It was the summer dominated by the unlikely combination of pink everything and the atomic bomb as Barbie and Oppenheimer went head-to-head at the box office in 2023.
However, there is a new Barbenheimer in town as last Friday saw both Wicked and Gladiator II hit the big screen.
Costing $145 million and $103 million to make respectively, the films have both been highly anticipated by fans who took to social media to suggest a new name for the two movies combined.
Even Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo weighed in on the debate, suggesting ‘Glicked’ would work as a nickname.
The Wicked press tour has caused a frenzy on social media with viral interview clips and THAT ‘holding space’ interview.
Meanwhile Paul Mescal’s role in Lucius sparked a whole new fascination with the hunky Irish actor with fans even flocking to Dublin for a lookalike contest for the star.
The new Barbenheimer! As blockbusters Wicked and Gladiator II duel at the box office, which should YOU bother seeing this weekend?
Fans took to social media to suggest a new name for the two movies combined – and even Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo weighed in on the debate, suggesting ‘Glicked’ would work as a nickname
Whether you wish to join Cynthia Erivo in belting the powerful lyrics of Defying Gravity in the magical world of the Emerald City or head to a gory battle as vengeful Lucius fights for his liberty, one thing is for sure they are incredibly contrasting films.
But which should YOU see this weekend? We take a look at what the critics are saying ahead of this weekend at the cinema.
Read More Fans are baffled by bizarre exchange with Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo about ‘Defying Gravity’ 
Starring Cynthia and Ariana as Elphaba and Glinda, part one of the Wicked two-part feature is adapted from the long-running and much-loved Broadway and West End musical.
Reviews poured in from critics as they, for the most part, praised the leading stars’ performances as they branded it a ‘fabulous spectacle’.
The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw described it as a ‘sugar-rush fantasy with the overpowering star presence of Cynthia Erivo; it basically dunks you face-down in a hyperreal ball pit of M&Ms for two and three-quarter hours.’
Praising Cynthia’s performance he added: ‘Erivo’s charismatic Elphaba exerting a planetary pull over a star-studded cast’.
The Daily Mail’s Brian Viner writes: ‘It’s a fabulous spectacle, which demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.’
A huge fan of the casting choice he added: ‘Erivo and Grande are both pitch-perfect and altogether sensational.
Reviews poured in from critics as they, for the most part, praised the leading stars’ performances as they branded it a ‘fabulous spectacle’
However while the actresses performances have been praised, other’s have felt let down by the actual cinematography of the film
‘I confess to finding Wicked’s songs a little repeтιтive but it’s hard to imagine anyone delivering them better than those two, while Grande has proper comedic flair, which she brings to bear every time Glinda tosses her luxuriant tresses.
‘Yeoh, Bailey and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard offer splendid support.’
However while the actresses performances have been praised, other’s have felt let down by the actual cinematography of the film.
Likening the way it was sH๏τ to a TV advert, The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey wrote: ‘Wicked is sH๏τ and lit like we’re being sold an Airbnb in Mykonos’.
The Telegraph gave the movie a scathing review as they claimed that the film’s leading actresses ‘don’t come close to defying gravity in this bloated, beige screen adaptation of the Wizard of Oz prequel’.
Robbie Collin writes that the ‘casting of the leads feels off’ as he describes Cynthia as playing the role with a ‘wet-eyed severity that lends a grim medicinal quality to the film’s more emotional pᴀssages.’
Meanwhile film critics have called Gladiator II the ‘best movie of the year’ and a ‘true epic’ as they hailed Paul and Denzel Washington’s performances.
With Russell Crowe’s legendary Maximus long-since ᴅᴇᴀᴅ and buried, it is vengeful Lucius (Mescal) who must fight for his liberty in the film after being taken into slavery and ripped away from his wife and daughter by general Marcus (Pedro Pascal).
The Normal People star was applauded for his ‘shining’ performance, as critics said he was ‘a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit’.
Meanwhile Denzel, who plays arms dealer and potential villain Macrinus, was hailed a ‘scene stealer’ for his impressive portrayal.
Film critics have called Gladiator II the ‘best movie of the year’ and a ‘true epic’ as they hailed Paul and Denzel Washington ‘s performances
Meanwhile Denzel, who plays arms dealer and potential villain Macrinus, was hailed a ‘scene stealer’ for his impressive portrayal
Film and TV journalist Scott Menzel wrote: ‘Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ᴀss action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original’
The Daily Mail’s Brian Viner gave the film four stars as he admitted that while the sequel falls short of its masterpiece predecessor it ‘is still heaps of farfetched and ferocious fun.’
Entertainment writer Shanelle Genai said: ‘No like I dont think yall understand.. #GladiatorII might actually be the best movie of the year to me & Im so sorry Ive watched a lot movies this year I dont mean to be hyperbolic but I cannot overstate HOW GOOD this film is RUN, DONT WALK to the theater on November 22!’
Film and TV journalist Scott Menzel wrote: ‘Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ᴀss action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original.
‘The film showcases beautiful set pieces and a lot of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery quite a bit here and looks like he is having the time of his life here.
He added: ‘It should also be noted that Joseph Quinn continues to impress here. Quinn takes command of the screen in every scene in which he appears. I do wish there was more of him as well as Pedro Pascal who is also great but only has like 15-20 minutes of screen time.’
Meanwhile producer, director and journalist Simon Thompson said: ‘#GladiatorII serves up the richest feast in the epic action set pieces and deliciously ribald treachery.
‘Dovetailing stylishly with the original, Paul Mescal leads a solid, stellar cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse.’
AwardsWatch founder Erik Anderson added: ‘GLADIATOR II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and costume without ever overplaying.’
Critic Reviews on Wicked
The Guardian
Peter Bradshaw described it as a ‘sugar-rush fantasy with the overpowering star presence of Cynthia Erivo; it basically dunks you face-down in a hyperreal ball pit of M&Ms for two and three-quarter hours.’
The Daily Mail
Brian Viner praised: ‘It’s a fabulous spectacle, which demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible’.
The Independent
Clarisse Loughrey praised Ariana and Cynthia’s performance, but felt the pair were let down by the actual cinematography of the film, as she likened it to a TV advert.
Variety
Peter Debruge praised: ‘Unlike several recent tuners, which tried to hide their musical dimension from audiences, Wicked embraces its idenтιтy the way Elphaba does her emerald skin.’
Rolling Stone
David Fear added: ‘When Erivo nails that moment and rides into Oz’s history books on a broomstick, for a split second you feel like there’s no place you’d rather be than riding alongside her. Not even home.’
The Telegraph
Robbie Collins gave the movie a scathing review as he claimed that the film’s leading actresses ‘don’t come close to defying gravity in this bloated, beige screen adaptation of the Wizard of Oz prequel’.
BBC
Nicholas Barber wrote: ‘The film ends with a song called Defying Gravity, so it’s only fair to say that that’s precisely what Wicked doesn’t manage to achieve’.
