Ben Shapiro Reviews 'Wicked'

[@ameliahong5562]

Ben Shapiro I am begging you to quit politics and move full time into the musical theater space

[@Gasser2799]

I second this

[@arcadiaberger9204]

@@Gasser2799 I third it.

[@tylerd8609]

He’s a bigot: no

[@skylerclyne6542]

+

[@NoodleKeeper]

@@tylerd8609 You know what? Fair. But maybe he'd be less of a bigot if he left the DailyWire space.

[@ethantarpley]

Clicked on this expecting a lazy culture war hit piece, and was pleased to just find Ben geeking out about musical theatre.

[@star4326]

Ben rlly needs to rebrand himself into a film critic bc he’s good at it

[@lybnychavez6953]

Ben loves movies and musicals so I’m glad this movie is good

[@munchiekins]

I am having this experience. I can't believe he played the original Defying Gravity, I 1000% agree about the momentum really took the wind out

[@MikeMikkelson]

Same!

[@themanwithnothingtolose]

​@@star4326you must be joking, he's a meme at it

[@AlexFenn-lt3fg]

Imagine how different your life would be if you devoted yourself to stuff like this which is very clearly your passion

[@Noonganoongas]

Whats clearly his passion is what he’s devoted his entire career around: politics. Not theater 😂

[@Ladya12345]

He likes politics and culture. He doesn’t have to decide between one or the other if he wants to create and comment on both. He’s fully capable of being a full person with a diverse set of interests

[@polpol2739]

I watch Ben and to be honest - this is the happiest and mpst excoted i see him when he talks about music and film​@@Noonganoongas

[@stork6873]

If only he did not pursue evil for a decade in place of his dreams and passions. What a shame.

[@TopherTensen5020]

I been saying forever that they need to have a half an hour to an hour show on there platform DailyWire+ about film l from reviewing and talking about movies coming out, which recently came out, and past cult classics. Like collider used to do in like 2015

[@smellycyatt]

Bro quit politics and transition into becoming a full time critic. This was fun to watch

[@Geto__0001]

Why does he need to “quit politics”? He can do both

[@redlightmax]

I'm giving you a thumbs-up for telling Ben Shapiro to transition.

[@johnathanmiller8765]

He's a critic as a debater it makes sense he'd make good reviews

[@stinkoshatter-shield2096]

​@@Geto__0001Because his "politics" is disingenuous moral panic fear mongering

[@stinkoshatter-shield2096]

​@@johnathanmiller8765not really. Debating and critiquing are very different. It means he can express himself well but that doesn't mean shit if the thoughts he's expressing are fucking stupid. I mean Ben has done some ludicrous reviews in the past

[@Livyseviltwin]

I was not expecting Ben to be number one Cynthia Erivo fan😭😭

[@A.J.805]

They’re both Capricorn’s

[@christianbrewerton710]

Despite the fact that I cannot stand her personally with her little mental breakdown on twitter over the movie poster edit, she did a phenomenal job in the movie

[@CardFan158]

I think it’s more that he hates Ariana Grande so much he stoops to the level of raving about someone else to tear her down.

[@davidg.4394]

Hey, you give credit where credit is due.

[@elizabethstaszak5282]

Right?!?!

[@alexxnly]

This threw me for a loop. I would NEVER have pegged Ben as a musical theater junkie. What a pleasant surprise. Glad he liked this one.

[@Dankness9]

That is totally within his wheelhouse. He is all over the fine arts.

[@ML-dk7bf]

Find me a Jew who doesn't love musicals.

[@hillydilly474]

His sister is an opera singer !

[@alexl889]

He clearly knows more about theater than he knows about politics. Bro might’ve found his calling

[@s.d.m.1840]

Ben gave it a B+

[@DevonPatrick16]

Ben’s passion and love for musicals is kinda…….very Ben

[@lovelynorah25]

exactly lol

[@LiamHalla-cu9wf]

@lovelynorah25 are you single?

[@lolwatlolwatlol]

It's because he's a closeted homosexual

[@saxophonecsb7398]

Unexpected review from Ben. Good.

[@garrett3726]

Gay?

[@skylerclyne6542]

Ben this is the first time I’ve seen light in your eyes in YEARS. Your tone is much more relaxed and conversational. You’re speaking “to” your audience instead of “at” them. It seems like you genuinely give a shit about this. I noticed how quickly you recall the tempo of the opening number without even thinking about it to make a point. I completely agree with your criticism on Defying Gravity, it’s a criticism that is obviously very much rooted in the conventions of musical theatre & how the “Song at the End of the First Act” is /supposed/ to sound. (Even the comment on how she’s saying “Ah” instead of “Oh” is /very/ specific and shows your familiarity with the art form, and I don’t think it’s something many people would catch) (the comment: “[Ariana is] going into head voice, doesn’t have the ability to belt Broadway style” is a lighter example of this type of comment) There was another comment that mentioned how this video came from a place of love instead of hate, and I would have to agree with that sentiment. This was genuinely entertaining and I’m saying that as someone that does not consider myself a fan of yours.

[@annamarienyc3744]

I actually love Ben as a movie musical critic. Whole different side of his personality -- which I vastly prefer. More of this, please!

[@annamarienyc3744]

Ben's love of "Defying Gravity," in particular, I found both adorable and relatable.

[@ronaldkonkoma4356]

I want to see Ben critique the Family Guy musical numbers now

[@homesteadgamer1257]

He also seems to talk a little slower, which is kind of strange. It doesn't quite seem like Ben.

[@moonsigil]

He was a child prodigy on violin, so it makes sense that he has an appreciation for musicals.

[@tumult04]

Very cute

[@jordanzell1]

Jeff Goldblum is one of those actors who simply plays himself in every role.

[@OregonMike]

Same with nickolas cage and al pacino 💩👎

[@charliezard64]

And I love it every time!

[@quietferocity]

Adam Sandler, too

[@charliezard64]

@@quietferocity and Dwayne Johnson, come to think of it!

[@tinalevan1984]

Cage does not play himself every time. Check out the movie Joe. Al Pacino did not play himself in Scarface, Heat, Godfather, etc.

[@chrisfraser9036]

“They gayed it up” yall do realize this is musical theater right

[@HouseTargaryen24601]

I think he just meant compared to the stage musical. Maybe they do have the guys noticing Fiyero there too - but I've never sat close enough to notice.

[@zm2mad9]

They actually ungayed the movie 💀 In the books elphaba was intersex and kisses glinda and it was written by a gay author

[@hannahsacia3362]

This brings out one of the tragedies of modern culture. Musical theatre used to be enjoyed by all. Musicals like Oliver and Oklahoma aren’t “gayed up”- they’re beautiful. But because modern culture is so perverse, these themes are in EVERYTHING, now. It’s time to make theatre great again.

[@HouseTargaryen24601]

@@hannahsacia3362 There are a plethora of plays that do not have any such characters. But you go on and clutch those pearls ..🙄

[@hannahsacia3362]

@ I’m not arguing they don’t. That should never be on screen or on stage, though.

[@worldadmin9811]

Ben you have so much potential; this was a genuinely fun video. its so disappointing to be staring at my computer screen after the video ended and remember all the other types of content you put your energy towards. hope your day is good,

[@wellbuttermybiscuits7]

Real😂

[@nataliehope18]

Thank you for giving Cynthia her flowers. I really don’t understand why all of the media hype surrounding Wicked was to do with Ariana, because Cynthia’s performance was superior. Every time she sang I was brought to tears

[@KatieBellino]

Ariana was definitely their recognizable pop star to get the general population to go see the movie. She sings really well for a pop star, but doesn't actually have a Broadway voice. Cynthia Erivo has actually sung on Broadway and you can absolutely see why. Ben is right that when the two are together on screen, Cynthia draws the attention to herself through superior skills. Ariana does well, but when you put her next to an actual Broadway actress, she's not as good.

[@Thegreatgonzo0527]

Personally Cynthia just rubs me the wrong way but that’s just me! Her voice is incredible though no doubt about that!

[@cpinkelman8807]

@@KatieBellinoshe was on broadway and has stared in various theatre I think Glinda also doesn’t have as many chances to sing like elephaba

[@KatieBellino]

@cpinkelman8807 She gets a pretty good chance in "No One Mourns the Wicked." It's a much airier sound than typically used for the stage. It works for a movie. I did forget that she was in 13, but to be fair, it was short-lived and a musical cast of all teens.

[@kimjackson906]

You’d be correct. She has a history of being a terrible person

[@elidagjika8741]

I usually don't like Ben but someone finally giving Cynthia Erivo her flowers deserves some respect here.

[@dorisnwanne1139]

You and your hatred for Ben What's your reward for hatred? A day in paradise?

[@Abbanellie]

​@@dorisnwanne1139What? We dont think we'll be rewarded for disliking a bigot. We just think hes a bad person 💀 that simple.

[@agiksf.8998]

I listened to few ppl talking about this movie and everyone agrees that the weird bold lady (and I'm calling her weird due to all the bizarre interviews they have done as promo to Wicked) is a good actress and singer and mot impressive from all the cast. Why are you acting a if this is some abnormality?

[@memberofthelambily1340]

@@dorisnwanne1139list a few left wing creators you like

[@toooydoeur]

​@@dorisnwanne1139grow up

[@COMMANDRofAWESUM]

This is a 23 minute video of Ben just trying to tell us he had a huge crush on Kristen Chenoweth growing up. Let’s be real.

[@hannahcampbell8196]

I mean, Kristen Chenoweth is AMAZING!! How could you not love her?!

[@ericleigh007]

Who DIDN'T have a huge crush on Kristen? Let's be real...

[@songbird377]

@@hannahcampbell8196 I loved her as Marian in the Music Man!

[@Thelnquisitor]

@@ericleigh007 Me! It was Idina Menzel

[@fluxcap212]

Who did NOT win a Tony for the role.

[@Patty4real]

My dad's mother died in childbirth with him. He still holds that guilt. It may not be rational, but it absolutely happens. Lots of kids and adults hold the guilt of their parents' mistakes or traumas. This isn't an uncommon thing either.

[@meganmakescakes]

Ben Shapiro is now the straightest gay man I’ve ever seen

[@nativeg9079]

LOL, I was definitely not expecting this but I will admit to enjoying it. This has also moved me from not watching to I'll watch it if/when it is convenient.

[@Dankness9]

There was time in which straight men could go to the theater and not be suspect. I remember being dragged to Cats by my first wife and was pretty blown away 1988. So I started seeing musicals on the regular. Still straight 2 wives later and now go incognito.

[@nasanoir310]

More like the gayest straight man.

[@Spaghettificat]

Nah just Jewish. :)

[@maggieschwarz925]

I’d say he’s the gayest straight man though 😆

[@andrewthompson9330]

This is a good review. The main thing I strongly disagree with is your assessment of Grande’s performance. I thought her comedic timing, emotional acting, and live vocals were fantastic, and she was a force to be reckoned with alongside Cynthia in the film. Say what you want about her as a person, but her role in this film was great.

[@swarleysheen9016]

Yeah she was great. Idk why he disliked her performance so much.

[@amyjohnson5839]

​@@swarleysheen9016 i dont think he said he didnt like her, he just basically said compared to Cynthia she wasnt as great, or fell a little flat

[@jenniferconstantine9041]

I saw a reel comparing the singing of Grande with Chenowith and I preferred Grande hands down. Also, I disagree that Ariana Grande doesn't have comedic timing. Her impressions are hilarious, especially Jennifer Lawrence!

[@sandyg4646]

@@jenniferconstantine9041 comedy is subjective, I didn't find her all that funny to be honest. ....also impressions are a pretty law bar / hanging fruit when it comes to comedy

[@hondarideralex]

It was clear he preferred chenoweth's version which I don't know if you can replicate. It's like magic in a bottle. Ariana had to go in a different direction otherwise it would have felt contrived. That being said, I feel like ariana's version of Glenda would actually grow up to be Glenda from the original movie.

[@TheHigherFury]

I think the only reason they cast Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard is because he's actually just been the real Wizard of Oz the whole time

[@CassTheStinkyChicken]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@islabanner8290]

This had me ded. lmao

[@susanyates8038]

Online there are around 20 Jeff Goldblum shower curtains available. “Pay no attention to the man behind the shower curtain!”

[@osmanyousif7849]

The Wizard, uh.... finds a way.

[@levimonk8628]

It's basically the same role he plays in Thor Ragnarok

[@joegless225]

Ben I'm gonna be honest, I'm not a fan because of your political takes. But this reaction was actually fun to watch. Just do this. Pivot out of politics. This was fun.

[@TeamFriendship]

Ben Shapiro loving Wicked was not on my bingo card. I genuinely love how unpredictable conservatives are, and that’s part of the reason why I left the far left. I loved openness and critical thinking, and was told conservative politics and religion had none of them. Couldn’t be farther from the truth. I would probably hate Wicked, but I genuinely love this take and that he’s this open minded.

[@chequereturned]

Critical Drinker also gave it a positive review. And he and Ben are the two biggest voices speaking out about the ultra-woke takeover of Hollywood, so it carries some weight

[@TrollLol-sg3so]

Yes he’s so open minded enjoying a movie that’s not woke. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@julietagracia4030]

This is why I left the far right! I have honestly just begun to see we’re not very different but the government officials we support and the political side we are are on divide us and give us separate enemies that we can focus on rather than the actual problem. I hate how lied to we are. It’s like the movie they give us things like animals to focus on.

[@MarkHogan994]

As someone who identifies as a liberal leftist, but was never on the far left, I have to say conservatives becoming more open-minded than the average progressive was not on my bingo card. But it is kinda true, at least for the under 40 demographic. I'm still 100% a liberal on the issues, but I really dislike how far leftists attack and vilify anyone who isn't 100% aligned with them. They preach tolerance, but have become super intolerant of any opposing views.

[@zeehero7280]

here we believe in being allowed to disagree without deciding the one who disagrees is hitler. I have met self described left leaning people who also are like that and just sadly know so much that isnt so, but many as we see on X and social media, are completely insane

[@arthurlau98]

Michelle Yeoh performance when she did a 180 to be the villain really sent chills.

[@dynasty0019]

She really channeled the approachable and nice school headmistress I've known in Asian countries, but will throw you into the wolves the moment you step out of line.

[@laurahepworth3193]

@@arthurlau98 would have been great if she could sing.. after all, it WAS a musical

[@TheJosephPrice]

Her acting was great, that was never in question. She just can’t sing haha.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Well Ben, if you ever quit your day job... you are a very good musical critic. Nice job...

[@__keys]

lol

[@xmayhem96]

I wouldn’t hate his guts anymore if he did that.

[@jrosner6123]

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW I want to hear some violin playing from him

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

@jrosner6123 💯

[@kayjaypea8644]

A child will believe what they're told over and over again. If guilt is "thrust upon them", they'll learn to own it. A parent saying over and over "This thing that you had no control over is actually all your fault" WILL lead to a kid believing the lie their whole life. It's a very real phenomenon that has kept many shrinks in business.

[@lane1903]

Ben hasn’t experienced this so it must not be real

[@ab-gail]

💯

[@colinhunt3884]

One of Ben’s better movie reviews but crazy to say that Ariana doesn’t have any comedic abilities, she was making my entire theatre laugh out loud multiple times

[@ravenmcgill]

Credit to her experience on victorious lol

[@xelj3155]

Let’s face it, Ben just simply hates Ariana.

[@LK1989]

Yeah, everyone has been saying she's hilarious. He also weirdly said she was singing in her head voice and she's not??? Not in the parts where he said. She IS belting, it's just operatic. Not broadway style. She sits at a higher register.

[@danculbert6349]

Ben Shapiro has no sense of humor and is generally pretty miserable

[@markraber146]

Ben has a political bias against #ArianaGrande and he is allowing it to pollute his assessment of her outstanding performance as Glinda. Very unprofessional of him and immediately kills his credibility to be discussing Wicked.

[@valentonga9852]

I actually think Ariana was spectacular in this movie

[@liliiflora]

right exactly

[@planarian]

She definitely did a great job.

[@laurahepworth3193]

She was good but Cynthia’s part is a much juicer role

[@swirlingchi]

Arianna did an incredible job. Her acting opposite Cynthia elevated the Ozdust scene into a tearjerker. She’s gonna really shine in part 2

[@laurahepworth3193]

@@swirlingchias I said before the part of elphaba is a juicer part… no one is arguing Ariana didn’t do a superb job but you’ll agree after part 2 her part is secondary as compared to elphaba.. menzel got the Tony because the part is more likable even though cheno did a great job

[@cosas_de_gatos]

I disagree about Ariana not being able to belt. She clearly can, if you’re familiar with her songs, but she chose to sing more soft and airy in the role of Glinda

[@KajiVocals]

She can technically belt but it is a very light sound, not a 'real belt' per se. Compare it to Eydie Gorme for example whose voice was even higher than hers yet look at her belt. And her singing airy is the problem. This is a legit soprano role. Airiness has no place in this role. She needs to finally switch a coach. Eric Vetro is not good.

[@FlorenzaMusic]

@@KajiVocals not true. Her technique is FLAWLESS. Her belt is effortless. Her operatic notes were perfect. Ugh I can't with people.

[@KajiVocals]

@@FlorenzaMusic So then explain to me the aspiration in her instrument. Explain to me the weird onsets she has in head register? Explain to me why the voice has very little closure and the voice has passaggio issues? Explain to me why she disappears in chest register below the middle C? Explain to me why is the vibrato uneven? Explain to me the voice is consistently either overnarrowed in the vowels or spreading? And how is it 'operatic'? A voice with this amount of aspiration would not project past the first few rows. I work in opera, calling this 'operatic' is silly. It's an imitation by a pop singer who was not trained in the genre. Nothing more. A flawless belt would be firm, clear and with actual presence. It is a sound that easily projects and never relies on pressure to project. Ariana is Eric Vetro student so I am not expecting her to do it but acting like it's an excuse is silly. She used to have a somewhat alright belt before she took up lessons with him. She doesn't have it anymore. If you claim someone’s technique is flawless, at least make sure it’s someone who actually comes close to it. Ariana does not. She could, but not with this coach.

[@legendarystarr1]

​@@KajiVocals idgaf she was perfect 👌

[@rckythewrld]

@@KajiVocalsthis is killing me yall really just made this shit up saying ariana cant belt is like saying fish cant swim 😭 SHES ARIANA GRANDE chile

[@fakeymate4570]

Dude this is amazing why is this not your main thing

[@MTWipes]

I actually disagree on Ariana, especially when it comes to her comedic ability. I found her one of the funnier components of the film

[@Laughy-Flaaffy]

Yeah but someone give her a cheeseburger! 🍔

[@Rydermanx64]

That's because her lines are hilarious, but I don't think she delivered them as well as she could've. She felt a little fake sometimes

[@belenvazquez9425]

Yep, she was so funny

[@Paradigm7977]

As did I

[@MICHAEL-s9w2d]

@@Rydermanx64 SHE WILL WIN AWARDS FOR THIS .

[@jacquieloller8504]

Wow I totally disagree. Ariana blew me away as Glinda. Glinda is a MUCH harder role to play- there are so many layers. You have to be funny and a great serious actor; you have to be detestable and also somehow lovable. There’s so much character growth over the story.

[@theskargul]

My thoughts as well. I was much more impressed by Ariana's performance. I'd award her for Best Supporting Actress easily.

[@tbuddy888]

I don't think Ariana accomplished this. Meh at best.

[@carissalamkahouan699]

I agree with you 100 percent. I LOVED Grande's character and performance much better. She is the absolute star of the show. Elphaba bored me, to be honest.

[@RD-fp6xu]

Well the only thing she was that you listed there is detestable. She wasn’t funny. She wasn’t a serious actor. She was hired for one thing and one thing only: star power. Her name brings in dollars for the executives. If that weren’t the case then there are plenty of REAL Broadway actresses who have played Glinda FAR better! Your comment just shows your lack of experience with live theater, so I guess I can’t fault you for making that statement judging on that lack of experience.

[@Lawrence_Talbot]

@@RD-fp6xu most people like Ariana Grande as Glinda. If you didn’t, good for you, you’re welcome to your own opinion. But to go off on a rant shaming the OP is just sad. Why are you so triggered over this?

[@joshish9884]

Ben's movie reviews are absolute gold and we need more of them.

[@sumanadasawijayapala5372]

We also need to stand up to far left terrorism against our health insurance provicers.

[@Noble-Nova]

*SPOILER ALERT* The book this musical is based on becomes woke by page 8. The entire script is based on the identity of woke culture.

[@24wdcs]

We really don’t

[@biobagholder8081]

His review of barbie was pretty terrible

[@ariavaggio]

I find it so remarkable to see how much more quality can be poured into content where it comes out of a place of love instead of hate. Kudos. Hope you can keep it up!

[@chronosproductions815]

BEN JUST DO MOVIE REVIEWS PLEASE. THIS IS YOUR CALLING!!! FUCK POLITICS

[@lemongrabthesecond]

Right?! It's like how Alex Jones was born to be a voice actor.

[@Geto__0001]

If he was as a liberal you wouldn’t tell him to “fuck politics”. Let the man do want he wants

[@chronosproductions815]

@@Geto__0001 if he was just as annoying as a liberal I'd say the same thing

[@zppr101]

@@chronosproductions815exactly

[@ChocolateChipcookiie]

​@@Geto__0001 Yes and no. Ben Shapiro's politicking is ignorant and hateful, if he somehow figured out how to be Conservative whilst not bring ignorant of social issues, unempathetic and downright hateful and bigoted, left wingers wouldn't dislike him as much. Additionally, it seems like musical theatre is genuinely a passion of his that he sets aside for reactionary politics.

[@Evan-ni7hb]

It's funny how everyone is only talking about Ariana's great performance, when Cynthia is outshining her so much, and no one talks about it! Thanks ben for giving Cynthia the flowers she deserves.

[@DC-gh6dy]

I think it's because everyone assumed Ariana would suck since she's not an actress, just a singer. Cynthia was better, but we already know she can act.

[@therealgigglebop]

I think a lot of people don’t want to praise Cynthia because she’s an insufferable prima Donna.

[@GreyWind1988]

Honestly, it's because one character is interesting and the other hopelessly boring and bland, whose actress managed to piss off the entire fan base by blowing a gasket about a fan edit.

[@englishatheart]

@@DC-gh6dy Um, you do realize Ariana has been acting for AGES, right? I can't stand her voice (she doesn't enunciate worth a poo and her voice is too high pitched/dog whistle-y for my taste) and I haven't seen any of her acting, but I would probably prefer her acting over her music. Edit: Sorry if that came off as rude. It wasn't my intention. I am just surprised seeing people claim Ariana isn't an actress when she's been acting since she was a teenager. I knew her as an actress before I knew her as a singer, and I didn't even watch anything she was on. I just know what I have seen from clips of that Sam and Cat show she was on.

[@chudnuggets]

@@DC-gh6dy she´s a child actor, she acted since when she was like a teen or smth

[@EdwinAbili]

I’d love Ben so much more if he’d just stfu about politics and ONLY talks about Musicial Theater and Film and Music or whatever he seems so much happier and genuine

[@loriolson1143]

He's great with Politics

[@asdconservative]

​@@loriolson1143exactly cus I agree with him on lots of stuff

[@lilygirllisa]

​@loriolson1143 he couldn't explain how Trumps 20% tariffs were beneficial to the american public

[@lybnychavez6953]

He’s great a politics the problem is politics has become very messing these past years especially in the online space where people constantly trash on Ben

[@awkwardfreakinperson7936]

@@lybnychavez6953well yeah Ben is wrong on lots of things

[@GeorgeOfGeorge]

Ben quit politics, you’ve clearly got a better calling right in front of you 😭.

[@Sr71_sable]

Literally

[@60sbabydoll777]

No you’re just a leftist.

[@Alyssawilberg-t8i]

Hello how are you doing

[@mallorylyster9801]

Disagree about Ariana, agree about defying gravity! It’s actually edited down in the soundtrack you watched and is way more spread out in the actual movie. Infuriating to listen along and try to sing to!

[@juanantoniovaldez1]

“The [movie] is great but I do have ideological differences”. I swear Ben will say this about everything from a gas station hot dog to a Ford F-150

[@10limak]

Very true, he is just attention seeker, and his ways to seek attention vary from heavy eyebrow dye, to disagreeing with everything in very sure voice.

[@KodyDuncan-zu3bu]

put this on a t-shirt

[@bradm170]

Haters gonna hate. Hahahaha

[@Leobe21]

Also, what are these “ideological differences”? That you shouldn’t judge someone because of their appearance?

[@legendofacriuswithornament2019]

No clue about Ben, but my issue is that it takes a character who is evil for the sake of evil, and gives her this background saying that it is in fact the good guys who are evil and the evil character is just misunderstood.​ @Leobe21

[@loxsannbraham8281]

lol I’m crying watching Ben listening to both versions of Defying Gravity… because he’s absolutely right .

[@StephenGardner-b9k]

🤍🤍sᴇɴᴅ🤍🤍ᴍᴇ🤍🤍ᴀ🤍🤍ᴅɪʀᴇᴄᴛ🤍🤍ᴛᴇxᴛ🤍±𝟷𝟾𝟺𝟻𝟻𝟿𝟹𝟺𝟷𝟶𝟽🔝

[@catkin-z8g]

In the sound track there is the hope you are happy and lines from the movie in the gaps so it sounds ok to me coz it has more depth of the story than the song alone which I hadn't heard before anyway. It is 7 minutes 40 long. They like to call it broadway but it is a movie filmed in the UK and there wouldn't be much point if they just copied everything exactly. I think it is just perfect the way it was done.

[@destinydavidson1524]

Hi Ben. As a leftist, I would fully embrace you with my arms wide open if you decided to focus on just making Broadway analysis videos. I would even like, comment & subscribe. I don't even like Broadway. I can't stand it to be honest. but I am genuinely just really happy to see true passion and love in yours eyes and it seem like if you were to just embrace this side of you, that you'd probably be happier in the long run and maybe not have just a constant flow of hated and cortisol running through your veins. You are at a true fork in the road and I am manifesting a life where you can let this passion flourish

[@Giuseppe_1994]

Horseshoe on over. The waters fine 🏖️

[@bradm170]

As a independent thinker I'd like you to think criticality and use your ability to reason when watching Ben Shapiro. He does an excellent job at presenting reality so leftists can find their way out of delusion.

[@xxcuppycakeloverxx]

Out of all the reviews of Wicked, I’m surprised, though shouldn’t be honestly, that Ben Shapiro has dropped the best and most detailed one. I didn’t expect Ben to be a musical fan.

[@chrisl218569]

He wanted to be a movie, Director or actor or something. And he kept being rejected. So I’m not surprised he’s a musical fan and I think he should pursue it full-time. He started the political junk because he had a grudge against Hollywood because they rejected him they made a mistake doing that because when it comes to musicals, he has some good opinions and maybe be able to write a good musical.

[@isidoreaerys8745]

@@chrisl218569yes. Imagine in the holy uncursed timelines where Ben was embraced by hollywood and we have no trans panic and Defying Gravity has no weird action sequences interrupting it. We done fucked up.

[@jsmart6430]

I’ve always held the view that the music of Wicked is WAAAAY better then the plot.

[@mattm7798]

Isn't that the case with alot of musicals lol

[@jsmart6430]

@ ya know I was thinking of an exception… and I’m having a hard time.

[@talithakoum3922]

​@@jsmart6430 _1776_ probably qualifies, although that has a few outstanding numbers like "Mama, Look Sharp" and "Molasses to Rum to Slaves."

[@talithakoum3922]

​@@jsmart6430 I would nominate _1776_ as an exception. There are certainly great songs in the show, especially "Mama, Look Sharp" and "Molasses to Rum to Slaves", but the story is great (and true), told with humor at first, gravitas by the end, and authentic dialogue throughout.

[@Flash2195.]

The whole driving force of the plot is the stupid animals which is treated like a b plot

[@MrsTerrylm]

Oh gosh - Ben is SO right about the ending. I couldnt pin point why I was disappointed with the ending - and this was it. They broke it up and ruined the building momentum.

[@Deftknight]

Ben Shapiro is a theatre kid at heart.. it all makes sense now

[@naptime43x]

Ive never seen Ben looking more disappointed than when he talks about how they broke up the last number of the song into parts for the movie. @20:30

[@johnlewis8934]

That’s how you know he really cares

[@katekjones]

So annoyed and disgusted 😂

[@nicola6789h]

😂 look how they massacred my boy

[@munchiekins]

That last segment with the lyrics on the screen had me laughing out loud because I feel exactly the same... that random "Unlimited..." like what is it doing there!!

[@beamanact]

I really love that Ben--who is a fine musician--is also a lover of musicals, and has some great things to say about WICKED. I totally agree with him about the way the musical numbers are chopped up in the film, and I also wish the camera had pulled back and stayed still during big numbers so we could fully enjoy the dancing and singing of the talented cast.

[@toreclark8928]

YES! Finally somebody that’s able to explain why “Defying Gravity” was so irritating to watch in theater. The breaks in between the final lines of the song ruined it.

[@whooah]

Yes!! Thats my main problem with that number.

[@WingsOfRequiem]

for me it just elevated it entirely, the extra "unlimiteds" literally gave me so many goosebumps, and the scene where shes falling was beautiful. I've never had such goosebumps in my life

[@DJBRO2005]

They did a lot more in the movie during that number than the broadway does. I didn't mind defying gravity in the movie at all. Cynthia pulled it off, and perhaps it was only because of her that the sone didn't get on my nerves. 🤷‍♂️

[@MrLuis85698]

agree , it broke the momentum

[@Ari_G73]

I disagree. I thought it worked well. And im someone thats seen it on the big stage numerous times

[@jenniferferguson1517]

lol. Say Idena was subpar, is INSANE! Saying that Ariana was a lot worse than Cynthia. They were both phenomenal! I know everyone in these comment section is telling you need to critic more musical theater, but I have NO IDEA why! Can you hear?

[@grandlordkaching9560]

Absolutely ridiculous that Ben would endorse Erivo for best actress over Matt Walsh who clearly deserves both best actor and actress as he is genderfluid

[@davefink2326]

That one wins the internet for the whole week!

[@Salty-cracker68]

😂

[@tidepride86]

Also kinda ridiculous that he'd review a movie that none of us want to watch 😂

[@stevenranck5478]

😂

[@sebastianmellark8835]

@@tidepride86who’s “us?” don’t be annoying

[@brianstacey2679]

I think Ben is overthinking this. He is right in that Cynthia is the star of this film and should be considered for best actress. But, Ariana Grande is excellent too; much better than I was expecting. I think he is bringing his preconceived notions into his review of her role. And yes, the movie was longer than the show, but there was no point where I was saying, "god i wish this was over." The film works and that's why it's gonna crack $1 Billion.

[@Florythroughfire]

His analysis is actually spot on with my perspective.

[@sandyg4646]

nah...her performance was entertaining, but i don't think it was anything to write home about.

[@TrollLol-sg3so]

@@Florythroughfireperspective of a minority

[@liliiflora]

exactly Ariana was AMAZING, her comedic ability and range is impressive. Ben should stop pretending he knows anything about singing. LMAO. Ariana can belt, just cause her performance was subtle doesn't mean she can't sing as good as Cynthia Erivo. 😂

[@JobVanDam]

I dont think you should compare Ariana to how well you thought she would do but how good she is compared to the other actors.

[@lydiaschneider9097]

To Ben's point about how ariana doesnt belt like cynthia, ARIANA ISNT SUPPOSED TO BELT!!!! The glinda songs and solos are supposed to be more soft, disney princess, opera style, while Cynthia's are supposed to be powerful and strong. They're not supposed to match, but complement

[@vspring94tortor53]

Haha came here to say this. Ariana can belt if she wants to. It’s not that she doesn’t have the belting chops. It’s that she specifically acquired vocal training to gain the singing ability she needed in her head voice for this role. Kristin Chenoweth isn’t belting all through Wicked. She’s using her operatic training. Saying this as a life-long Kristin fan and a despiser of Ariana Grande 😅 I can’t deny her talent. She genuinely surprised me in this role.

[@Zzyzzyx]

Ben has some weird idea that the only kind of good singing is belting.

[@marlee7389]

Kristen belted 🤷‍♀️ I think that's what he tried to say. Ariana is small next to Kristen.

[@NadiaSeesIt]

Damn, the theater kids are getting riled up

[@liliiflora]

YES EXACTLY Ben should stop pretending he knows anything about singing. LMAO. Ariana can belt, just cause her performance was subtle doesn't mean she can't sing as good as Cynthia Erivo

[@brug5858]

Thanks!

[@maryellenbowman2738]

Kristin Chenoweth won a tony for the role of Sally Brown. She was nominated for a Tony in Wicked, but lost to her co-star Idina Menzel.

[@markmaison4436]

Glad I’m not the only one who noticed this

[@therealgigglebop]

Idina Menzel literally can’t sing. She shouldn’t even have been considered.

[@vspring94tortor53]

Thanks for correcting this. Because it made for a bit of awkwardness between her and Idina for awhile 😕 I think Glinda’s role requires more nuanced acting, which Kristin completely pulled off and should have earned a Tony for. But everyone expected Idina to win, and we know how these things go.

[@englishatheart]

@@markmaison4436 Please stop saying this. No one is ever "the only one."

[@markmaison4436]

@ sorry to offend, definitely was not my intention, but I also find this comment to be rude and I will continue to express myself using whatever phrases I deem best suited for the moment. Thanks. 😃

[@kimichan5]

I wish Hollywood would just stop using CGI for literally everything. Every movie I’ve ever seen that has real props with real stunts and real backgrounds and real animals looks 10 times better than their CGI counterparts.

[@NightingaleSpica]

Sadly now CGI cost less than practical prop work. I have a great idea for a movie but it would need way more money for prop work alone to nail it. 😅 sometimes advancement doesn't always means better.

[@kennym.4664]

CGI has become a crutch.

[@Lana-lc7oy]

The movie used very little CGI. Just about every set was real and most of the songs were sung live while they were dancing and being lifted in the air.

[@johnwostenberg840]

You only notice CGI when it's bad. The really good CGI is practically invisible and you don't even realize it's there. You get the best results when it's a heavenly marriage of practical in the right places and CGI in the right places. That being said, I think most of the VFX in Wicked actually were very good (and comped well - try to guess where the line of real vs practical is for Shiz). They clearly didn't skimp out on quality there. Maybe they could have done the finale better (cinematography, animation, etc), but tbh it's supposed to be a fantastical showstopper anyway so I'm kind of okay with it.

[@luna-mo3ol]

I get that, except how do you expect some of these things in a movie like this to be done without cgi? The flying monkeys? The dark sky and the whole of emerald city in that wide open shot at the end? Like you can't really do that without cgi. It's funny cuz those are like the only two things that aren't even cgi. The movie does not have that much.

[@craigdesjardins3764]

What makes this review so much fun is Ben Shapiro's love of musical theater. Didn't see that coming.

[@MJTGlobal]

4:00 Kristin Chenoweth did not win a Tony for her performance (she won a few years earlier for You're A Good Man Charlie Brown). Idina Menzel actually won the Tony for her performance. They were actually nominated for the same category, so at best only one of them could win. They've been nominating Ariana Grande in Supporting Actress categories just to avoid this.

[@RadicalRebecca]

I think I agree 100% BUT Glinda isn’t meant to be a belter! She is all head voice! I think Arianna did a great job as Glinda!!

[@liliiflora]

same ariana was amazing

[@CamiWuzHere]

FRR Glinda is a colouratura role so it’s meant to be light and head voicey

[@blacktiger24950]

Gonna quickly gripe about Ben not liking how Elphaba blames herself for her sister's resentment. Like, it feels like you don’t get how child psychology works, or that you've at least not known a kid from divorce who blamed themselves for their parents' situation. Sure, most rational adults know not to put that blame on the child, but the trauma-based neuroscience indeed affirms that feelings don’t care about your facts.

[@deersiren]

👏

[@Maria-jq3zv]

Yep. Kids don’t have the logical part of their brain developed yet and can’t really think, “No, logically, this isn’t my fault.” And a lot of times that sticks with you into adulthood because that has become so ingrained in your thought process. Especially if Elphaba’s father was constantly reminding her how it was her fault, it makes sense that she would continue that pattern of thought into adulthood. Hollywood uses the trope a lot because it actually is pretty accurate to how the brain works sometimes.

[@Mik6ne]

my mom almost died when I was born, I never felt guilty, so I am unsure if that is the right word for the feeling, at least for me, but it is kind of bitter to think about it.

[@gtg127m1]

I love what you did here. 😂😂

[@munchiekins]

I think it's more her father told her it is her fault her mother died and Nessa was paraplegic, and she believed and internalized it. But I do agree the feeling guilty for being born thing is a little silly as none of us asked to be here 😅😅

[@KatieScarlett93]

Loved your review- I have to disagree with your Ariana comments. I think she suited the role and the goal was for their voices to blend more than stand out independently. I loved popular and i think she owned her own twist, I thought it was excellent. But respect your opinion!

[@333kireinahime]

Cynthia's defying gravity was AMAZINGGGG

[@brennanmaynard4237]

4:34 this is actually a choice that is required for Glinda. Glinda generally doesn’t belt; she’s written as an operatic soprano. Ariana is hitting notes so high so well that they would make Cynthia sound weak.

[@Unglueck_art]

The voice still sounded weak this is not the first time someone criticized this

[@kathypatterson6813]

Ariana is Broadway trained

[@hannahismyname]

but Ariana isn’t a trained operatic soprano…

[@antoniomere]

Yeah Ben has no idea what he’s talking about and is wrong lmao

[@michaelaadkins813]

There is no such thing as Cynthia sounding weak please be fr

[@itsjinxnow4814]

Not only is Ariana known for her impressive range and effortless belting, but belting isn’t even what Glinda is about. Her delivery is meant to be operatic, and she absolutely nailed it.

[@melz1081]

👆This. If she sang in the same style as Cynthia it wouldn’t have matched her character at all. I thought she did such an incredible job.

[@sar0jam]

The problem is it didn’t sound operatic at all compared to the original, it just sounded kinda weak. I liked Ariana in this tho

[@itsjinxnow4814]

@@sar0jam That’s not the criticism Ben Shapiro is making, he’s claiming Ariana can’t belt, which is what she’s known for and has consistently showcased throughout her career. As for comparing things to the original, I don’t care about that and won’t argue with you over it.

[@sar0jam]

@ I’m only comparing cuz he is, I like Ariana overall better tbh

[@user-kk2fb3dw8h]

Well, we can definitely get nitpicky about the “operatic” thing

[@asif9t9]

Ben plays the violin, so that explains his love for music, no matter how it's presented.

[@susancole6793]

Not only that but Ben is an extremely knowledgeable and talented musician himself. his opinions are spot on

[@caitlin6983]

@@susancole6793 I love how he’s basically giving a lesson in how to direct a musical 😂 He’s right, though

[@asif9t9]

@susancole6793 his opinions on the music, sure. tbh I found the acting of both leads to be bland. the plot was predictable even if you didn't see the play. the final scene where they split up didn't feel earned by the story. lots lacking as a movie imo. but I can see how it you like the music the rest doesn't matter. like watching star wars and as long as there are light sabers on the big screen, it'll be fun.

[@TrollLol-sg3so]

@@asif9t9”plot was predictable”…. The plot has been out for 100 years 😂 I should hope it’s predictable 😂😂😂😂😂😂.

[@TrollLol-sg3so]

@@susancole6793alright Susan don’t milk it ffs 😂

[@Hugginu]

This was not the video I expected to watch but I love how knowledgeable and passionate about musical theatre you are. I’ll be honest about not being your biggest fan but I enjoyed and agree with your perspective here.

[@funmif30]

I always appreciate when conservatives can set their personal foibles with the messaging of a movie and just acknowledge whether it's good or not.

[@apostateunion]

Yeah when actors, musicians, directors are all leftist there's no choice.😁

[@JesusOrDestruction]

If only liberals did that too

[@artsy9158]

If only libs could do the same

[@TheTerryE]

Too bad liberals are incapable of doing the same thing.

[@el_killorcure]

Born yesterday? That has been happening forever, only when the woke politics get too on the nose to ignore and damage the story do conservatives complain. Case Study: Amazon's The Boys season 4...

[@cedk144]

It's fun to see Ben actually enjoy something, especially something that you expect for him to totally torch.

[@Alyssawilberg-t8i]

Hello how are you doing 😊

[@nickicouture7297]

Facts. This movie was great. Cynthia is a powerhouse. She deserves all the awards.

[@erichwagner6958]

She won’t win. Mickey Madison for her performance in Anora is going to sweep this awards season. She is the odds favorite by a long shot. I’m alsmost certain Ben hasn’t seen it yet or he would know how much better of a performance it is. Many critics have already called it one of the 5 Best actress performances of the last decade.

[@juliabrooke9824]

The fact that his review is only 23:02 minutes long should tell you he doesn’t think lowly of it.

[@Restingmadface]

Ben Shapiro reviewing Wicked is amazing. I’m glad I was here for this. 😊

[@dylanbrotherton4755]

The fast fade in/out of Diddy and twinkle notes at around 13:20 was superb editing 😂😂😂

[@daninicole1888]

I laughed SO hard at that 😂

[@katienorwood1258]

Came here to say just this!!

[@maki9396]

I cackled 😂

[@angelv5170]

I loved it😂

[@adugie3827]

why doesn’t this comment have more likes lmao

[@frank.aleman]

Why didn’t anyone told me Ben Shapiro entered his Slaying and Queening out era and I missed it I’m so mad at all of yall for not notifying me yall know how long I’ve been waiting for this

[@JB-tt6ct]

So him analysing WAP lyric by lyrics instead of condemning it all together like a true right winger didn't phase you?

[@frank.aleman]

@@JB-tt6ctthat’s not him slaying and queening out learn how to read

[@gemma491]

Cynthia needs an Oscar! 🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼

[@romybank]

I went in thinking I would hate it, all the drama considered. I have now seen it twice and might watch it again. I hate musicals. But this film is cinematically and emotionally beautifully evocative. Well done to Cynthia. She lights up the screen and Ariana is wonderfully bizarre.

[@leyan5558]

As a Malaysian, I 100% agree that Michelle Yeoh was miscasted. Did not dare to say it before but I will here since we're all being rational. Her acting in this film was simply the worst amongst the star studded cast and her singing was just so bad I breathed a sigh of relief when it ended after a few lines. That said, I have to give props for Ariana cuz i dont think it's easy at all to pull off a convincing Glinda just cuz of how conflicted and contradicting her character was written but she was convincing.

[@holiday829]

yeah i feel like she whispered her lines which felt weird she's such a powerful character in the play it calls for a belter imo they should have cast idina for that

[@liliiflora]

ariana was amazing. she should win best supporting actress

[@Moyodsreds]

Her song was very short, so the half singing aspect was more acting so it was fine! It certainly is not a singers song that requires belting

[@SlamDunkerDonkey]

Ben trying to apply the laws of logic to childhood trauma is hilarious lol

[@a_natural_darkness]

Right. I heard him say that as was like yeah okay you've just never met who feel that and are out of touch with people with real trauma but go on. Good review but that part of it presented as super out of touch.

[@TheFilmGuyOfficial]

@@a_natural_darkness I think the point is it’s not relatable. This is a movie not a real person.

[@jamaicaturner14]

Bruh exactly. I was like… you can’t make trauma logical

[@a_natural_darkness]

@TheFilmGuyOfficial it is relatable though. Ben Shapiro just thinks it isn't because it's not logical or sum. I've met people who feel that way.

[@SlamDunkerDonkey]

@@TheFilmGuyOfficial it’s incredibly relatable. I relate to it personally and there’s data on this: childhood trauma causes people to incorrectly take on the blame for the harm. You even know intellectually it wasn’t your fault, but neurologically the sense of blame and shame goes deep. I know many who experience this anecdotally as well

[@DeziXD]

I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. He did say something every few minutes that reminded me of what his usual content is, but overall, a really good movie review. I'm glad other people are acknowledging how well Cythia played her role.

[@tjmurray183]

To those who think Ben is just a hack that attacks anything remotely leftwing... I give you this review. Thanks for shooting straight sir

[@KennethSavage-nn2vv]

He is a hack 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@adamwolsey8589]

@@KennethSavage-nn2vvwhat a life you live. Comment on peoples videos that you don’t like. Tough to imagine that level of uselessness.

[@artak4890]

This doesn't make him a good movie review tough. Most of his takes here are questionable. Besides the criticisms on the movie's length, nothing else he pointed out is really that big of an issue.

[@RichardPrieto-jx2dv]

​@@artak4890 Are you implying that there is such a thing as a take (keeping in mind that takes are inherently subjective) that is objectively unquestionable? Or that something has to be a "big issue" to be included in a take in the first place? Your comment is worded as an objective analysis, which is not appropriate given we're talking about opinions ("takes") here.

[@SPB___]

He is a hack...

[@Spaghettificat]

-What are you doing?! That’s curtain!!! My new favorite Ben Shapiro quote

[@havok6280]

Kristin was nominated for a Tony for Wicked, but she didn't win. She lost to Idina. She won her Tony for the Charlie Brown musical.

[@maestromuffin1]

you beat me to it!!!!

[@BNichols021]

I thought Erivo did well, but I totally disagree with Ben’s take on Ariana Grande. I thought she sounded fantastic. My wife, who doesn’t listen to pop and didn’t know who Ariana Grande was, came away thinking Glinda was by far the better singer. I thought the two voices complemented each other well, but Ariana stole the show IMO.

[@dothedewtoo17]

Ben hear me out… drop the right wing grifter act and follow your true passion: musical theater. - sincerely, everyone

[@racealexander1660]

If you've watched more than 10 minutes of Ben, his politics are hardly an act. He lays out concrete arguments for every point, has written multiple books on the subject, and is probably one of the best well read people in America. If you don't agree with him, ask yourself why not, and see if you can dismantle his arguments with rational thoughts and not emotion.

[@Btn1136]

@@racealexander1660remember: you are talking to someone likely on the left- they are not arguing in good faith here if ever.

[@racealexander1660]

@Btn1136 exactly. But alas, I can't help myself calling out their BS comments.

[@richcherwalk6349]

Yea all entirely filtered and biased through his wacky orthodox religion, he claims it’s all based on rational objective thought and forgets to tell people he believes in Santa clause

[@60sbabydoll777]

Hear me out, get off of Ben’s channel and let him do whatever tf he wants with his platform. Go watch your favourite left wing grifter HasanAbi review your little musical. Sincerely, everyone.

[@rayshell789]

I don’t know why, but I wasn’t prepared for Ben to be such a a musical fan and give such a fair assessment of this movie. I also get what he’s saying about the changes to Defying Gravity, but I still got chills hearing Cynthia give her rendition of the song.

[@forrestbarrett2376]

Saying Ariana Grande doesn’t have the voice of Cynthia is absolutely WILD. Ariana’s range is ridiculous and she completely changed her singing style, and speech for this movie and pulled it off!

[@amandastumpff5252]

I think it would’ve made more sense to just say Ariana is not a belter, and Cynthia is. Stephen Schwartz has said multiple times that he wrote the parts so differently until they cast idena and then he wanted her to showcase her voice and do what she does best, which is belt. And then, he wrote Glinda to be a soprano because that’s what Kristin asked, it was a much lower role to begin with and then he wrote those high notes, but Glinda is not a belter. And that’s OK. I think that’s what he is probably getting at, but maybe he doesn’t have the language or info to put that towards.

[@forrestbarrett2376]

@ this would still be insanely wrong lol. Plenty of videos out there of Ariana belting. Including her singing the Wizard and I!

[@amandastumpff5252]

@ true, I just don’t think for this movie they wanted her to belt, and I think that’s the difference.

[@Restingmadface]

@@amandastumpff5252 in a way, I appreciate this consideration, because in my eyes, this movie is about Elphaba. I’ve loved Elphaba since I read the books in high school. Obviously her connection to Glinda adds depth and nuance to the story and her character. It adds food for thought when I watch The Wizard of Oz.

[@liliiflora]

exactly Ariana was AMAZING, her comedic ability and range is impressive. Ben should stop pretending he knows anything about singing. LMAO. Ariana can belt, just cause her performance was subtle doesn't mean she can't sing as good as Cynthia Erivo ❤

[@nobleschwartz2319]

I love how highly you speak of Cynthia's performance in this film - I agree with you; SHE DESERVES TO WIN BEST ACTRESS ❤

[@midgettiger6389]

Apparently, the “holding space” interviewer made that up because the interview was boring and slow

[@radiantshay2146]

Legend goes even the interviewer to this day has no idea what that means

[@myraspears9820]

😂😂😂

[@vexedmum9389]

holding space was brought up in 2021 when all this crazy crap started. where you are in the moment with the person you are watching/communicating/social behaviour

[@XmenFreak]

And that’s the fault of the interviewer to not have good questions and be prepared and have a backup plan because other interviews were fine.

[@jaernihiltheus7817]

And then according to Ariana and Cynthia in a more recent interview - neither of them knew what was happening either. They just went with it and pretended to know what the interviewer was talking about

[@DannyDynaWhite]

4:25 I just woke up but did I hear someone saying Ariana can't belt? that Ariana Grande doesn't have the ABILITY to belt?

[@maryanne2025]

like can she Celine Dion belt? she definitely hs amazing voice, tonal quality and range to her voice

[@manudid3971]

I had to stop the video when he said that cause it just shows that he doesn't really know what he's talking about lmao

[@DannyDynaWhite]

@@maryanne2025 the fact that u have to bring up CELINE or Whitney or Mariah or Streisand etc in an Ariana debate is a big compliment to her capabilities

[@liliiflora]

@@maryanne2025 yes she can. she's even done impressions of Celine and can belt any of Celine's songs. just cause her performance in WICKED was subtle doesn't mean she can't sing as good as Cynthia Erivo

[@LiamHalla-cu9wf]

@@maryanne2025 are you single?

[@roseseatencandles8570]

a good review but the disliking of Ariana is showing.. cuz saying she cant belt ? Now that's reaching

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

No it's not. Get your own channel.

[@dragonpaulz_]

Saying that Ariana can't belt is just straight up lying.it takes 5 seconds to find examples of her belting with crystal clarity and ease

[@jamaicaturner14]

Ariana does have more of a pop take versus Kristen’s operatic interpretation. I don’t think one is better than the other. I think they’re just different. Ariana can be a bit more mild in this role because she doesn’t have to project like on a broadway stage. If she was incredibly loud and boisterous, it wouldn’t be taken the same way on screen. Both are great in my opinion.

[@alisahail9607]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who didn’t like the pacing of some of the numbers, particularly “Defying Gravity”. I also had an issue with the choreography. I agree that “One Short Day” was the strangest, but I also wasn’t a fan of the choreography in “What is this Feeling?” Or “Dancing Through Life.” It almost felt as if they were trying to make it intentionally ugly.

[@smyler124]

Your take on the performance of the two leads is interesting but I have to strongly disagree. While Cynthia can sing anthing they give her and make it phenomenal, it truly is Ariana who carries this movie and is the heart of the movie. When it comes to acting especially, Ariana takes it completely. Not to mention how well the vocals are performed.

[@liliiflora]

exactly ariana blew me away. she was IMPRESSIVE

[@chainsawsam0205]

I must respectfully disagree. Ariana did much better than I expected. I liked her. However, I still think Cynthia blows her out of the water, both vocally and in terms of acting. Just my personal opinion!

[@gtg127m1]

Unfortunately, the film directors disagreed. They chose to push Cynthia as lead and Ariana as supporting, which lends credence to Cynthia having a stronger performance. Ariana still did an amazing job. I laughed several times.

[@earvincomer2032]

Things I LOVE about this review: 1.) Ben’s passionate honesty and ability to separate and fairly state his personal feelings from delivery and execution. 2.) His rich knowledge of musical theater and breakdown of every song. Also that fact that he randomly drops that he and his dad like produced a musical or something? What??!!🤯 3.) His nods to Cynthia and Stephen who are incredibly brilliant and imo vastly underrated. 4.) The fact that he played both versions of DG to make his point irregardless of the fact that anyone who cares has them both memorized by now…lol 5.) Him telling us without telling us he had a MAJOR crush on Kristen Chenoweth 😂

[@JRS-j9m]

I disagree with your assessment of the ending. I think this shows your lack of understanding between a movie and a stage play/musical. Working on a fixed set puts a lot of limits on what you can do visually, and you really can't extend something like this into 14 minutes without it becoming boring. However, in a movie, you have the chance to do a lot more with action, visuals, and storyline creating a bit more realism. I really liked the breaks in the music for this part, and I'd argue the breaks made for a more powerful buildup. It truly was one of the best endings to a film I've ever seen. I think you'd probably like it better had there not been so many other breaks in the music throughout the movie, shortening it a bit. But here, it worked flawlessly.

[@thecuteknight144]

please quit politics and only review movies this is gold

[@60sbabydoll777]

No

[@YtPremium-f1m]

Ariana Grande, A bit crazy because she is one of the best at singing among actresses and singers today

[@KatieBellino]

In an audition for Broadway, she would be just okay. If they didn't want a recognizable star on the cast, they would have cast an actress from Broadway.

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow was really a treasure in the Wizard of Oz, especially with wise words like "Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking".

[@rickyruffle]

I completely agree that Defying Gravity is too long. Even the original version felt lengthy, with two mid-song breaks for dialogue that disrupt the flow. This becomes especially awkward if you’ve ever tried singing it at karaoke. As for Ariana’s acting ability, I think you’re overlooking her talent. Her comedic timing was spot on, and you could tell she improvised or ad-libbed in several scenes. Those moments added so much depth and charm to her character and the film as a whole.

[@Ma1q444]

Ariana is a bad actor

[@rickyruffle]

@@Ma1q444 I'm not getting that at all. I've seen Wicked in multiple theaters/languages around the world and I can confidently say that her character was on point. She was much better than most of the actors/actresses including Michelle Yeoh who just played the same character from Crazy Rich Asians. Plus I'd rather have an incredible singer than someone who needs all of their stuff auto-tuned to shit like in Beauty and the Beast.

[@sarizonana]

Ok this is one of the best reviews on the film I’ve seen. We can disagree on few things here and there but Ben’s review is one of the most balanced. He said the good and the bad stuf. This is the type of reviews I like the most.

[@phanttomracer]

Drinkers review was similar, and a much shorter video!

[@TrollLol-sg3so]

I have watched over 25 reviews on wicked. They literally all say good and bad things. That’s what a review is? Who have you been watching?!?!

[@sarizonana]

@@TrollLol-sg3so I guess fans reviews who are super passionte on wicked and can’t say a bad thing about it. I guess this is my first truly well made review

[@moriahdickman999]

Best take on Wicked by far. You said everything I was thinking after the film. Much appreciated Ben, have a lovely day.

[@claytontramel9554]

Love Ben, but Arianna Grande was every bit as good as Erivo, and saying she isn't funny is crazy. She's been the best SNL host over the last 5 years and has great comedic timing.

[@sandyg4646]

she only got one chuckle out of me tbh. i don't know why so many find her funny.

[@phanttomracer]

I think Ariana was better.

[@liliiflora]

i hope ariana wins supporting actress at the oscars. she blew me away. never seen a pop star act as good as she did

[@jzhvaeduh]

@@liliiflorashe was an actress first lol. Lady Gaga is more impressive tbh

[@jw70467]

Clayton you are out of your everloving mind if you think Ariana Grande was the best SNL host in the past five years. Chris Rock Dave Chappelle Shane Smith I'm sure I could think of a few actors who also did great jobs, but come on dude, stop lying.

[@dbandekar]

I disagree, I don’t usually like Arianna Grande, but I quite liked her performance here.