We’re heading back to Oz — and this time, it’s all about the movie.

Episode 304 is your full-blown Reel Talk review of Wicked (2024)

It's all on the table: the performances, the music, the visuals, the changes from the stage, and whether the movie sticks the landing as one of the most anticipated musical adaptations of the decade.

We break down everything, including:

Did Wicked, the movie, hit the emotional beats fans expected?

Ariana Grande vs. Broadway Glinda — who floats higher?

Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba: misunderstood icon or emerald hurricane?

The songs — which ones soared and which ones felt… magically mid?

CGI, chemistry, choreography… and yes, who actually hit those notes.

Is this the future of musical blockbusters or just another glossy adaptation?

Expect classic Reel Debaters chaos: bold opinions, friendly yelling, unlicensed attempts at the high notes, and at least one of us trying not to cry at “Defying Gravity.”

Short reactions to what else we watched this week:

Pluribus — still looking for someone who’s seen it.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives — Whitney, please.

The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker — the chaotic neutral energy is real.

HIM — horror? comedy? emotional damage? You decide.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE TRIVIA+

December 6 • 7:30 pm Little Brown Jug — 335 William Ave

5 rounds of holiday movie trivia, ugly sweater competition, seasonal colouring contest, and prizes (even for those who insist Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie — you monsters).

Drink great beer, win great things, and watch us confidently mispronounce reindeer names.

EPISODE SPONSOR: Smash N Axe Arcade Disco

Axe throwing. Arcade nostalgia. Neon-lit chaos.

Use code: DR SMASHINGTON

$15 off your first hour of walk-in axe throwing

$5 off a TransCanada Bluebeary Beer when you mention Dr Smashington at the bar

Leave Us a Voicemail

Drop your Wicked (2024) review at: thereeldebaters.ca

Credits

Executive Producer: Michael Petrow

Produced by: Jimmy Skinner, Charles Fernandes, Emily Clark

Recorded and Mixed at Sick Bad Panda Podcast Studios

Episode: Wicked Movie Reel Talk

The Reel Debaters Podcast combines movie debates, reviews, and interviews with filmmakers, actors, and creatives from across Canada and beyond — all from the heart of Winnipeg’s growing film community.

Proudly made in Manitoba, where Canada makes movies

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