It's probably going to make a lot of money, but I hope it tanks. First, they have elongated this thing by releasing it in two parts strictly to get more money. Second, they got a shit director to make this. Third, this thing looks like a CGI-fest from the trailer. Fourth, for the most part, this cast sucks. Fifth, this thing is an adaptation from a play that was adapted from a novel that was adapted from an earlier film that was adapted from a novel.
shareHave you read the book, or seen the musical?
shareNo. I have no opinion on the other things. This movie is just pissing me off though. But don't forget that I'm grumpy.
shareI can't say that I've ever really hoped a movie would fail. I might have, I just don't remember.
I would have preferred that they made the movie the same length as the stage show, and put in an intermission, but I do understand that money is really the most important thing in Hollywood.
I've seen the show a couple of times with different casts each time, and as long as the cast can belt out the songs, I don't care who they are.
I agree with strntz that the story is fantastic.
From what I understand, anything added to the movie is from the book. So those who have read the book and thought that the stage version cut too much out might be happy about that. I also think that it would give some of the audience who don't like musicals that are pretty much sung the whole way through a bit of a singing break.
I hope it does well. I hope I like it.
>But don't forget that I'm grumpy.
‘Nuff said. 👍
First point: agree
Second: I don't know the director so no comment
Third: that's the way modern movies are these days
Fourth: From a purely cinematic perspective, the cast for this film is a veritable train wreck. They should have gone with
unknown actors with real talent and looks (looks that actually fit the characters). I saw Wicked on Broadway with Chenoweth and Menzel (total unknowns)
and they just killed it.
Fifth: the story, unless they mangle it, is fabulous no matter how the origins ran. In fact, I'm sure that the strength of the
story plus the millions of people who've seen the play on Broadway, West End, off Broadway, or a touring company
will provide enough demand where they could use the garbage cast and get away with it.
If Wicked was unknown and never a stage play, the movie would have to be different in order for it to be successful on its own merits, not on reputation and pent up demand.
Third: I agree, but it sucks and I'm sick of it. I'd rather see painted backgrounds.
Fourth: I don't mind Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeah, but the rest of the cast is just strange. Ariana Grande is known for a Nickelodeon show. Is that really the best actor to go up against Erivo?
Fifth: But Hollywood just does too much of it. There's very little originality anymore.
On a bright note, the musical and book are there for fans. Those are very successful.
This can do well or bad. Who knows what will happen. Barbie looked like hot trash to me but people flocked to that due to social media and some odd Barbie Fandom I don't understand.
You raise a good point - is there any pro-shot DVD of any quality cast/production anywhere?
EDIT: Google is my friend I guess. There is indeed a DVD of the original cast. I think I'll pick it up for my wife who's seen the play at least 6 times (I saw it once on Broadway with her, but she's seen it with her friends a lot).
Second EDIT: nope.. I Googled Wicked DVD and Google returned that in a header, but clicking on it shows it's the soundtrack (which we have). Too bad they don't release a stage DVD.
I don't plan to see the movie because I can't the image of Shrek out of my head when I see who they picked for Elpheba. I mean, Menzel is no raving beauty but she had the angular features that were reminiscent of Margaret Hamilton even if Menzel was much prettier than Hamilton.
It will probably be on PBS soon enough.
shareI'd put money down that it's going to be a hit... but I don't want it to be one. Let's bring back actual filmmaking and movie magic.
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