‘#Glicked’ and Other Must-Watch Picks for the Weekend
What do witches and gladiators share in common? Quite similar to how dolls and atomic bombs were linked last year when "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" hit theaters together, creating the cultural sensation known as "Barbenheimer." Now, we introduce "Glicked."
Derived from the acclaimed Broadway musical, "Wicked" emerges as one of the year's most anticipated films, forming one half of "Glicked." Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the duo has been active in the media, expressing their affection for the movie and each other. The narrative delves into the bond between two witches from "The Wizard of Oz." This is the inaugural segment of Jon M. Chu's directorial endeavor, with the sequel slated for release next autumn. Given Grande and Erivo's vocal prowess and the anticipation surrounding this musical, expectations are high for a box office triumph. It's currently showing in theaters.
The other component of "Glicked" has been over two decades in the making. The follow-up to the Academy Award-winning 2000 film, "Gladiator II," reunites original director Ridley Scott with a stellar cast including Connie Nielsen, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington. Washington's portrayal of Macrinus, a figure aspiring to govern both the realm and the gladiators central to the plot, has already sparked Oscar buzz. If anyone can enchant the awards season, it's him. "Gladiator II" is now playing in theaters.
Denzel Washington isn't the only member of his family making waves this week. "The Piano Lesson," a drama inspired by August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, is part of the elder Washington's mission to adapt Wilson's works about African-American life for the screen. The film stars Washington's eldest son, John David Washington, and is directed by his younger son, Malcolm Washington. With a formidable cast including Samuel L. Jackson, the story revolves around a conflict over a family heirloom piano. It's available for streaming on Netflix.
This war drama offers a viewpoint unlike most others. Set in World War II London, "Blitz" features newcomer Elliott Heffernan as a biracial boy navigating a city ravaged by war, yearning to reunite with his mother Rita, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan. Director Steve McQueen describes the film as "revelationary" due to its emphasis on a person of color and a woman. "Blitz" is available in select theaters and streaming on Apple TV+.
It's been a prolonged wait for "Outlander" enthusiasts. They had to endure a significant pause before the time-travel series resumed following a cliffhanger in the first part of Season 7. However, the wait is finally over: Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) have left the American Revolution behind and returned to Scotland, where new challenges await. The latest season is streaming on Starz.
