It was the summer dominated by the unlikely combination of pink everything and the atomic bomb as Barbie and Oppenheimer went against each other the box office in 2023.
There’s a new Barbenheimer in town, though, as last Friday saw both Wicked and Gladiator II hit the big screen.
The films cost $145 million and $103 million respectively to make and were highly anticipated by fans who took to social media to propose a new name for the two films together.
Even Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo joined the debate, suggesting “Glicked” could work as a nickname.
The Wicked press tour has caused quite a stir on social media with viral interview segments and THAT ‘holding space’ interview.
Meanwhile, Paul Mescal’s role in Lucius sparked a whole new fascination for the handsome Irish actor, with fans even flocking to Dublin for a lookalike competition for the star.
The new Barbenheimer! As blockbusters Wicked and Gladiator II duel at the box office, what should YOU see this weekend?
Fans took to social media to propose a new name for the two films together – and even Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo joined the debate, suggesting ‘Glicked’ would work as a nickname
Whether you want to sing the powerful lyrics of Defying Gravity with Cynthia Erivo in the magical world of the Emerald City or engage in a bloody battle as the vengeful Lucius fights for his freedom, one thing is certain: these are incredibly contrasting films.
But which one should YOU see this weekend? We’ll see what the critics are saying in theaters this weekend.
Starring Cynthia and Ariana as Elphaba and Glinda, part one of the two-part Wicked film is an adaptation of the long-running and beloved Broadway and West End musical.
Reviews poured in from critics, who for the most part praised the performances of the leading stars and called it a “fantastic spectacle.”
The Guardian’Peter Bradshaw described it as a “sugar rush fantasy with the overwhelming star presence of Cynthia Erivo; it basically immerses you face down in a hyper-realistic ball pit full of M&Ms for two and three-quarters of an hour.”
He praised Cynthia’s performance, adding, “Erivo’s charismatic Elphaba exerts a planetary pull on a star-studded cast.”
Brian Viner of The Daily Mail writes: ‘It’s a fantastic spectacle, begging to be seen on the biggest screen possible.’
He was a big fan of the casting choice, adding, “Erivo and Grande are both perfect and downright sensational.
Reviews poured in from critics, who for the most part praised the performances of the leading stars and called it a “fantastic spectacle.”
But while the actress’ performance was praised, others felt let down by the film’s actual cinematography
‘I must confess that I find Wicked’s songs a bit repetitive, but it’s hard to imagine anyone could deliver them better than these two, while Grande has quite the comedic flair, which she brings out every time Glinda plays her throws luscious locks.
“Yeoh, Bailey and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard provide great support.”
But while the actress’ performance was praised, others felt let down by the film’s actual cinematography.
Compare the way it was shot to a TV commercial, The independentClarisse Loughrey wrote: ‘Wicked is being shot and lit like we’re being sold an Airbnb in Mykonos.’
The Telegraph gave the film a scathing review as they claimed that the film’s leading actresses “don’t come close to defying gravity in this bloated, beige film adaptation of the Wizard of Oz prequel”.
Robbie Collin writes that “casting the leads doesn’t feel comfortable,” describing Cynthia as playing a “wet-eyed role that lends a grimly medicinal quality to the film’s more emotional passages.”
Meanwhile, film critics have called Gladiator II the “best movie of the year” and a “true epic,” while praising the performances of Paul and Denzel Washington.
With Russell Crowe’s legendary Maximus long dead and buried, it is the vengeful Lucius (Mescal) who must fight for his freedom in the film after being enslaved and taken from his wife and daughter by General Marcus (Pedro Pascal). has been torn away.
The Normal People star was praised for his “gorgeous” performance as critics said he was “a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit.”
Meanwhile, Denzel, who plays arms dealer and potential villain Macrinus, was hailed as a scene stealer for his impressive performance.
Film critics have called Gladiator II the “best movie of the year” and a “true epic” as they praised the performances of Paul and Denzel Washington
Meanwhile, Denzel, who plays arms dealer and potential villain Macrinus, was hailed as a scene stealer for his impressive portrayal
Film and TV journalist Scott Menzel wrote: ‘Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and tough action spectacle that builds on the legacy of the original’
Brian Viner of The Daily Mail gave the film four stars, admitting that the sequel, while nothing like its masterpiece predecessor, “still offers a ton of far-fetched and savage fun.”
Entertainment writer Shanelle Genai said, “No, I don’t think you guys understand. #GladiatorII might be the best movie of the year for me and I’m so sorry. I’ve seen a lot of movies this year. I don’t want to be hyperbolic, but I can’t overstate it. HOW WELL this movie is RUN, don’t run to the theater on November 22!’
Film and TV journalist Scott Menzel wrote: ‘Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and tough action spectacle that builds on the legacy of the original.
‘The film shows beautiful set pieces and many epic battles. Paul Mescal is beaming. Denzel Washington is quite chewing the scenery here and it looks like he’s having the time of his life here.
He added: “It should also be noted that Joseph Quinn continues to impress here. Quinn takes command of the screen in every scene he appears in. I wish there were more of him than Pedro Pascal, who is also great but only has 15-20 minutes of screen time.”
Meanwhile, producer, director and journalist Simon Thompson said: ‘#GladiatorII serves up the richest feast in its epic action scenes and deliciously bawdy betrayals.
‘Paul Mescal fits in stylishly with the original and leads a solid, great cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger together form a powerhouse.’
AwardsWatch founder Erik Anderson added: “GLADIATOR II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and every costume without ever going overboard.”