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CGI is impressive bringing the land of Oz to life with stunning special effects, costumes, and magical scenery. The Emerald City sparkles, and Elphaba's powers are brought to life in mesmerizing ways.

The movie is predictable and overly long. The story, reframing Elphaba as a misunderstood hero, is predictable, and formulaic, leaning heavily on the tired trope of a mistreated woman seeking justice against "the man," with the Wizard cast as the villain. Big surprise, right? It seems that's all Hollywood can manage in most of its makeovers.

The lack of surprises makes the plot feel repetitive. It's so predictable that it's one of those movies where you can make a couple of concession stand trips, come back, and not miss anything important. Also, don't worry-you'll still hear the loud music blaring from the lobby.

The music, though central to Wicked, becomes overwhelming. Loud, drawn-out ballads dominate the film, slowing the pace and overshadowing the plot. A few standout songs would have been more impactful than the relentless vocal performances. At over two and a half hours, the movie also feels unnecessarily long, dragging in the second half. While visually impressive, Wicked struggles to balance adventure with substance, leaving it more exhausting than magical.

Bringing Up Baby may seem old-fashioned and silly at first glance, but consider the context in which it was made. Released in 1938, the world was still reeling from the Great Depression and teetering on the brink of World War II. In such a climate, people craved a break, and this comedy delivered through an Animal Planet style of chaos, humor, with a touch of romance.

The movie's quirky premise-where the characters must deliver a pet leopard to a wealthy aunt in their car is a key part of its charm. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn play eccentric, mismatched personalities who put themselves into funny situations as they attempt to transport Baby the tame leopard from NY to a country farm in Connecticut. The humor is unconventional, but the chemistry sets Bringing Up Baby apart, making it feel ahead of its time. In many ways, the film blends elements of modern comedies with the kind of animal-centered humor that would later appear in Disney films.

A recurring motif that helps tie the film together is the song that calms baby the leopard "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby." More than just a catchy tune, it serves as a symbol of the growing connection between the characters and their affection for each other-and for Baby, the leopard. Hepburn's character sings it throughout the movie, transforming it into a playful anthem of their increasingly ridiculous yet endearing bond. One of the film's strengths lies in how the seemingly "wild" characters, like Hepburn's Susan, gradually become more lovable and relatable, while the supposedly "normal" characters, such as Grant's David, are drawn into the madness, revealing their own quirks in the process.

Beneath the surface, it offers more than just laughs; there's heart, romance, and a slow-burn connection that develops amid the chaos. The film's timeless charm lies in its ability to offer an escape, and it remains just as entertaining today. Nissa the leopard (Baby) and Asta the dog contribute significantly to the film's humor and charm, stealing the show in their own right.

The song and the video "Our Town" by Iris DeMent is a wistful poignant song that is nostalgic about and the passage of time. It reflects on a small town that once thrived but has now faded, using vivid imagery like boarded-up stores to symbolize decline. DeMent's personal connection to a town like this and her portrayal of older figures highlight the passage of generations and the impact of memory. Her raw vocal performance and simple arrangement enhance the song's emotional depth, making it a timeless reflection on life's impermanence and the enduring nature of memories. If this song doesn't tug on your heartstrings you might not have a heart. It's wonderful.