Wicked (Part One)

Today I saw a flat-out magical masterpiece on film.  The venue, SIFF Cinema (formerly Cinerama), 11 am show, perfect seats, back row center balcony, just about as good as it gets.  After reading the book, seeing the play, being inundated with trailers and clips and talk show interviews, I can safely say that this is a predictable winner.  The character development, dialogue, casting, humor, sound, technical wizardry, all are spot on.  And no, it’s not a “kids” film.  I’m sure there were more than a few misinformed attendees who thought they were going to see The Wizard of Oz redeux with new songs, Kansas in black and white melting into a technicolor Munchkin land and beyond to the Emerald City of Oz.  Waiting a year for the second half is going to be a test of patience, but I anticipate it will be more than worth it.  Steampunk on steroids, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are worthy of every nomination and award they receive, without question, in this writer’s opinion.  Rating:  5 stars and that’s saying something because my ratings only go to 4—and no, I respected my fellow attendees by not singing along.  Although it was very tempting…it would have ruined the experience because the stars singing live throughout the film is perfection.

Gladiator II

Thankfully, I was able to watch Gladiator before diving into this testosterone filled frenzy of a sequel.  My question, whenever I’m watching a film set in Ancient Rome, Greece, Scotland, the middle of nowhere, or any large expanse with thousands of soldiers ready to fight to the death for honor and country, is how does the leader of the pack expect anyone to hear him in the back or down the line when he doesn’t even have a curled up cone of paper to deliver his speech and set the charge?  I mean, come on, there has to be communication issues, but miraculously every single soldier knows the plan like it was delivered over a p.a. System.  Same thing in the Coliseum, where a lot of the action takes place.  Amazing technology for the times, heavy use of CGI, especially for one or two of the gladiator tests.  Almost too reminiscent of alien monsters, but hey, it’s Ridley Scott’s thing.  Denzel Washington is the giant asp running the show this time, there are twin crazier than bedbugs emperors, Queen in peril/still, mistaken identities, bad intentions, where are the pockets in a gladiator’s toga?  I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse.  Lots of pride, not so secret secrets, blood, back stabbing in more ways than one.  Beautifully filmed, amazing recreation of Ancient Rome, the Coliseum, and palace.  If nothing else, closure will be attained.  Rating:  3.5 stars, a bunch of nominations, et tu Brute.