Somewhere over the rainbow there exists a magnificent movie version of Gregory McGuire’s 1995 wonderfully revisionist, not to mention delightfully feminist, fantasy novel “Wicked.” Alas, Jon M. Chu’s big, bland, and bloated journey through the glittering land of Oz is not it, my pretties. The two-part, $320 million film adaptation thoroughly lacks the pluck and spirit of the blockbuster Broadway musical, which made its debut in San Francisco in 2003. As a longtime theater critic, I hate to pour a bucket of water on this almost-three-hour movie adaptation. But despite its undeniable star power. this empty-headed screen adaptation melts in the imagination. Pop singer Ariana Grande does indeed sparkle as Galinda, the soon-to-be Good Witch, and she’s certainly a superb hair flipper, but she lacks sassiness and there’s zilch chemistry between her and the green goddess Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as two college frenemies who grow into the mythical witches of lore. Erivo is suitably likable as the hated Elphaba but there’s no sign of a formidable power lurking within. A lot of the plucky numbers sputter. Grande’s cutie-pie wardrobe is a real stunner, a cheeky cross between Elle Woods style and Barbie couture that fills you with an inexplicable and deep yearning to wear more pink. For all the film’s weaknesses, Paul Tazewell’s gorgeous costumes are so sharply on point they draw blood. Let’s not even talk about Glinda’s obsession-worthy assortment of shoes. The feminism may fall flat here but the fashion truly soars to new heights. Many a stocking will surely be stuffed with “Wicked” bling this Christmas. For the record, the campy cameo spotlighting Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, the original marquee stars, only serves to remind us how much their deeply-felt camaraderie buoyed the musical back in the day. Those two Broadway divas had a visceral girl-power vibe that almost made you jealous of their BFF bond, onstage and off. Their buoyant chemistry is much missed here. It should be noted that this Fiyero, the delish Jonathan Bailey, of “Bridgerton” fame,” looks as dashing as ever astride a horse and that’s no small delight. Bailey also seems more adept with a song and dance number than some of the other stars here. He imbues “Dancing through Life” with an elan and effortlessness that makes some of the other musical interludes, such as pithy hit “Popular,” come off as a tad forced. The labyrinthian revolving library set (production designer Nathan Crowley outdoes himself), which takes a page from the Hogwarts aesthetic, is also a dazzler. Sadly, however, the stalwart Michelle Yeoh, who seems like such inspired casting as Madame Morrible, the haughty headmistress of Shiz University, gets thoroughly overshadowed here and the estimable Jeff Goldblum, who should be stealing the show, as the suitably smarmy snake oil peddler turned politician, his wonderful Ozness himself, doesn’t have that much to do in the lumbering part one. Chu seems to be going for a sense of existential ennui when a good old-fashioned shake-the-rafters mood would be more fitting. It’s also unfortunate that the sluggish pacing undercuts the cautionary tale here. Look past the flying monkeys and malapropisms and there is a chilling warning about the danger of charlatans who seize political power by stoking bigotry and eroding civil rights until all but the bravest are scared into silence. L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 fable has sharper special and political resonance now than ever before. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, indeed. Perhaps the movie would cast a more bewitching spell if it weren’t dragged out into two parts. The first installment ends just as Elphaba is coming into her power, in a duly high-flying “Defying Gravity” interlude, and before any real romance can blossom. Stretching out the Broadway narrative to twice its length, while adding no discernible depth, casts the film’s flaws into high relief. The irresistible pacing and tempo that powered the stage musical have all but vanished. Die-hard “Wicked” fans may not mind but casual YA fantasy fans, like my 14-year-old, may well miss what all the fuss is about. To be sure, the real magic here comes from the marvelous special effects. Chu, deservedly beloved for “Crazy Rich Asians,” creates a glittering visual fantasia that delights the eye, from the splashy underwater wonders of the ballroom to the glittering turrets of Emerald City, but often leaves the heart and mind rather bored. Lest you think I’m far too jaded to judge this “Wicked” because I’m old enough to remember the 2003 world premiere, suffice to say my kiddo was also less than impressed by the cinematic spectacle and has informed me that she will not be accompanying me for Part 2. I’ll have to ease on down the road without her.Syria's Druze hope for better future without AssadFugitive dog gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and nets
In a thrilling showdown of European football giants, the Champions League round of 16 brings together two powerhouse teams, Real Madrid and Atalanta, who are locked in a fierce battle to advance to the quarterfinals. Real Madrid, the reigning champions, are facing the challenge of avoiding a third consecutive defeat in the Champions League, while Atalanta, the nine-match unbeaten streak holders, are determined to continue their impressive run.
In an intense matchup on the basketball court, the Shandong High-Speed Men's Basketball Team suffered a 91-97 defeat to the Jilin team, halting their impressive six-game winning streak in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league.
One prevailing theory is that Musk's choice of emoji conveys his reservations about the current state of global affairs, including geopolitical tensions, environmental challenges, and societal inequalities. As a visionary entrepreneur deeply invested in shaping the future through technological innovation, Musk is no stranger to contemplating humanity's greater existential questions. His use of the 🤔 emoji could be seen as a subtle hint at the complexity and uncertainty surrounding these pressing issues.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words are a worrying sign of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. Israeli strike in Gaza allegedly kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in Gaza has killed five people, according to a senior Palestinian health official. An aid worker says three of the people killed were employees of the charity World Central Kitchen. The charity's aid delivery efforts in Gaza were temporarily suspended earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers. Israel's military says it struck a wanted militant who had been involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. In a later statement, it said that the alleged attacker had worked with WCK and it asked “senior officials from the international community and the WCK administration to clarify” how that had come about. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snow of the season has the potential to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario during a hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend. Forecasters says winter storm conditions could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. Forecasters predict 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a disaster emergency in affected areas.Moreover, considering Musk's track record of leveraging social media platforms to communicate his thoughts and opinions, it is worth pondering the strategic intent behind his choice of emoji. In an era where every digital gesture is scrutinized and analyzed for underlying messages, Musk's use of the 🤔 symbol could be a calculated move to spark curiosity and provoke discourse on the issues that matter most to him.
In recent news, the "Spring Dawn Initiative" has officially launched the "Factory Direct Sales" program to support and empower local manufacturers. This initiative aims to revitalize the economy and boost the development of small and medium enterprises in the region.The Florida Gators , led by quarterback DJ Lagway , face the Florida State Seminoles , led by quarterback Luke Kromenhoek on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 (11/30/24) at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV . You can also watch via a subscription to Sling TV , which is offering half off your first month. Here’s what you need to know: What: NCAA Football, Week 14 Who: Florida vs. Florida State When: Saturday, Nov. 30 (11/30/24) Where: Doak Campbell Stadium Time: 7 p.m. ET TV: ESPN2 Live stream: fuboTV (free trial) , DirecTV Stream (free trial) *** Here are the best streaming options for college football this season: Fubo TV (free trial): fuboTV carries ESPN, FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS. DirecTV Stream (free trial) : DirecTV Stream carries ESPN, FOX, NBC and CBS. Sling TV ( $25 off the first month) - Sling TV carries ESPN, FOX, ABC and NBC. ESPN+ ($9.99 a month): ESPN+ carries college football games each weekend for only $9.99 a month. These games are exclusive to the platform. Peacock TV ($5.99 a month): Peacock will simulstream all of NBC Sports’ college football games airing on the NBC broadcast network this season, including Big Ten Saturday Night. Peacock will also stream Notre Dame home games. Certain games will be streamed exclusively on Peacock this year as well. Paramount+ (free trial): Paramount Plus will live stream college football games airing on CBS this year. *** Here’s a preview capsule via the Associated Press: Florida (6-5) at Florida State (2-9), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2) BetMGM College Football Odds: Florida by 14 1/2. Series record: Florida leads 37-28-2. Florida coach Billy Napier seeks his first win against Florida State. Napier is 2-10 against the Gators' five rivals, including consecutive losses to the Seminoles. Florida, which is bowl eligible after back-to-back victories against ranked opponents (LSU and Ole Miss), can close the regular season on a three-game winning streak and gain more traction before national signing day. The Seminoles are trying to somewhat salvage their worst season since finishing 1-10 in 1974. Florida RBs Montrell Johnson, Jaden Baugh and Ja’Kobi Jackson vs. FSU’s rushing defense, which ranks last in the Atlantic Coast Conference and 106th nationally. The Seminoles are giving up 180 yards a game on the ground. The Gators, meanwhile, have topped 200 yards just once this season. Florida: DL Caleb Banks and Tyreak Sapp dominated the last two games, combining for 10 1/2 tackles for loss against the Tigers and the Rebels. Banks controlled the middle of the line and totaled 4 1/2 TFLs while Sapp applied constant pressure from the edge and notched six. Florida State: Luke Kromenhoek is the Seminoles' third true freshman to start at quarterback against Florida in the last 40 years. James Blackman is the most recent one, helping Florida State beat the Gators in 2017. Kromenhoek completed 13 of 20 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 31 rushing yards, in his first college start last week against Charleston Southern. Lawrance Toafili has 413 yards rushing this season and 1,852 for his career. The senior is 19th on Florida State’s all-time rushing list. ... Seminoles PK Ryan Fitzgerald and P Alex Mastromanno are finalists for the Lou Groza and Ray Guy awards, respectively. Fitzgerald has made all 12 of his field-goal attempts, and Mastromanno leads the nation at 49.1 yards a punt. ... Florida is 4-1 with freshman DJ Lagway starting. Lagway will be Florida’s fifth true freshman QB to start against FSU. Lagway leads all FBC QBs with a 97.3 passer rating on throws traveling 20 or more yards. ... The Gators have scored in 459 consecutive games dating to 1988, an NCAA record. (The Associated Press contributed to this report) Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
In conclusion, Manchester City's recent struggles on the pitch have raised serious questions about the future of the club and its manager. Guardiola's once-infallible reputation is now under threat, and the pressure is on for him to turn things around before it's too late. As the Champions League campaign hangs in the balance, Manchester City find themselves facing an uncertain future, with their once-promising season now in jeopardy.
"Empresses in the Palace," also known as "The Legend of Zhen Huan," is a critically acclaimed Chinese TV drama that captured the hearts of millions of viewers with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and dazzling performances. The series originally aired in 2011 and has since gained a devoted following both in China and around the world.
NoneOnly about 2 in 10 Americans approve of Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, poll finds
None"Set pieces provide a unique opportunity for teams to score goals and change the course of a game. Without a well-drilled set piece strategy, teams like Arsenal struggle to break down organized defenses and find the back of the net," Reinekel explained.
Title: A Decade of Freedom: A Released Prisoner Runs and Asks, "What Happened?"Halito and Happy Thanksgiving. As Native Americans, we choose to be thankful for each new day and the blessings that enrich our tribes. Our gratitude extends throughout the year for what we have and for the good fortune that lies ahead. For many, Thanksgiving is a time for fellowship, family, food and fun. Some of my fondest memories come from simply being with loved ones, sharing our faith, laughing at stories and enjoying a good meal and great company. However you celebrate this holiday, hope you find safety, happiness and are surrounded by love and joy. Our Choctaw ancestors gathered for seasonal feasts that brought the tribe together for connection, delicious food, and games. This holiday let’s take a moment to reflect on our blessings, the love of family and friends, a full belly, and a roof over our heads. Let’s be grateful for not just having our wishes fulfilled, but for having our needs met. Yakoke and God bless."Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.The decision to partner with SK Hynix for wafer-level packaging is a strategic move by KOMOS to leverage the expertise and technology of a leading semiconductor manufacturer. SK Hynix is known for its innovative packaging solutions and high-quality products, making it an ideal partner for KOMOS to enhance the performance and reliability of its memory modules.