WICKED
While some odd cinematography choices and some caricature approach to supporting characters might prevent Wicked to achieve true cinematic greatness, there's no way to deny it has the heart in the right place and everything works thanks to that crucial detail. Sustained by a great Cynthia Erivo as the ostracized Elphaba and a splendid Ariana Grande (whose comedic timing and bright charisma earn her the title of "best in show") and fabulous musical numbers done flawlessly, Wicked is way more than just an eye-popping musical. "Defying Gravity" or the party dance scene will tear your heart apart, while "Popular" and Glinda's "toss toss" moments will put a smile on your face - in fact, Wicked is a complete cinematic experience that deftly balances the respect for the source stage material with the cinematic liberties - thanks to the assured directing vision of John M. Chu, who clearly loves the story he's telling on-screen. Nathan Crowley's production design work and Paul Tazewell's costumes sure make Wicked a lavish-looking production, but it's the sync between the leading actresses and the director that make it work (and that's something a million dollars can't buy). A great cinematic experience. Pure joy! Waiting for Part II to match or rise the bar set by this one.RATING: 8,5/10
GLADIATOR II
Great production values and an epic scale of filmmaking aren't enough to match 2000's Gladiator greatness. Ridley Scott's latest trip to Ancient Rome is pure popcorn entertainment but fails to be either soulful or epic enough to impress. Paul Mescal does the job but he never seems to be able to rise above the thin script or the lazy direction - he kinda feels miscasts despite bringing a soul to a underwritten character. Pedro Pascal is underused here and so is Connie Nielsen, but Denzel Washington does seem to be having the time of his life as the charismatic (and cunning) Macrinus. The sound work is monumental, but the score doesn't ressonate like its predecessor's. The visuals are astonishing, but those CGI monkeys were laughably bad. Odd cinematography and editing works don't let the fighting scenes achieve its real entertaining power. In the end, Gladiator II is satisfying, but it's also underwhelming. Still, good popcorn entertainment!
RATING: 6/10TRANSFORMERS ONE
RATING: 7/10
CONCLAVE
My personal surprise of the year, Conclave was the movie that I didn't bet a cent because it looked so boring on paper, when - in fact - it is one of the most thrilling movies of the year. A slow-burning dramatic political thriller, it evokes Succession TV series meets House of Cards vibes in The Borgias set. The film never wastes a minute, as it starts with the death of the Pope and Father Lawrence being tasked with the papal conclave's organization under the striking notes of Volker Bertelmann's score. The sense of intrigue is always present and the feeling no one is either black or white is crystal clear - no perfect person for the burden of the Papacy. Ralph Fiennes performance is stellar here as the quiet mediator who's living an internal battle between personal values, ambition and the sense of responsability... he's front and center of Conclave and it is one of the best performances of his career by far. To note that Fiennes is aided by the fine acting turns from a superb ensemble cast, with special praises to Sergio Castellitto and Stanley Tucci. Beyond the thrills, Conclave is also exquisitely directed by Edward Berger, with immaculated cinematography work by Stéphane Fontaine and lavish contemporany meet traditional production design and costume design values, while the editing work add a sense of dynamics. Talky, thrilling and tremendous!
RATING: 9,5/10
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