Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Something “Wicked” This Way Comes: Why Movie of Broadway Hit Musical Means So Much This Season

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As you likely know, “Wicked” is coming soon.

Jon M. Chu’s part 1 of 2 volumes of the long time Broadway hit has been screening this week for press and the various guilds. No reviews until next week, however, no matter how many people have seen it.

“Wicked” comes from Universal Pictures and is one of very few big studio movies set for the holidays and things like the Oscars. Because of last year’s strikes, there are few blockbusters around that can also be awards factors. Much as we all adored “Deadpool and Wolverine,” let’s be real. We’re counting on “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” to catch on like crazy and balance out indie films like “Anora,” “A Real Pain,” “Emilia Perez,” and “Conclave,” not to mention the daunting “The Brutalist.”

At screenings here in New York, there are hardcore “Wicked” fans who’ve seen the Broadway show many times. I saw it once, years ago, and the appeal went over my head. Still, we live with “Wicked” TV commercials in New York, so the main songs — like “Gravity” and “Popular” — are always in the background.

The main focus of “Wicked” will be on Cynthia Erivo. A Tony winner, Grammy winner, and past Oscar nominee, Erivo is a star. We all know she can sing and act. Her Elphaba — the OG story for the Wicked Witch of the West — takes up half of the first movie. She steals the end of the film thoroughly. Will that put her in the Oscar race for lead actress? Could be. She’s not supporting anyone so that category would feel wrong.

“Wicked” is going to come on like gangbusters when it finally hits theaters on Thursday November 21st. Will it cast a spell on audiences? I think so.

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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