more time analyzing family entertainment than my kids would care to admit, I'm here to give you the full scoop on "Wicked: For Good." Whether you're planning a family movie night or wondering if this PG-rated spectacle deserves a spot on your watch list, I've got you covered with the kind of honest, faith-based perspective you won't find in your typical Hollywood review.

What's All the Fuss About?

"Wicked: For Good" wraps up Jon M. Chu's ambitious two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, hitting theaters November 21, 2025. If you caught the first installment, you already know we're diving deep into the Land of Oz through a completely different lens – one that asks some pretty heavy questions about good, evil, and everything in between.

The story picks up where we left off, following Elphaba (our green-skinned protagonist who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West) as she faces an angry mob and must navigate her complicated friendship with Glinda one final time. But here's where it gets interesting from a Christian worldview perspective – this isn't your grandmother's Wizard of Oz story.

The Big Question That Drives Everything

The entire narrative hangs on this central question: "Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" Now, as a Christian leader and someone who's spent considerable time studying human nature through both biblical and psychological lenses, this question immediately caught my attention – and should catch yours too.

The film presents wickedness as something external, almost like a label society slaps on people rather than an internal condition of the heart. While this makes for compelling storytelling and certainly tugs at our empathy strings, it's worth noting how this differs from what Scripture teaches us about human nature.

Romans 5:12-21 gives us a different framework entirely – one that acknowledges wickedness as an internal reality we all struggle with, not just something imposed by external circumstances or power structures. This doesn't mean we can't feel compassion for Elphaba's journey; it just means we're watching through a different lens than the filmmakers intended.

Performance That'll Make You Believe in Magic (The Good Kind)

I'll give credit where it's due – Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande absolutely nail their performances. Grande, in particular, surprised critics and audiences alike with her dramatic range. As someone who's watched countless family films over the years, I can honestly say these performances elevate the material significantly.

The cinematography, costumes, and world-building are genuinely spectacular. Jon M. Chu has crafted a visual feast that'll keep both kids and adults engaged throughout the runtime. The musical numbers are show-stoppers, and if you're a fan of the Broadway version, you won't be disappointed.

The Content Conversation Every Parent Needs

Here's where we need to have an honest conversation about what you're actually getting with that PG rating. While "Wicked: For Good" contains zero profanity and no violence (major win for family viewing!), there are some themes that require parental awareness and potentially some pre-movie conversations.

The Magic Element: Obviously, we're dealing with witches, spells, and magical elements throughout. Characters cast spells from magical books, and there's near-religious reverence for the Wizard character. For families who prefer to avoid magical themes entirely, this might not be your cup of tea.

Sexuality Themes: The film presents what critics have called a "sexually progressive Land of Oz" where characters' sexuality spans the full spectrum. While this content exists more beneath the surface than explicitly, it's something Christian parents should be prepared to address if it comes up in post-movie conversations.

Moral Framework: The biggest consideration is the film's post-Christian approach to morality – the idea that good and evil are primarily social constructs rather than absolute truths rooted in God's character.

Here's Where VidAngel Becomes Your Best Friend

Now, I'm not getting paid to say this (seriously, I'm not!), but if you're looking for ways to enjoy this cinematic experience while addressing some of the content concerns, VidAngel might just be your secret weapon. Think of it as having a really smart, really fast editor sitting next to you with a remote control.

The beauty of filtering services like VidAngel is that they let you customize your viewing experience based on your family's values and your kids' maturity levels. Want to skip the more intense magical sequences? Done. Need to mute certain conversations about sexuality? No problem. It's like having a personalized family-friendly version without missing the spectacular performances and production value.

And here's the kicker – using filters doesn't make you prudish or overly protective. It makes you intentional. It shows your kids that entertainment choices matter and that we can engage with culture thoughtfully rather than passively consuming whatever Hollywood serves up.

The Discussion Starter Your Family Needs

If you do decide to watch "Wicked: For Good" (filtered or not), here's your golden opportunity for some meaningful family conversations. Ask your older kids these questions afterward:

• How does the Bible view wickedness differently than this movie presents it?

• Is wickedness something that happens to us or something that comes from within us?

• Who's responsible for our choices – us or our circumstances?

• What does it mean to be truly "good" from a Christian perspective?

These aren't gotcha questions designed to tear down the movie; they're bridges to help your family think critically about the messages in popular entertainment while reinforcing biblical truth.

My Bottom Line Recommendation

For families with teens and mature tweens who can handle thematic discussions, "Wicked: For Good" offers solid entertainment value wrapped in some worldview challenges that can actually strengthen faith through thoughtful engagement. The performances are exceptional, the production values are top-notch, and the musical numbers will have you humming for days.

For families with younger children, I'd recommend waiting a few years or watching with significant filtering and preparation for follow-up conversations.

The Bigger Picture

As someone who's dedicated their career to helping families navigate faith and culture intersection, I see movies like "Wicked: For Good" as opportunities rather than threats. Yes, the worldview diverges from Scripture in significant ways. Yes, there are content elements that require parental wisdom and discernment.

VidAngel the stuff out, but we need to introduce our kids to God's Word and then how the world sees "good". I remember sitting with my dad watching the 1989 Batman movie in theaters. Lots wrong with that move. However, afterwards we had a great discussion about what the world sees says is good, and what is evil.

It still leaves a lasting mark on me from my father who gave me some good insights in not so perfect ways.

But here's what I've learned through years of ministry and family coaching – when we engage thoughtfully with popular culture instead of completely avoiding it, we create opportunities to strengthen our kids' critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of biblical truth.

The key is intentionality. Don't just plop the family down for movie night without preparation. Use resources like VidAngel when appropriate. Plan for post-movie conversations. Help your kids develop the skills to enjoy entertainment while maintaining their faith perspective.

Where Do We Go From Here?

"Wicked: For Good" isn't going to transform your family's spiritual life, but it doesn't have to threaten it either. With the right approach, tools like filtering services, and thoughtful family discussions, you can enjoy a spectacular musical production while reinforcing the values that matter most to your family.

Remember, we're not called to hide from culture – we're called to engage with it wisely. Sometimes that means choosing alternative entertainment. Sometimes it means using tools to customize our viewing experience. And sometimes it means watching something that challenges our worldview so we can have meaningful conversations about what we believe and why.

The goal isn't perfect entertainment; it's intentional entertainment that serves your family's growth in faith and wisdom.

Ready to take your family's entertainment choices to the next level? If you're looking for more guidance on navigating faith and culture, developing leadership skills that honor God, or creating a family culture that strengthens rather than compromises your values, I'd love to connect with you. Check out my coaching services at www.laynemcdonald.com/services/coaching where we can work together to build the kind of intentional, faith-driven family leadership that makes a lasting impact.

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