Media Product Review-Week 8
Media Product Review
One of the main conflicts in the movie over the course of both is the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. While both attending a University to study the Wizard of Oz's magic they were assigned to be roommates, which was the beginning of their evolving friendships. The lead actors are American singer-songwriter/ actress Ariana Grande and actress/singer-songwriter Cynthia Erivo. Both previously known for singing and preforming while developing the acting career in the filming of Wicked.
Ariana Grande has 7 albums of music released and has acted in 10 series previous to Wicked. She has bee in famous Disney channel shows "Sam & Cat," "Victorious," and movies like "Zoolander," and "Don't Look up."
Cynthia Erivo previously has acted in "The Outsider," voice aced in "Boss Baby" and many other well known films. She released music throughout her career and wrote/sang many of the famous tracks from both Wicked and Wicked: For good.
Without spoiling the outcome of each movie the ticket sales have been "exceptionally strong." Sales have estimated $150 million in domestic and $226 million in "worldwide box office gross" for opening weekend of the film. This has historically been known as the biggest. opening weekend ever for a "film based Broadway musical."
This film has, in a way, taken place of both Cynthia and Ariannas identity in the music world. This is their now most popular "identity" and they have both become huge figures in the acting and musical aspect of art. It is similar to their "previous career" in the sense that they both still sing and are contributing to the music being written for the film. It has been more acting than they might have been used to as they have produced two full musicals in the last 3 or so years. hi
This has brought an idea and a stand to both Cynthia and Arianna's fan base, and to the "pop-world." It has brought a strong message to people all over and to many different backgrounds of people. An important part it brings to culture is the challenges/propaganda and social narratives bring to communities when you label individuals or certain groups of people. When Elphaba gets labeled as wicked just because she looks and has different skills than a majority of people at that University. The target audience I believe is teenager and anyone who is or has experienced discrimination or bullying. That your labels and stereotypes aren't correct, morally or socially.
Strengths throughout the "Wicked: For Good" was the overall performance and drive that each character gave to the completing the storyline and connecting the movies. I think the sets and the structure of the movie was also an incredible feature/strength. The time, effort, and art that they put into each scene was crazy to watch. Some weaknesses were the pace of the movie. Compared to the first movie, I did feel lost and bored for a first chuck of the movie. It wasn't towards the end where I felt like I was actually enjoying the movie and locked in, but it is for sure a memorable movie and such an iconic musical that nobody will ever forget. Professional critics do have mixed opinions about the movie, but after research I do see mostly positive reviews and opinions, earning a 97%.
I engage with TikTok's and articles online I see about the new Wicked: For Good movie. I enjoy reading about other peoples thoughts on it and sharing mine. A lot of my TikTok page right now is people giving opinions on the new release. I see many people saying they "didn't take enough time making the movie" and that "they were not following the plot as well as the first one." My friends and family agree with this claim, I do think they are valid opinions, as they did produce the movie in less than a year.
In summary Wicked: For Good was an incredible continuation of the iconic "Wicked" musical and I do believe it will make history. Learning and researching on this new production was interesting after watching the movie but it really did help me understand it more and hear what others had to say. I think there is an overall strong message of empowerment and how to deal with discrimination, and that to me is an important message to share.
Work Cited-
Bailey, Alyssa. “Ariana Grande Secretly Planned to Stop Making Albums—Then Wicked Changed Her Mind.” ELLE, 24 Oct. 2025, www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a69147351/ariana-grande-pop-star-career-feelings-tour-wicked-interview/.
Comments
Post a Comment