Universal's WICKED Films - News & Discussion Thread- Page 82

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 11:40am

jimmycurry01 said: "EDSOSLO858 said: "This is going to flop hard.

It’ll have a nice first week, but most of the reviewswill be tepid (save for the two leads’ performances) and it will be overshadowed by MOANA 2 come Turkey Day."

This is a movie that has already made at least tens of millions of dollars in marketing deals. You can buy Wicked Rice Krispie treats, dolls, curling irons, designer bags, cake pops, and so much more. Universal has made big money licensing this to high heaven, and all of that helps ensure the Wicked movies break even. Taking the wise marketing decisionsinto account as well as opening weekend boxoffice tracking numbers between $85-125 million, this movie is already a hit for universal.

"

For the record, I've tried the Wicked-licensed pink instant mac and cheese, and it is NOT. GOOD.

[Elfuhbuh]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 12:20pm

I know Kerry Ellis confirmed she filmed something for the movie, so it’s very possible she’ll be in part 2 if her cameo isn’t in this one. (Judging by my picture, I think you can guess how much I want her to pop up.)

I have an early access ticket for Wednesday, so I’m excited to share my thoughts! I was initially not thrilled with the choices when they were first announced, but the marketing and early buzz might have won me over. We shall see!

[Observation]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 1:34pm

Seeing the movie in a few hours. It almost doesn't feel real the movie is finally here. I felt like there were so many false starts! 

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 2:08pm

This movie has been… a decade in the making, if not more. Rumour, upon speculation, upon cancellation, upon delay; we are finally here!

I am so excited to see this on Wednesday, soak it up folks! Theatre kids win this week. 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 3:20pm

theatretenor2 said: "It's the day of the show for many of us! Please do not turn this movie into a sing-a-long unless it is otherwise noted as such on your ticket. As far as I know, there are no such screenings scheduled."

December 25

https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/wicked-singalong-screenings-christmas-1236213350/

[KitKatBoy24]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 3:50pm

I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I feel like we’ve waited forever for this. I genuinely feel like I’m 18 again discovering the original for the first time. I’m seeing the movie in a few hours and I’m sure I’ll cry.

[MezzA101]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 5:12pm

'Wicked' Sets Singalong Screenings for Christmas

 

https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/wicked-singalong-screenings-christmas-1236213350

 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 5:16pm

MezzA101 said: "'Wicked' Sets Singalong Screenings for Christmas



https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/wicked-singalong-screenings-christmas-1236213350"

 

You know inflation is bad when they're charging for one way tickets to Hell.

 

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 9:49pm

Just saw it. One word: incredible. More to come when I have the thoughts all gathered, but wow. 

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 9:52pm

I still have to gather my thoughts, but this is one of the best musicals of my lifetime. Jon Chu and the team took what could have easily been a caricature of a story and raised it to a the most authentic human form imaginable. It elevates the musical in every way. I have not read the book, so can't speak to that. Ariana and Cynthia deserve every bit of hype they are getting. The scene at the Ozdust ballroom is absolutely heartbreaking because of all the acting they are doing. That alone demonstrates incredible range for Ariana, but there's so much more. I feel confident it will be in my top 5 best picture contenders. It very possibly could get a best adapted screenplay nomination and film editing. Will be shocked if it isn't nominated for sound, visual effects, makeup and hairstyling, costume design. I don't see it getting cinematography, but I won't be shocked if it does either. So I think it could get 7 or 8 nominations in total.

[Skip23]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 10:08pm

I thought it was very well done. I’m just not a great big fan of Wicked and I can’t imagine sitting through another 2 1/2 hours…of what?  
 

A major casting problem is Errivo. She’s just blank. Her vocals are not impressive also. Grande comes off much better. Bailey scorches the screen. 
 

production design is dazzling. I’m sure the kids will love this.  For me it was mostly meh. 
 

SPOILER

 

And you know you’re in trouble when the two original stage leads upstage the movie leads. 
 

 

[Akitarent]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 10:12pm

I couldn't agree more. This was made with love and crafted expertly.  The star should be the screenplay, which builds upon the story and gives more emotional impact where needed

theatretenor2 said: "I still have to gather my thoughts, but this is one of the best musicals of my lifetime. Jon Chu and the team took what could have easily been a caricature of a story and raised it to a the most authentic human form imaginable. It elevates the musical in every way. I have not read the book, so can't speak to that. Ariana and Cynthia deserve every bit of hype they are getting. The scene at the Ozdust ballroom is absolutely heartbreaking because of all the acting they are doing. That alone demonstrates incredible range for Ariana, but there's so much more. I feel confident it will be in my top 5 best picture contenders. It very possibly could get a best adapted screenplay nomination and film editing. Will be shocked if it isn't nominated for sound, visual effects, makeup and hairstyling, costume design. I don't see it getting cinematography, but I won't be shocked if it does either. So I think it could get 7 or 8 nominations in total."

 

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 10:16pm

theatretenor2 said: "It very possibly could get a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination."

That could be tricky. When it comes to musicals, we've seen in the past that unless they happen to be a serious threat to win Best Picture (as was the case with Chicago and La La Land), they're just never taken seriously by the writers branch of the Academy (as was the case with Moulin Rouge!, Les Misérables, and Spielberg's West Side Story).

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 10:19pm

I truly think this will be in the top 5 of most BP lists.

What I thought was so great was they adapted it to the screen while building on it and maintaining the heart of the show rather than leaning into the book. I do think Adapted Screenplay is a tall order, but I will not be surprised if it makes it in.

[QueenTwinnied]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 10:41pm

Just got home after seeing an Amazon early preview, and I thought it was wonderful (pun intended). Everyone who complained about the film split is going to feel foolish because it's so earned. I can't imagine rushing through the story considering the rich, immersive world Chu created. You can tell everything was crafted with love and respect for the material while adding a freshness that popped on screen. I liked all of the performances except possibly Morrible, but that has less to do with Michelle Yeoh and more to do with how they chose to present the character. 

Can we talk about the BALLROOM SCENE. My hearttttttt

Updated On: 11/18/24 at 10:41 PM

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 11/18/24 at 10:46pm

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "theatretenor2 said: "It very possibly could get a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination."

That could be tricky.When it comes to musicals, we've seen in the past that unless they happen to be a seriousthreat to win Best Picture (as was the case withChicagoandLa La Land), they're just never taken seriously by the writers branch of the Academy (as was the case withMoulin Rouge!,Les Misérables, and Spielberg'sWest Side Story)."

Yeah, the writer's branch of AMPAS does not like musicals for whatever reason. That the terrific screenplays for West Side Story or Tick... Tick... Boom! were both snubbed in the same year speaks to that.

 

Adapted this year is a curious category. Sing Sing and Conclave are probably locked for nominations.  The Room Next Door is probably close to a nomination. Nickel Boys and Dune: Part Two are probably also in the mix. Wicked might end up being pushed out by another musical  - Emilia Pérez, while divisive among the general public, seems to be very well liked by the industry, and AMPAS voters might appreciate its audacity.

[starlightlocamotion]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 12:29am

It's an 11/10 ... with only two minor issues I had.

1. I really didn't like the new mini song injected into the middle of ONE SHORT DAY for Kristin and Idina. Especially the battle cry by Idina. Seemed like an SNL sketch & went on far to long IMO. Would've preffered them to just have the normal verse of WIZ-O-MANIA, as opposed to an entirely new mini song.

2. I found it to be an odd choice to take a 45 second pause to repeat the morrible monologue after "Match them in renown" before "And Nobody in all of oz ..." it really kind of stopped the momentum for me???

Everything else was so mind blowingly great, it was surreal to behold.

[Alexander_Nevermind]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 12:49am

This is easily one of the best stage to movie musical adaptations ever! It’s right up there with the 1961 WEST SIDE STORY, in that it took a theatrical piece and seamless transitioned it to the silver screen.

MASTERPIECE

Updated On: 11/19/24 at 12:49 AM

[BJR]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 1:40am

starlightlocamotion said: "It's an 11/10 ... with only two minor issues I had.

1. I really didn't like the new mini song injected into the middle of ONE SHORT DAY for Kristin and Idina. Especially the battle cry by Idina. Seemed like an SNL sketch & went on far to long IMO. Would've preffered them to just have the normal verse of WIZ-O-MANIA, as opposed to an entirely new mini song.

2. I found it to be anodd choice to take a 45 second pause to repeat the morrible monologue after "Match them in renown" before "And Nobody in all of oz ..." it really kind of stopped the momentum for me???

Everything else was so mind blowingly great, it was surreal to behold."

Oddly my exact two tiny notes. And the latter especially surprised me because the rest of the number is thrilling.

[QueenTwinnied]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 2:15am

Yeah #2 was my biggest issue with the whole film tbh. I thought it killed the momentum too much. 

#1 didn't bother me as a big fan of Wicked. It was pure fan service for the people who know the OG witches. The theatre went crazy when Idina did the big note. 

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 9:43am

Here are my spoiler-free thoughts on Wicked before the reviews start rolling in at noon, and what I think we’ll read from critics today: First off, this movie blew me away. It exceeded my expectations in almost every way and is absolutely one of the best musical adaptations of my lifetime. It is an instant classic. As someone who considers Chicago the gold standard of musical films in the last 25 years, Wicked comes very close to matching it—and I’m still debating if it beats it. This isn’t just a straightforward adaptation of the Broadway show; it’s a bold transformation that elevates the material in every way.

Now, as much as I loved it, I think critics will have a few notes. The cinematography has its highs and lows. There are moments where the lighting feels off, and a few scenes don’t pop as much as they should. The Emerald City scenes are vibrant and stunning, and I wish that same boldness of color carried through the entire film. As a Broadway fan, one thing that stood out to me is how packed some of the bigger numbers are. There’s so much happening visually in songs like “What is This Feeling?” that the choreography doesn’t really get a chance to breathe. These are minor critiques, but I expect them to come up in reviews.

There are also a couple of moments of fan service that, while fun, feel a little forced. I loved them as a Wicked fan, but I can see some critics calling them out as unnecessary. Still, they don’t take away from the overall experience.

What really makes this film shine is the humanity Jon Chu brings to it. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are phenomenal—both of them elevate their characters to a level that’s unforgettable. Ariana’s performance is Oscar-worthy, and she’s a serious contender for Best Supporting Actress. Cynthia’s Elphaba is the emotional anchor of the film. Her portrayal is raw and heartbreaking, and in the film format, it hits even harder than on stage.

There’s one scene involving both Ariana and Cynthia that had the entire theater in stunned silence. On stage, this moment usually draws some laughs, but in the film, it’s a complete emotional gut-punch. Both of them deliver performances in that scene that are so authentic and profound, it’s unforgettable.

At nearly three hours long, the film mostly flies by, though transitions in a couple of numbers—like “Dancing Through Life” and “Defying Gravity”— where they add on feel a little awkward when you are used to these moments snapping (or flying by) on stage. These are tiny bumps in an otherwise stunning film.

The costumes are incredible, and I’m going to say that's a lock to win the Oscar. Makeup and hairstyling, production design, sound and film editing nominations also seem likely. I could see it getting nominated for best adaptation given how much they expanded the characters and story in this film, but that will have some stiff competition. I think some of the cinematography issues could keep Chu out of the best directing category, but I won't be surprised to see him in there either. It could also get in for visual effects, though the very last moments are the messiest visually in an otherwise visually stunning film.

I expect overwhelmingly positive reviews today. Wicked is a love letter to Broadway fans, Wizard of Oz fans, and anyone who loves great storytelling. It’s going to create a whole new generation of Wicked lovers, and it’s easily one of the best musical adaptations I’ve seen in a very long time. I can’t wait to see how it’s celebrated in the weeks and months ahead!

[NOLAguy]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 10:13am

BJR said: "starlightlocamotion said: "It's an 11/10 ... with only two minor issues I had.

1. I really didn't like the new mini song injected into the middle of ONE SHORT DAY for Kristin and Idina. Especially the battle cry by Idina. Seemed like an SNL sketch & went on far to long IMO. Would've preffered them to just have the normal verse of WIZ-O-MANIA, as opposed to an entirely new mini song.

2. I found it to be anodd choice to take a 45 second pause to repeat the morrible monologue after "Match them in renown" before "And Nobody in all of oz ..." it really kind of stopped the momentum for me???

Everything else was so mind blowingly great, it was surreal to behold."

Oddly my exact two tiny notes. And the latter especially surprised me because the rest of the number is thrilling."

Two of my main notes as well. Idina and Kristin were a delight to see, but went on way toooooo long. Was funny when Ariana tried to sing over Kristin though. 

The DG choice right after "match them in renown" really did slow down the momentum. Loved the stage show tie in with the cape being longer at the end and blowing in the wind. 

Loved the opening with the hat, steam, and monkey (likely Chistery) bursting through the window then the overture starting. 

All in all, an amazing film. My favorite moment, and the moment that actually made me cry, was OzDust Ballroom. Wow. In the stage version it is more of a chuckle moment and a moment to just move the plot to them being friends. In this film, it was a punch in the gut and I wanted to look away out of second hand embarrassment. 

Jonathan read a little too old to me. Cynthia was great, played her a little too angry at certain spots where the character should have not let comments made about her make her angry. Goldblum I thought shined as the wizard and as one who would easily be able to manipulate someone to fall in line with his beliefs. Grande though....wow. In NOMTW you could see the heartbreak in her eyes. Her voice was incredible. She clearly loves this character and I forgot I was watching her within a few minutes. Ariana has proved all doubters wrong.

Anyway...cannot wait to take my parents over Thanksgiving to experience it again. Excited for Part II. 

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 10:16am

Move over Citizen Kane, Wicked is here!

And I jest only slightly.

Easily one of the best movies I've seen the past few years. Run - don't walk - to see this!

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 10:26am

I was floored. Sans the obvious caveat that this a project myself (like many of you) have waited years for and have a strong emotional attachment to already, it was everything I could’ve wanted it to be. I know there was speculation about the 2-part split but I would not want it any other way. It was so easy to get lost in the rollercoaster of the story. I will be going back in a few days for a more analytical take, but as far as I’m concerned …

The movie feels true to itself. It’s true to the source material, the world of Oz, and true to the characters that occupy it. It is a shame it took as long as it did for this to happen, but I struggle to believe there are very many other teams of writers/creatives/directors/producers who would be as successful in holding a candle to the stage incarnation. They did it justice, the amount of respect and passion for what makes the musical important to so many around the world shines through in every corner. No expense spared.

Soak it in. These are the good times!!

Updated On: 11/19/24 at 10:26 AM

[KitKatBoy24]

Posted: 11/19/24 at 10:47am

Add me to the praise this film is getting. That was absolutely phenomenal. It pleased both my fandom side and my critical side. Ariana could definitely get a supporting actress nomination. She steals the film. Cynthia is fantastic, though her category is more stacked this year, she is giving a nomination worthy performance. All of the additions truly embellish the story and lift up the material. Arcs make more sense. Themes carry through. This is simply well done cinema on all accounts.