Close Sidebar close
The Cinematropolis
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Write For Us
    • Contact
  • Essays
    • Essays
    • Lists
    • Film Festivals
    • Reel Insights with Laron Chapman
  • The Cinematic Schematic
  • Interviews
  • Planet Thunder
  • Store

Subscribe & Follow

About

  • Write For Us
  • About Us
  • The Odyssey

    ‘The Odyssey’ Review: Is Christopher Nolan’s Epic Worth the Hype?

    July 22, 2026
  • The Odyssey

    ‘The Odyssey’ Is an Epic Cinematic Masterclass

    July 15, 2026
  • Summer 2026 Horror

    ‘Evil Dead Burn’ Joins Triumphantly Traumatizing 2026 Summer Horror Lineup

    July 15, 2026
  • Evil Dead Burn

    ‘Evil Dead Burn’ Is a Maniacally Violent Movie

    July 9, 2026
  • Supergirl

    ‘Supergirl’ Doesn’t Fly High Enough to Sell Audiences on the DCU

    July 1, 2026
  • Supergirl

    ‘Supergirl’ Delivers a “Good Enough” DCU Follow-Up

    June 25, 2026
  • Disclosure Day

    ‘Disclosure Day’ Brings Spielberg’s Lifelong Alien Obsession Full Circle

    June 24, 2026
  • deadCenter Film Festival 2026 Recap

    The Cinematropolis deadCenter 2026 Recap

    June 19, 2026
  • Toy Story 5

    ‘Toy Story 5’ Plays the Emotional Hits in a Remixed Tune

    June 18, 2026
  • Mallory isn't amused with Sam in Mallory's Ghost, which screened at the 2026 deadCenter Film Festival.

    ‘Mallory’s Ghost’ Is an Imaginative and Accessible Meditation on Creativity — dCFF26

    June 13, 2026

Brought to you by Planet Thunder Productions

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Write For Us
    • Contact
  • Essays
    • Essays
    • Lists
    • Film Festivals
    • Reel Insights with Laron Chapman
  • The Cinematic Schematic
  • Interviews
  • Planet Thunder
  • Store
The Cinematropolis
The Cinematropolis
    Featured The Cinematic Schematic

    Stellar Performances Make ‘Wicked’ Sing Past Shortcomings – The Cinematic Schematic

    December 4, 2024
    Wicked: Part 1
    https://media.blubrry.com/thecinematicschematic/www.thecinematropolis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24-044-Wicked-Review_Final.mp3

    Podcast: Play in new window | Download

    Subscribe: TuneIn | RSS

    It’s time to dust off and tap those ruby slippers! In this episode of The Cinematic Schematic, we conclude the Thanksgiving 2024 “Glicked” double feature with a review of Wicked: Part 1.

    Wicked (2024) is part 1 of the two-part film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. Part 2 is scheduled to be released on November 21st, 2025. Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), the film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, Ariana Grande-Butera as Galinda Upland, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

    With an estimated budget of $150 million before marketing, it’s a good thing the film has been a huge box-office hit. But does “Part 1” deliver on the hype of the Broadway show?

    Ozian Film Critics Unite

    Jo Light comes hot off a recent interview with Kristin Chenoweth (Galinda herself) to join hosts Caleb Masters and Laron Chapman for a review of the beloved musical prequel.


    Left to right: Jo Light, Laron Chapman, and Caleb Masters

    Ice-Breaker Question

    Time Stamp: 3:17

    Icebreaker question: What popular movie series would you like to get a soapy prequel entry?

    We kick the conversation off by discussing another story or franchise that deserves its soapy entry.


    Wicked: The Musical (2003)

    Time Stamp: 14:00

    Before breaking down the movie, each host shares their experience with the Tony Award-winning musical. The show has been one of the biggest in musical history. In 2016, Wicked surpassed $1 billion in total Broadway revenue, joining The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King as the only Broadway shows to do so.


    Spoiler-Free Review

    Time Stamp: 26:20

    In our review discussion, we cover:

    • Our overall thoughts on Wicked: Part 1
    • The lead performances from Ariana Grande as Galinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
    • Director Jon Chu’s adaptation choices from the musical
    • The film’s chances at the 2025 Oscars

    Spoiler-Filled Discussion

    Time Stamp: 1:06:12

    • Witchy Origin Story: When best friends become enemies
    • Is Oz a fascist?
    • Is Hollywood embarrassed about musical film adaptations?

    Special Guest

    Jo Light

    Contributor at No Film School, Final Draft


    About Wicked: Part 1

    According to IMDB, Wicked: Part 1 is described as:

    Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.



    Follow The Cinematic Schematic Podcast

    Hear all this and more of our past and future episodes by subscribing to The Cinematic Schematic on your preferred podcast app and leaving us a rating on Apple Podcasts!

    Email Us: thecinematropolis@gmail.com

    Follow The Cinematic Schematic on Spotify

    Like The Cinematropolis on Facebook

    Follow The Cinematropolis on Twitter @thecinematrop

    Ariana GrandeCynthia ErivoJon M. ChuThe Cinematic SchematicThe Wizard of OzWicked
    Caleb Masters
    Caleb Masters is a film critic, podcast host, and producer with more than fourteen years of experience in media and film criticism, fueled by a lifelong love of pop culture and a passion for media production. As editor-in-chief of The Cinematropolis, he oversees the site’s editorial direction while hosting and producing the podcast The Cinematic Schematic, where he reviews new releases, interviews filmmakers, and explores other prominent voices in entertainment alongside co-host Laron Chapman. He previously served as president of the Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) and currently lives in Seattle, Washington with his wife and three dogs. Follow him on Letterboxd or Instagram @CMastersTalk
    • ‘Gladiator II’ is a Middling Remix Saved by Denzel – The Cinematic Schematic

    • ‘The Complete Unknown’ Is a “Good Enough” Bob Dylan Biopic – The Cinematic Schematic

    You Might Also Like

    Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

    Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood – The Cinematic Schematic Review

    July 31, 2019
    Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

    ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’ Serves Up More Eat-the-Rich Chaos

    March 25, 2026
    Thanksgiving Leftovers 2023 Movie Special

    A Thanksgiving Leftovers 2023 Movie Special – The Cinematic Schematic

    November 29, 2023

    No Comments

Brought to You By

Planet Thunder Productions

2026 - All Rights Reserved.