How do you follow a pop-culture extravaganza like “Wicked”? With a sequel that emphasizes feelings rather than showstoppers, a darker yet crowd-pleasing narrative, and more “Wizard of Oz” references than you can drop a house on.

Directed again with much colorful pomp and magical circumstance by Jon M. Chu, “Wicked: For Good” is a stronger and tighter movie than its Oscar-nominated predecessor without losing any of its splendor. Comprising (and expanding) the second act of the Broadway musical, the film also brings back Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande better than before. They reprise their roles as “wicked” witch Elphaba and her popular bestie Glinda with new verve, and these frenemies’ relationship reveals enjoyably fresh depth in an unexpectedly relevant fantasy movie about standing up for what’s right.

Elphaba has become sort of the Batman of Oz, swooping in on her broomstick and causing chaos as the Wizard’s Yellow Brick Road project nears completion. Meanwhile, Glinda has become the literal poster child for goodness, a part of the propaganda machine against Elphaba honchoed by the Wizard and the dastardly Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). 

However, Elphaba and Glinda still foster a closeness amid an environment rife with fear and hate: Elphaba rages against the system but also cares for her BFF, and Glinda holds out hope she can persuade Elphaba to work with the Wizard rather than against him. There are other issues at hand, too. Glinda is about to be married to Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), captain of the Wizard’s military force tasked with capturing Elphaba, though he’s got a place in his heart for the emerald-skinned fugitive. And Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) is the governor of Munchkinland, but a more jaded soul now – even when it comes to her beloved Boq (Ethan Slater).

Among the second film’s satisfactions are more detailed accounts of how Scarecrow and the Tin Man came to be cursed, as well as a knock-down, drag-out witch fight. The art nouveau-style sets and ornate costumes are nothing short of astonishing.  Everything is stitched together beautifully to create an exhilarating piece of movie musical magic that re-invents the Golden Age.