Pop Culture Happy Hour
Wicked And What's Making Us Happy
Nov 22, 2024
Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's Daily Economics podcast, offers a fresh perspective on the film adaptation of the musical Wicked, which reimagines the iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. The discussion dives into the visual spectacle and emotional performances, particularly Ariana Grande's role. They explore the balance between narrative depth and visual effects while reflecting on the film's first act. The hosts also share joyful pop culture moments, from K-pop updates to a charming TikTok account, and highlight the fun gameplay of Astro Bot on PS5.
28:55
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Quick takeaways
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver powerful performances as Elphaba and Glinda, showcasing their complex friendship and character development throughout the film.
- The film's ambitious production design, while visually stunning, raises concerns about the potential loss of emotional intimacy due to heavy reliance on CGI effects.
Deep dives
The Premise and Performances of Wicked
The film adaptation of Wicked presents a fresh take on the classic Wizard of Oz story, focusing on the friendship and rivalry between Elphaba and Glinda during their college years. Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba, with her complex character development, is balanced by Ariana Grande's bubbly and privileged Glinda, showcasing their initial disdain that gradually evolves into a deep bond. Their chemistry shines, particularly in the musical numbers, as both actresses bring nuanced performances that heighten the emotional stakes of their journey. The film's lavish production, including elaborate sets and choreography, amplifies the spectacle, capturing viewers' attention while retaining the heart of the story.
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