Let's Talk Movies #36 - 2020 - Yep it is a new decade

[Tesla]

I didn't see "Wicked" but it grossed $46.7M on Friday alone. "Gladiator 2" did $22M Friday.

The Broadway show of "Wicked" only runs about 2 hrs 45 min with intermission, so who knows how they dragged the first act alone into the same approximate run time? Seems crazy to me. I've only read one complete review and they barely addressed that issue at all.

I plan on going to see "Wicked" but not sure when.

They might’ve added in a little more from the book.

 

[peibeck]

They might’ve added in a little more from the book.

A LITTLE? Let's hope as they've doubled the time of the Broadway show for just Act One + intermission time.

I may go Wednesday late morning, but been awhile since I went to the movies. The closest theatre near me showing it wants $16 for a MATINEE ticket (and not even in IMAX or some other "ultra" experience). Back in my college days I worked in a movie theatre (most fun job I ever had) and I remember it cost a whopping $1.75 for all matinee tickets. I need to age a few years and get my "senior discount."

(And yes, I've been to the movies plenty of times since, but that's a $4 increase in per ticket price since the last matinee I saw at that theatre less than a year ago).

 

[ilovepaydays]

Box Office Mojo - U.S. Domestic Box Office: Weekend 48

Wicked didn’t quite have the opening weekend that Dune: Part 2 or Deadpool & Wolverine did. Still impressive, though.

International box office sales made Gladiator II’s opening weekend. BY. A. LOT.

Notable opening next week: Moana 2, Maria (limited ), and Queer (limited ).

 

[Aussie Willy]

I saw Wicked on the weekend. I haven't seen the musical although I know some songs from it. My choir did For Good so I got to know that one.

I didn't realise it was just Part 1 and we have to wait to next year to see Part 2. Just another money making exercise which seems to happen with movies these days (thinking of The Hobbit which I refused to see because the book was not as epic as the LOTR and didn't need 3 movies to tell the story). It is disappointing because a musical is meant to be seen in one sitting. I wouldn't even mind if they did it like the stage show where maybe it is a 3 hour movie but they have an interval. Maybe they don't think the audience can handle that.

As for what I thought of it.

Very good. Great performances. Excellent singing. Lots of CGI and digital effects. Fabulous costumes and I kept looking at the shoes. Felt a bit flat and long in some places because it appeared to be fluff.

 

[ilovepaydays]

I didn't realise it was just Part 1 and we have to wait to next year to see Part 2. Just another money making exercise which seems to happen with movies these days (thinking of The Hobbit which I refused to see because the book was not as epic as the LOTR and didn't need 3 movies to tell the story). It is disappointing because a musical is meant to be seen in one sitting. I wouldn't even mind if they did it like the stage show where maybe it is a 3 hour movie but they have an interval. Maybe they don't think the audience can handle that.

That’s why I’ve been so confused and about how long the actual play typically is. At least with the LOTR, there were three separate books and each got their own film. I was annoyed and still think it was ridiculous that the seventh Harry Potter book (Deathly Hallows) was split into two films.

We have plenty of films that have come out that are 3 to 3.5 hours long and had no problems getting people in the seats and making $$$$$. The Brutalist, a rumored BIG favorite for awards season, is coming out next month and is 215 minutes long.

 

[Aussie Willy]

I remember when Kill Bill came out. It was clear it was two volumes and each move was standalone and provided a substantial story in their own right.

But in this instant I don't get why they had to do it.

 

[ilovepaydays]

Happy Monday, fellow FSU movie fans! If it’s Monday, so that means we’re getting some trailers!

Queer - Official Trailer #2

A24 knows how to do trailers, don’t they? This screams, “NO REALLY! Look at Daniel Craig!” Because the murmurs from the festival circuit is that he’s the only thing good in this.

I’m still keeping this on my list for next month, though.
————————

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 - Official Trailer #2

The Six Triple Eight - Official Trailer

 

[vgerdes]

Sometimes, splitting a book's story into two parts for a movie, like they did with Denis Villeneuve's version of Dune, is justified. There was a LOT of story to tell, and they even left some major parts of it out entirely (Guild Navigators, anyone?). But I agree with those who say that The Hobbit being split into three parts was pretty much a money grab. The original book was about a third of the size of even one book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

I'll reserve judgment about Wicked Part 1 because I haven't seen it yet.

 

[allezfred]

How long does it take airlines to get new releases these days? Am travelling to Japan at the end of December, but thinking that might be too early for "Wicked" to be on the inflight entertainment system....

Oh and because it needs to be said the definitive version of "Defying Gravity" is still by Lea Michele and Chris Colfer on Glee.

 

[ilovepaydays]

September 5 - Official trailer

This looks pretty good.

 

[ilovepaydays]

How long does it take airlines to get new releases these days? Am traveling to Japan at the end of December, but thinking that might be too early for "Wicked" to be on the inflight entertainment system....

I think it’ll take awhile for Wicked to make the airlines. Wicked will probably be in the theaters through January. I didn’t even see Oppenheimer on a flight until April 2024.

 

[peibeck]

So I went to a matinee of "Wicked" today and I felt it was good, but not great. The performances were very good (my only time seeing Arianna Grande performing in something was the live TV version of "Hairspray"... and she was godawful in that, so I was pleasantly surprised with her performance in this). Having seen Cynthia Erivo live on stage, her acting and singing were no surprise to me, but I think will be a revelation to people who've never seen her before. And while I've also thought Jonathan Bailey was scrumptious, I didn't expect him to have such a pleasing voice and his sex appeal on the big screen is palpable. That being said, both he and Erivo never made me believe they are freshman college age. And that's the good....

Less pleasing to me... there is ZERO reason for this film to have been split into two parts. I assumed, given the 2 hour 40 minute run time, portions of the book not included in the stage version would be included. But overall it hews very closely to the theatre musical's book (and why not, it's the same writer), the most effective addition (imo) coming early in a scene with Doctor Dillamond expanding on the plight of the animals in Oz. Original Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth make cameos late in the movie in another of the expanded bits, which seems to be mainly there just to give in-the-know audience members some nostalgia.

In my "WTF WERE THEY THINKING???" biggest criticism the show's most famous number, "Defying Gravity" is mercilessly butchered into sections including a flying monkey chase action scene, completely destroying the song's emotional build and storytelling. And of course this is how the movie ENDS. I was LIVID at the stupidity of the choices made here and am stunned Stephen Schwartz went along with this idea as one of the producers. Anyone wanting to see the whole Act One scene of the Broadway production can find at least one version on YouTube to see how much more effective the number is without all the extra CGI nonsense breaking it up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPdGGGOEy34

I expect plenty of technical Oscar nods, and if this doesn't take home the Academy Award for costumes at least, I will be surprised.

But am I going to run out and see part two ASAP next November? I'm thinking, probably not.

 

[Aussie Willy]

@peibeck - I agree with you. Maybe a bit closer to the stage version would be more appropriate instead of a bunch of CGI.

I wouldn't be surprised if it gets the Oscar for Costumes.

 

[jenny12]

I saw Wicked today. I agree with others here that the performances were strong. Cynthia Erivo was very moving, Ariana Grande had great comedic timing and was effective in the dramatic scenes, and Jonathan Bailey was gorgeous and charismatic. However, I think the direction was pretty sub-par. The colors looked kind of washed out to me and a lot of the scenes, especially that awfully staged opening, had no energy to them. It is a credit to the actors that the brought the story to life in spite of pretty uninspired direction.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

So I went to a matinee of "Wicked" today and I felt it was good, but not great. The performances were very good (my only time seeing Arianna Grande performing in something was the live TV version of "Hairspray"... and she was godawful in that, so I was pleasantly surprised with her performance in this). Having seen Cynthia Erivo live on stage, her acting and singing were no surprise to me, but I think will be a revelation to people who've never seen her before. And while I've also thought Jonathan Bailey was scrumptious, I didn't expect him to have such a pleasing voice and his sex appeal on the big screen is palpable. That being said, both he and Erivo never made me believe they are freshman college age. And that's the good....

Less pleasing to me... there is ZERO reason for this film to have been split into two parts. I assumed, given the 2 hour 40 minute run time, portions of the book not included in the stage version would be included. But overall it hews very closely to the theatre musical's book (and why not, it's the same writer), the most effective addition (imo) coming early in a scene with Doctor Dillamond expanding on the plight of the animals in Oz. Original Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth make cameos late in the movie in another of the expanded bits, which seems to be mainly there just to give in-the-know audience members some nostalgia.

In my "WTF WERE THEY THINKING???" biggest criticism the show's most famous number, "Defying Gravity" is mercilessly butchered into sections including a flying monkey chase action scene, completely destroying the song's emotional build and storytelling. And of course this is how the movie ENDS. I was LIVID at the stupidity of the choices made here and am stunned Stephen Schwartz went along with this idea as one of the producers. Anyone wanting to see the whole Act One scene of the Broadway production can find at least one version on YouTube to see how much more effective the number is without all the extra CGI nonsense breaking it up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPdGGGOEy34

I expect plenty of technical Oscar nods, and if this doesn't take home the Academy Award for costumes at least, I will be surprised.

But am I going to run out and see part two ASAP next November? I'm thinking, probably not.

Interesting my mom loves this theatrical production, so I’ll be interesting to see if she says what you say. I planned on watching Emilia Perez on Netflix last night but oh my gosh I fell asleep at 7 PM. What’s wrong with me? It’s now 5 AM and I’m wide awake.

I’m not excited to see queer anymore, and I’ve heard mixed things about the room next-door. Everything I know about aNora is a big pass for me. Baby girl well I love Nicole Kidman but another heterosexual movie thing… I mean how abnormal. Lol.

I guess the movie I’m looking forward to the most nowadays is… The last show girl

 

[skatfan]

Watched Family Switch on Netflix. Pretty fun and a cut above what I was expecting!

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Ummmmmm I started watching Emilia Perez on Netflix… I hope this is not a spoiler to anyone… But why have I seen no posts or conversations anywhere mentioning this is a musical? Oh my gosh I quit after 20 minutes.

 

[skategal]

Saw Wicked today and LOVED it.

Cynthia Erivo has set a new standard for Elphaba that will be tough for anyone to match let alone beat.

I was disappointed in “Defying Gravity” but understand why it was cut that way.

That was the only negative for me.

I rate it 9.5/10.

Can’t wait to see it again.

And for Part 2.

 

[ilovepaydays]

Box Office Mojo: U.S. Domestic Box Office - Weekend 48

Well, that was a drop off for Wicked and Gladiator II……

Notable opening next week: Nightb!tch, The Order (limited ), The Return, and Mary (Netflix).

BTW, I don’t know if Amazon Prime has this available internationally, but in the , they have The Substance available to rent for $5.99.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

BTW, I don’t know if Amazon Prime has this available internationally, but in the , they have The Substance available to rent for $5.99.

I saw that yesterday as well and was going to purchase it, but I did not want to do it if I thought I was going to fall asleep, I may do it tonight or tomorrow.

 

[ilovepaydays]

So……Nosferatu had its’ critics screenings last night and the reviews so far are that it’s really good.

So……is 2024 the beginning of the return of horror?

 

[Tesla]

So……Nosferatu had its’ critics screenings last night and the reviews so far are that it’s really good.

So……is 2024 the beginning of the return of horror?

I am not a vampire fan, but I might like to see this when it comes to streaming.

 

[ilovepaydays]

And…….we have a trailer for Snow White!

So…..did they just CGI all the dwarfs?

 

[Tesla]

And…….we have a trailer for Snow White!

So…..did they just CGI all the dwarfs?

I watched it on Instagram without sound. It looks ghastly, though Gal Gadot looks stunning.

 

[ilovepaydays]

I watched it on Instagram without sound. It looks ghastly, though Gal Gadot looks stunning.

I’ve just checked the comments section and looked at the online chatter, and the reactions are pretty .

Why couldn’t they have at least filmed some of the forest scenes in……some actual woods? WHY this ALL done on a stage with a green screen? And the budget for this was around $270M.

 

[Tesla]

I’ve just checked the comments section and looked at the online chatter, and the reactions are pretty .

Why couldn’t they have at least filmed some of the forest scenes in……some actual woods? WHY this ALL done on a stage with a green screen? And the budget for this was around $270M.

Well, it looks like most of that budget went the the green screen and effects. That is so disappointing. I don't have a problem with the casting or the updating, but this could have been so much better.

 

[vgerdes]

I watched it on Instagram without sound. It looks ghastly, though Gal Gadot looks stunning.

I saw a meme comparing Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler (Snow White) with a caption that basically said the Evil Queen has nothing to worry about in a "fairest of them all" contest. I can't find it now, but I thought it was funny. Gal is one of the most beautiful women alive, IMO.

 

[tony]

I saw a meme comparing Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler (Snow White) with a caption that basically said the Evil Queen has nothing to worry about in a "fairest of them all" contest. I can't find it now, but I thought it was funny. Gal is one of the most beautiful women alive, IMO.

Almost the entire Youtube comments section directs comments towards this angle.

 

[vgerdes]

Almost the entire Youtube comments section directs comments towards this angle.

I mean... Rachel is a very pretty girl, but Gal Gadot is beautiful. I'm not saying Zegler is miscast (she really does have the Snow White look, not to mention an angelic singing voice), but GG might be, from the standpoint of depicting someone who is afraid of aging out of her beauty. She is still absolutely stunning.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

And…….we have a trailer for Snow White!

So…..did they just CGI all the dwarfs?

I never even knew this was a thing. I just went through all the comments. Why are so many people up in arms over this? So many people saying they r not gonna go see it. The only reason why I’m apprehensive is because it looks like yet another musical. Lol I cannot even finish Amelia Perez, because of the ridiculous nonsense singing. I thought that was going to be a serious movie.