GLICKED REVIEWED: WICKED & GLADIATOR II
WICKED
WICKED
Directed by John M. Chu
Let's get this out of the way upfront: yes I love musicals, no I have never seen WICKED on stage nor was I familiar with the story, themes or music minus one prominent part of one song. So who better to review the movie then someone going in relatively fresh? The musical may be bulletproof to criticism from fans but we don't do that here. Despite the many narrative flaws, questionable visuals and padded bloated runtime, WICKED (part 1 as the title card sneaks in) is pretty good.
The absolute slam dunk and the key to this movie working is the casting. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the green witch and pink witch respectively do more than carry the production, they bring warmth, depth and humor to the roles. Cynthia is the heart of the movie and Ariana gets most of the big laughs. Director John M.Chu stages the musical numbers handsomely and allows the production to breathe, keeping the camera focused instead of cutting every couple seconds.
Nothing will forgive the fact that this is a 2 hour 46 minute Act 1, something Hollywood has been doing more often. Sneakily turning a production into 2 parts and hiding that from the marketing. The "real" story of the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz is a thin plot stretched even thinner. There's some stuff about the animal rights of Oz but is all spinning plates until Act 2 (I'm assuming).
Thank goodness for the costumes! And the singing! Plenty of queer humor with Bowen Yang and Jonathan Bailey (who is the witch love interest but can't help but gay it up). Michelle Yeoh brings much needed weight and gravitas while Jeff Goldblum mostly plays himself (fabulous).
At the end of the day, there are much worse things you and the family could go watch this holiday weekend. Drink your green potion and wail WHOA-OH-OHHH.
⭐⭐⭐ out of 4
GLADIATOR II
GLADIATOR II
Directed by Ridley Scott
Paul Mescal brooding, thighs always out. Pedro Pascal conflicted, thighs always out. Denzel Washington as the secret co-lead, in elaborate robes and gowns and jewelry (a new one every scene). Connie Nielsen’s face always stamped and gorgeous - even facing death. Huge epic war battles the way only Sir Ridley Scott can deliver. Paul Mescal shirtless, brooding. Intense, violent coliseum fights. Everything historically inaccurate and anachronistic (shut up nerd).
Shakespearean. Rhino battles. Coliseum battleship game filled with water and sharks. Constant muscled oiled up half naked Gladiator men. Fred Hechinger & Joseph Quinn cementing their status as new Hollywood It boys. Sir Derek Jacobi! Everyone in a different accent. Paul Mescal liberating Rome (spoiler alert).
This movie was gender affirming care. Dudes rock.
⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 out of 4
