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Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts

Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked

Wicked: A Spectacular Adaptation That Surprises and Delights



Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo



The Anticipation of Wicked

Directed by John M. Chu, Wicked is the much-anticipated cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Set in the Land of Oz, the story follows a misunderstood young woman with green skin and her unlikely friendship with a popular girl at Shiz University. When their lives intersect with the Wizard of Oz, their friendship faces a pivotal test.


Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
 Director Jon M. Chu


An Introduction to the Director and Expectations

Wicked Official Trailer 



John M. Chu, known for In the Heights and Step Up 3D, brings his signature flair to Wicked. Despite some skepticism due to the grand scale of the project, Chu’s direction exceeds expectations with a visually stunning and emotionally engaging narrative.


Practical Sets That Bring Oz to Life

Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo


The film makes brilliant use of practical sets, a surprising choice in today’s CGI-heavy landscape. From Shiz University’s campus to a life-sized train weighing multiple tons, the sets are largely tangible, enhanced subtly with CGI where necessary. This approach lends the movie an authenticity that is often missing in contemporary blockbusters.


Limited CGI: A Breath of Fresh Air

Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo


While CGI is present—flying monkeys and talking goats are hard to replicate practically—its use is restrained and seamlessly integrated. The film avoids the overuse of green screen backdrops, creating a grounded and immersive visual experience.


Stellar Performances That Steal the Show


Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Ariana Grande | Wicked 

Ariana Grande as Glinda

Ariana Grande delivers a surprisingly hilarious and nuanced performance. Playing Glinda, a seemingly self-absorbed and unlikable character, Grande’s charm ensures audiences remain invested in her journey of growth and transformation. Her comedic timing and vocal prowess shine in scenes like the infectious "Popular" sequence.


Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Cynthia Erivo


Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse as Elphaba, delivering chills-inducing vocal performances that are unforgettable. Her portrayal of an outsider grappling with loneliness and discrimination is deeply moving. Erivo’s chemistry with Grande adds layers to the story, particularly during their heartfelt moments of conflict and camaraderie.


Technical Brilliance: Cinematography and Choreography

Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo




Chu’s direction includes intricate camerawork that elevates the film’s choreography. The camera often moves dynamically, capturing the rhythm of the dance and music. Every shot feels purposeful, pulling viewers deeper into the world of Wicked.


Balancing Emotion and Fun

The narrative strikes a balance between exploring deep emotional themes—like depression, anxiety, and the feeling of being an outcast—and offering lighthearted, vibrant sequences. This duality ensures the film appeals to both fans of the Broadway show and newcomers.

Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo


A Standalone Story Despite the Two-Part Structure

Though Wicked is split into two parts, the first installment feels complete. With a clear beginning, middle, and end, the film avoids the pitfalls of other multi-part movies that leave viewers feeling unsatisfied. Fans of the original musical and The Wizard of Oz will appreciate the care taken to craft a satisfying narrative arc.


Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Wicked Movie 2024


Audience Reception and Final Thoughts

While the film caters to fans of the musical, it also manages to win over skeptics and those unfamiliar with the story. Packed theaters and enthusiastic reactions—complete with audiences in costume—demonstrate its wide appeal.

A Word to Detractors

Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo | Michelle Yeoh | Director Jon M. Chu | #Wicked
Wicked Movie Review | 2024 | Ariana Grande | Cynthia Erivo


For those who dislike the casting or the popularity of the franchise, this movie may not change their minds. But for anyone open to a dazzling, heartfelt experience, Wicked delivers.

 A Cinematic Triumph


Wicked is an exceptional adaptation that defies expectations with its practical effects, stellar performances, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this film offers a magical journey worth experiencing.


Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for more reviews and insights. If you enjoyed this, dive into our other articles and immerse yourself in the world of cinema.



Gladiator 2 Full Movie Review | Pedro Pascal | Connie Nielsen | Paul Mescal | Director by Ridley Scott | #Azeem_USA

Gladiator 2: A Worthy Epic That Honors the Original While Standing Tall on Its Own





Introduction:

Gladiator 2: A Modern Epic by a Legendary Director


The original Gladiator is often highly rated across various platforms, though critics appreciated it without being overwhelmingly impressed. Personally, while I liked Gladiator, it wasn’t among my all-time favorites. Ridley Scott’s craftsmanship was evident, and Russell Crowe’s iconic “Are you not entertained?” moment definitely resonated, but I didn’t hold the film in as high regard as many others.


Gladiator 2 Full Movie Review | Pedro Pascal | Connie Nielsen | Paul Mescal | Director by Ridley Scott | #Azeem_USA
Gladiator 2 

Ridley Scott’s Mastery

  • Age is Just a Number: Scott’s Vitality at 86
  • A Cinematic Throwback to Sword-and-Sandal Epics

With Gladiator 2, I went in with an open mind, simply hoping for a good movie—and that’s exactly what I got. Ridley Scott, at 86 years old, delivers an epic that rivals films from his prime. The scale, action, and scope are awe-inspiring. Watching this felt like revisiting the golden era of sword-and-sandal epics, evoking the late '90s and early 2000s, with Scott firing on all cylinders. It raises the question of what this genre will look like when Scott is no longer at the helm, as few directors today seem to be given the resources or trust to craft movies of such magnitude.



Gladiator 2 Full Movie Review | Pedro Pascal | Connie Nielsen | Paul Mescal | Director by Ridley Scott | #Azeem_USA
Gladiator 2 

Standout Performances

  • Denzel Washington: Commanding and Complex
  • Pedro Pascal: A Multi-Layered Role
  • Paul Mescal: A Star Rises

Denzel Washington stands out as a highlight, commanding the screen with a nuanced and morally ambiguous character who plays people like chess pieces. His performance is engaging and complex, making him a strong contender for a Best Supporting Actor nomination, and potentially a win. Pedro Pascal also brings depth to his role, initially presented through the protagonist’s narrow perspective but gradually revealed to have layers that add richness to the story.

Gladiator 2 Full Movie Review | Pedro Pascal | Connie Nielsen | Paul Mescal | Director by Ridley Scott | #Azeem_USA
Gladiator 2 


Paul Mescal, stepping into the lead role, seizes this enormous opportunity with a physically and emotionally intense performance. Having bulked up for the role, he excels in action scenes and captures the rage and fire at the core of his character, which Denzel Washington’s character manipulates. The action is visceral and unrelenting—filled with decapitations, brutal battles, and set pieces like a coliseum with sharks and an enraged rhinoceros. The film doesn’t shy away from gore, which enhances its intensity.


Action and Spectacle

  • Unrelenting Battles and Gory Set Pieces
  • Sharks, Rhinos, and Gladiatorial Combat

What sets this movie apart is its balance. Between the spectacular action, it carves out time for meaningful character work. It’s an R-rated epic that isn’t just about battles; it also explores interpersonal dynamics and power struggles. However, the first 20–30 minutes might feel a bit slow as the story establishes its characters and their roles. On a second viewing, this setup might feel more seamless.



Gladiator 2 Full Movie Review | Pedro Pascal | Connie Nielsen | Paul Mescal | Director by Ridley Scott | #Azeem_USA
Gladiator 2 

Themes and Character Work

  • Rage and Manipulation: A Compelling Arc
  • Power Struggles in Ancient Rome

Some may find fault with the movie for following similar story beats to the original Gladiator. While it’s not a beat-for-beat recreation, it does feature a protagonist thrust into gladiatorial matches and surrounded by characters with echoes of the original film. For those seeking a completely fresh take, this might be a sticking point. However, in a landscape where studios are hesitant to take big risks, this film’s approach feels fitting.



Gladiator 2 Full Movie Review | Pedro Pascal | Connie Nielsen | Paul Mescal | Director by Ridley Scott | #Azeem_USA
Gladiator 2 

A Grand Companion to Gladiator, Worth the Watch!

Ridley Scott proves once again that he’s a master of epic filmmaking. The production design, costumes, visual effects, and editing are all top-notch, making it likely to earn numerous Oscar nominations. While it may not achieve the same reverence as the original Gladiator, it stands as a worthy companion piece—vital, energetic, and impressive. Scott, nearly 90 years old, directs with the vigor of someone decades younger, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

CAPTAIN AMERICA BRAVE NEW WORLD 2nd TRAILER - Review #Azeem_USA

CAPTAIN AMERICA BRAVE NEW WORLD Movie 2nd TRAILER - Review