The new 2024 cinematic hit at the box office, Wicked, starring Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande has been one of the year’s biggest movies to remember. You can see this film adaptation at any movie theater near you, and it is completely worth it. This production spent three years in the making, being released on November 22, 2024. Although this is another Wicked, being a film adaptation rather than a broadway production being released, it truly is a film you want to see. You could even say people are becoming ‘Popular’, like the song, with how many people are talking about and seeing Wicked each day.
Most modern movies being released today are notorious for having over-the-top CGI and special effects. This can make the movie not attractive to see due to it appearing so fake and not something real for the audience to relate to.
Hollis Brookline student Lila Borgioli ‘26 thinks the complete opposite. In her interview, she describes how the film was a great adaptation and not tacky to watch due to the CGI and special effects. She says the effects didn’t seem overbearing and the real magic still exists in the film.
Student Ella Callahan ‘26 shared similar opinions. “They brought the music to life that they couldn’t do on stage,” said Callahan. So, for the film adaptation to shy away from relying too heavily on technology makes Wicked a must-see.
Although controversial, the casting for this movie was perfect, and it shows the range of all the actors, and even popular singer, Ariana Grande. Callahan said that she “was excited to see it” and “wanted to see Ariana Grande.” The casting was meant to “defy all odds,” and it proved to be with all the buzz Wicked has been receiving lately.
Even Hollis Brookline history teacher, Christina Ellis, says that the casting was perfect for this adaptation. Although she did wonder “popstar – interesting” said Ellis, when she heard Ariana Grande was cast, her mind was completely changed when she saw the film, making it all worth the hype!
To make this movie even more watchable, it is the highest grossing movie EVER to step foot into the box office. And, the studio recording album has been at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 for back-to-back weeks. CNN reported that the box office says that Wicked will have a “long lifetime” and “draws attention for multiple weeks.”
Next time you think about ‘Defying Gravity’, hit up your local movie cinema to watch the beauty in all that is Wicked! It is worth it!
