By Riley Dauber
Editor-in-Chief
Similar to last summer’s dual release of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” cinephiles and casual viewers alike rejoiced when they realized two highly-anticipated films were both coming out on Nov. 22: “Gladiator 2” and “Wicked.”
The former is a sequel to the 2000 Best Picture winner “Gladiator,” while the latter is a film adaptation of the 2003 stage musical.
This trend gains popularity thanks to the two films’ different tones and genres. In 2023, “Barbie” was a feminist comedy about a plastic doll, while “Oppenheimer” was a three-hour biopic about the creator of the atomic bomb. Memes popped up making fun of the fact that viewers were going to see both films despite their differences; fans even called the phenomenon “Barbenheimer.”
“Gladiator 2” and “Wicked” elicited similar responses, with many audience members pledging to see both films and calling the opening week “Glicked.”
“I really experienced ‘Glicked’ and I regret nothing. Truly two polar opposite movies and both fantastic…real cinema has returned,” Twitter user @bryantnotkobe said.
Needless to say, everyone and their musical-obsessed mother raced to the theater to watch either film, or, for those brave enough, view them back-to-back for an over five-hour movie marathon.
Having trouble deciding which film to see this winter break, or wondering if you should try the double feature? The following two reviews cover the epic highs and lows of these two five-star cinematic masterpieces.
“Gladiator 2”
The gorgeous opening credits thankfully bring viewers up to speed after waiting 24 years for a follow-up to Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.” The first film follows Maximus (Russell Crowe), a general-turned-gladiator following the emperor’s death. He seeks revenge for the murder of his wife and child by attempting to win the crowd over in the arena.
Due to the gruesome ending of the first film, some wondered if a sequel was necessary. However, “Gladiator 2” impresses with its stunning battle sequences, intriguing storyline, and stand-out performances.
According to Slate, “At heart, ‘Gladiator 2’ is more a drama of palace intrigue than it is an action movie, even if Scott serves up a Roman-banquet-size surfeit of sword-clashing, shield-smashing, and helmet-bashing.”
Lucius (Paul Mescal), the grandson of the former emperor, is sequestered for his safety. When his wife is killed in battle and he is forced to become a gladiator, he swears to avenge the woman he loved. However, his family history and the struggling Roman empire force him to make difficult decisions that will affect not only his future, but also the future of Rome.
While the film initially struggles due to the repetitive plot devices, the storyline quickly picks up thanks to the engaging battle sequences and backstabbing characters.
In one memorable scene, the arena is flooded and filled with sharks to honor the Roman army’s success in naval battles. Viewers are sure to sit up in their seats to make sure they do not miss a single second.
Mescal also delivers an excellent performance, showing viewers that he is more than an indie darling. His commanding presence and deep voice are convincing in each scene.
Connie Nielsen returns to her role as Lucilla, bringing the forced stoicism and emotion that she maintained in the original film. She is arguably given more to do this second time around, which was a welcome surprise.
In a film with so many fantastic performances, Denzel Washington manages to stand-out as Macrinus, a former slave and gladiator owner interested in overturning the empire. At times brutal and others humorous, he is spellbinding to watch. The final battle between him and Mescal is sure to inspire some viewers to yell at the screen.
“Gladiator 2” is a spectacle intended to be seen on the big screen. The gorgeous lighting and impressive sound design only add to the viewing experience, making this sequel a cannot-miss film.
“Wicked”
“Wicked” is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” that focuses on the friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande).
The film has been in the works since 2012, and the final product proves it was worth the wait. Watching “Wicked” truly feels like movie magic thanks to the entertaining musical numbers and memorable performances.
The only downside is the confusing — although surely monetarily rewarding — choice to split the musical into two films. This first film only covers act one, while part two will mirror the musical’s second act.
The storyline is stretched into an almost three hour runtime, even though the original musical is only two-and-a-half hours. Some added material feels unnecessary, and viewers may be antsy for the next song or scene to start.
The lighting is also horrific in some scenes, specifically the last musical number, “Defying Gravity.” In an iconic moment that is supposed to inspire emotion, viewers can barely see Erivo’s green face.
According to The Independent, “‘Wicked’ is shot and lit like we’re being sold an Airbnb in Mykonos. Characters are aggressively backlit, so that the audience can feel what it’s like to watch events unfold while also staring directly into the sun.”
Fortunately, the film’s downsides are saved by Erivo and Grande’s fantastic performances. The former’s delivery of “Defying Gravity” is enough to bring tears to one’s eyes, while the latter is scrumptiously silly and steals every scene she is in.
“Grande, also bearing phenomenal vocal talents, has a knack for comedy that seems to wind all the way back to her days on Nickelodeon sitcoms, and it’s here deployed with lethal, pink powder precision,” Clarisse Loughrey wrote for The Independent.
While the first installment showed plenty of strengths, viewers will now have to wait until next year to see the story conclude.
“Gladiator 2” and “Wicked” are both currently in theaters. In a time when streaming is the norm, please make it a priority to see either, or both, films on the big screen to experience all the brilliant filmmaking aspects and emotional performances.
Although both films are on the longer side — “Gladiator 2” is two hours and 28 minutes, and “Wicked” is two hours and 40 minutes — seeing both in the same day is possible and reminds viewers just how life-changing cinema can be.
Photo by Riley Dauber.
Photo Caption: With again two movies being released with very different vibes, “Glicked” is a must-watch this holiday season.