The “Glicked” connection 

“Wicked” and “Gladiator 2” both share similar grandiose storytelling through subjects of power,  betrayal, and identity. These two box office giants released on the same day, Nov. 22, mimicking the cultural movie phenomenon of “Barbenheimer” that occurred with the movies “Barbie” and “Oppenhiemer” on July 21, 2023. These two events are more alike than you think, one movie being the light-hearted family version of the two (“Wicked” and “Barbie”), and the other movie being a dark, thought-provoking historical film (“Gladiator 2” and “Oppenheimer”). 

“Gladiator 2” and “Oppenheimer” also share similar stacked casts as “Gladiator 2” has Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, and Joseph Quinn. “Oppenheimer” includes Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, and Robert Downey Jr is just a small portion of that movie’s huge and talented cast. 

While over on the lighter side, “Wicked” and “Barbie” focuses on pop culture by hiring Ariana Grande as Glinda the good and making a movie about a pop culture iconic toy, Barbie. The purpose of these events is to generate lots of hype and money to go towards these seemingly polar opposite films and to place their releases on the same day. This encourages the average moviegoer to make a decision, pick one movie to watch or see both. In turn, this gives both movies a huge advantage towards the box office. As we saw with “Glicked”’s predecessor “Barbenheimer,” it had set the bar with a $245-million domestic opening weekend for both films combined. 

“Wicked” overview

“Wicked” directed by Jon M. Chu stars Cynthia Erivo as the Wicked Witch Elphaba, and Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch. These are two characters that were in the original “Wizard of Oz” movie from 1939. But, this specific movie is based off of the broadway musical created in 2003 that starred the iconic cast of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. 

The rather iconic press run was done by the main lead actresses Grande and Erivo where they sat down in traditional interviews for promoting the movie and got extremely emotional in almost all of the interviews. This generated a lot of hype for the movie because it made people want to see what part of the movie was making them so emotional.

The magic of the music

The singing from all the characters were amazing but obviously the two stars stood out from the others.Erivo and Grande’s vocal talent and range are second to none. Their voices carry in these songs and it is obvious, because they recorded these songs live in the scenes for the movie. My favorite song was the climax of the movie “Defying Gravity,” where Erivo claims her rightful spot as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and she sings like there is no tomorrow. Grande’s performances were great as well. “Popular” was cool as it reminded me of the viral tik tok trend that used the audio from the original musical, Grande’s perfect pitch and tone really shows out here with this musical number.  When Fiyero chimes in to sing a musical number I thought it was alright nothing too special. 

Behind the curtain: The plot

Now readers, do not get mad at me when I say this, but I have never seen the “Wicked” movie in person or online, so I was not an expert of the plot going into it. That being said, I feel like the plot felt very simple, but it worked. Elphaba got mad at the Wizard for being corrupt and outing the animals, so she rebelled in a strong and defiant way. 

The plot did lack at some points in the movie. Sometimes I was just bored or confused, but that could have been the pacing. It did have a lengthy runtime of two hours and 40 minutes.

Bringing characters to life: The acting

The acting performances met the requirements for the movie. Each actor and actress did their job well, especially Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz. He conveys the whimsical, yet sinister puppeteer villain perfectly. Michelle Yeoh and her performance on Madame Morrible is done wonderfully. She never messes up a role, especially this one with her sly facial expressions and sinister motivations . The main actors did well, and I think that will show in the box office in the coming weeks. 

Visually enchanting: The cinematic world

The visuals and environment the creators of this film were able to put onto the silver screen really impressed me. Lots of the set designs were all real and practical. The costuming was very colorful and true to the musical and original “Wizard of Oz” movie from 1939. The only negative I would say is the computer-generated imagery (CGI) animals everywhere, but that is just a personal con for me, they look a little cheesy.

“Wicked” delivered on all cylinders for me and was an overall good musical. Not the best pacing and dialogue but that comes with every musical to movie adaptation. I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys great singing and dramatic storytelling. I’m going to give “Wicked” a 4.25 out of 5 stars. 

“Gladiator 2” overview

“Gladiator 2” beholds a star-studded cast that is directed by Ridley Scott (original “Gladiator” director). The cast stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger as well as returning characters from the first movie, Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi. This movie follows its successful first movie “Gladiator” (2000), starring Russel Crowe. That movie made 465.5 million dollars at the box office alone, but it somehow took 24 years to make its sequel. 

Legends reborn: The characters

The characters and performances in this movie are what will make it great for years to come. Let’s just start with the lead actor Paul Mescal as Lucius. His performance is brilliant and captivating, especially in the ending scene. He just has that Roman statuesque look, historically accurate gladiator look is what I’m trying to say. Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, the general of Rome turned gladiator did an okay job in my eyes but still could play the part decently well. He managed to look cool enough. 

The two emperors were some of my favorite performances this year with their Joker-esque tyrant maniac lifestyle they live and portray so well on the big screen. Their costuming for these emperors was brilliant just like in the first one with the extravagant gowns and golden armors they boasted in. Then there is Denzel Washington’s character Macrinus. He was definitely my favorite part of the whole movie, the way he politicked his way up the Roman ranks silently. The way he smoothly talked and wagered his way into the gladiator business and more. His performance was outstanding and he was an awesome pick by Paramount to be the antagonist of this film. 

Fate and Fury: The plot

Scott’s storytelling and pacing are evident in this movie but it works as well as it did for its predecessor. This plot draws you in with the classic medieval conflicts of violent betrayal and drastic assassinations. It takes after the plot from the first one in a way that does not totally come off as copying the last, but more as paying homage and connecting the story. 

The constant twists and turns of this classic Roman political story are told perfectly through Scott’s mastermind. I also appreciate the amount of fighting and gladiator scenes in the film compared to dialogue scenes. This sequel runs lots of parallels from the last movie, like grabbing the sand and Lucius wearing Maximus’ armor in the coliseum. 

Unrelenting combat: The action

There is absolutely nonstop, well-done action throughout the whole movie. However, there are even more iconic gladiator pit scenes to add to Ridley’s list. The baboon fight was sickening yet hardcore. The naval boat scene with sharks was surreal, especially for the time period. The beginning battle scene with the two main gladiators fighting was an awesome way to open the movie. Of course, the final fight scene is grand and epic with the armies surrounding the fighting emperors, Lucius and Macrinus. It pays off with a satisfying and inspiring ending leaving hope for a Ridley Scott Rome to possibly become a future film?? 

From Arena to Empire: Comparing the 2000 Version with the 2024 Version

Now the first “Gladiator” came out in the year 2000 by the same director, Ridley Scott. It honestly follows similar plots. The first one has a tyrant emperor who exiles a general who then becomes a vengeful gladiator out to kill him, while the second film has twin tyrant emperors who exile a general who then becomes a gladiator. But, of course, the second movie also had Lucius as the gladiator and Macrinus in the mix killing people and rising in the ranks. 

There are lots of motifs and easter eggs in this new movie to pay homage to the success and appreciation of the first movie. 

The repeating quote between both movies, “What we do in life, echoes in eternity,” reflects that actions, choices, and legacies have lasting consequences beyond a lifetime. It suggests that the impact of what we do, whether good or bad, transcends time and continues to resonate throughout history. In the context of the movies, it highlights the significance of the protagonist’s pursuits of justice and revenge, showing that deeds will be remembered long after death, shaping the future.

I think the second movie deserves Oscar nominations and wins just like its previous film did.  That being said, I’m going to give “Gladiator 2” a whopping 5 out of 5 stars.