myrandomscribbles

[myrandomscribbles]

2024 Recap

Two days into 2025 and I just realized that I've forgotten to wrap up my year. Though uneventful, there have been a few notable moments and some glimmers here and there that helped me get through it. So without further ado, here's another [long-ish] personal post, my own "2024 Wrapped"!

First of all, let me start by saying Happy New Year and I hope that everyone had a lovely & safe celebration! (Fingers still complete, I hope) Now this would be the first time I'm doing a recap of my year as a blog post, but one of the things I wanted to revive is my passion in writing. I have been spending a lot of time in the drawing & video editing department - don't get me wrong, I love it in there - but I kinda miss my first love, writing. With that in mind, I (re)started this blog not just to fill it with thoughts & rambles, but also to oil up my rusty writing gears. At this point, I want to thank those who have somehow found their way here and either liked, reblogged, or simply read my posts ❤️

This year has, unfortunately, been one of the worse ones. I spent most of it just at home, watching the days pass by and waiting for something I wasn't sure was going to happen. And sadly, I lost more than I gained. In 2024, I lost many of my beloved pets. The pain I had to go through each time is immeasurable because to me, they are my children. To pay tribute to them, I'm currently working on a painting of all of them at the rainbow bridge. It's still a long way to go, and I hope to share it here soon. I also lost a loved one, my career (or professional life, rather; I wouldn't consider virtual jobs as a career per se), and towards the latter part of the year, my health - slowly. The severe stress that I have undergone in the months of 2024 has caused me show symptoms of a likely aneurysm. As I am not yet financially capable of undergoing an MRI of my brain, I have to take extra care of my health and hit the breaks whenever I am about to burst into the Hulk.

Despite all of that, I still have a few things to be thankful for. I'd like to highlight two of them though - probably the happiest I've been the entire year. First is my trip to Vietnam in September, where I also celebrated my 30th birthday. It was a first time experience for me because not only was it my first time in the country, but it was also the first time that I got to travel with a group of friends so that was really fun.

Another highlight of my year is an actual dream come true - my all time favorite boyband, Big Time Rush actually came to Manila. I grew up with their music and it has saved me many times. It felt so surreal to see Kendall, Logan, Carlos, and James get up on that stage because never in my wildest dreams that they would think of coming to visit my country since their fandom was not as big as One Direction over here. Boy was I wrong - and a good thing that I was! One of the most memorable nights of my life for sure.

So that's it for my personal side of 2024; there wasn't really much to tell there, like I said. But in spite of all that, I'm still thankful that I got to reach a new decade of my life, and well, my family and I have made it to a new year. ✨

But hey, what's a post on this blog without going through my favorite bits of pop culture? :D For the next part of this recap, I'm gonna list my top five favorites from various categories this past 2024! And hey, quit with the judging because our likes and preferences are always subjective :D

Favorite Movies

Dune: Part Two

At this point, I don't understand how this is not getting more recognition this awards season. Just because it came out earlier this year should not be the case! And I don't know if I'm with the majority on this one, but this was loads better than Part One.

Wicked

I have an entire blog post review dedicated to this film, so you can just go check that out. :D

Challengers

This film was as steamy as the bloody sauna Art and Patrick were in. Not sure if anyone has made that a one-liner review in Letterboxd yet, but here it is for you lol. My favorite thing about this film though is that they literally executed the film and the three characters' relationship in the form of a tennis match. Whenever Art wins a set, he has Tashi. And likewise when Patrick wins a set, he also has Tashi. That last scene was also insane it deserves Best Editing.

Greatest Hits

This was one of the films that went under the radar this year. I remember someone on Twitter calling it a romcom, MY BROTHER IN CHRIST IT IS NOT. Lucy Boynton is so good in this and David Corenswet, well, there's a reason he's Superman. Such a touching film about grief and acceptance, please go and watch it.

Twisters

The amount of times I will show up to the cinema for a Glen Powell? The limit does not exist. That man is a MOVIE STAR! Including this one, his last three films were all hits in my house. Like I literally went to a last screening on a rainy Sunday evening just to see a movie about tornados LOL

Favorite Performances

Zendaya in Challengers

Definition of girlboss. Who's doing it like Tashi?!

Ryan Gosling in Fall Guy

Ryan Gosling has become one of my favorite actors in recent years. He's just so naturally funny, especially in this one, and he needs to be in every film I'm so serious.

Ariana Grande in Wicked

Ariana went to the Kristin Chenoweth School of Pink Popular Squealing, she told me herself.

Rebecca Ferguson in Dune: Part Two

Not gonna lie, if you look up the word "mother" in the dictionary, one of its definitions is just a photo of Rebecca Ferguson in Dune: Part Two. Lady Jessica, what can I do for you on this fine evening?

Maya Hawke in Inside Out 2

When they first introduced Anxiety in the trailer, I did cartwheels. I can't believe that 1) they actually included the one thing that keeps me up at night and 2) they got the perfect voice in Maya Hawke to bring her to life.

Favorite Songs Released

Fortnight - Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone

Not gonna lie, TTPD is one of her lowest points in her discography (and yes, fight me on this! It can't always be good!) However, there are gems on this album. And the first time I heard Fortnight I was left in awe because who knew Post Malone sounds so good harmonizing on that outro that I can't get out of my head?!

Only One - Big Time Rush

They released a lot of new songs this year considering they went on tour but this has got to be my favorite! I had this on repeat before the concert and after the concert that it stayed atop my On Repeat playlist on Spotify. I'm actually surprised it wasn't my most played song when Spotify Wrapped came out lol.

Guilty As Sin? - Taylor Swift

This is another one of those hidden gems I was talking about, second out of three. One of the reasons why I love this song is because it instantly reminded me of Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney from Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey". Yeah, you're welcome :D

The Black Dog - Taylor Swift

This is the third of my favorite songs from TTPD. The lyrics of this song is just so painfully beautiful, the thought of being forgotten by someone who used to love and know you so well. Goddamit, Taylor. Also that bridge kills me everytime, UGH

Steal My Thunder - Conner Smith ft. Tucker Wetmore

Let me just put it out there that I obviously loved Twisters so I'm obviously a fan of the soundtrack too. Country is not really one of my top genres, but this film's soundtrack made it so likeable! I particularly love this track because of the scene where it was played in :D

Okay, I obviously need to still see A LOT of the films released in 2024, so this list is curated as of this recap and it will likely change later on. As I mentioned before, there was a huge bulk of the year where I was just severely stressed and had no such time to catch up on new releases. But I will! I will likely have another post in the future for every film that I loved and feel deserves one :D

As for the music, well, I said subjective!!! I'm not a huge music fan in terms of the artist - there are only a few artists like Taylor & Big Time Rush whose entire discography is in my Spotify. But in general, if I like how the song sounds, it goes into my liked songs playlist. End of story.

Anyway! That's it for my 2024 recap. What a year it has been. I'm actually going to try to go into 2025 with a new mindset of really just going with the flow. I'm going to try to not plan anything so much in the fear that it might fail and I'll just end up disappointed. Whatever happens, happens I guess!

[myrandomscribbles]

My Own Timeline of How I Watch Christmas Movies

Short disclaimer before we begin: I meant to post this before Christmas, but I am a busy elf so here we are.

Every time the holiday season starts creeping in, people tend to be more busy and barely in one place. There's always so much stuff to finish, so many things to buy; your to-do and gift lists are endless. (Personally, on most days during the holidays I feel like Joe Pesci in the gif below.) I mean, there's barely time to watch movies in between all of that chaos, right? Wait lol did I just describe my usual holiday scenario? Aha, but that's just the irony - me, have no time for movies? I don't think so!

So because I am a nerd, I'd like to share with you the holiday movies I either A) must watch during the holidays, B) would recommend watching during the holidays or C) both. But here's the catch (& here's how I'm a nerd too) - there's a specific point during the season when it's the perfect time to watch said movie. You'll see what I mean.

Again, we've established that Christmas is one of, if not the busiest time of the year. Ain't nobody got time to watch a list of holiday movies, let alone in a chronological manner! But in case you do, here’s how I’d likely watch them:

First to second week of December:

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Actually, I normally rewatch this towards the end of November because it still has more of a fall vibe (and that’s what it’s more known for). But since it actually goes through the seasons as Kathleen and Joe’s relationship progresses from haters to lovers, we can consider watching it during the early days of December too. One of the most crucial scenes also happens during the winter anyway!

The Holdovers (2023)

I’ve grown to love this film so much because of the warm fuzzy feeling despite the entire story taking place during the winter. Even if the most important scenes take place at exactly Christmas Day, the film starts as the students are about to take their holiday break. That’s why it feels wrong to watch this before December 1st, but also feels wrong to not watch it on December 1st, does that make sense?! LOL

Anastasia (1997)

This one’s a no-brainer. It’s technically not even a Christmas movie, the first half just takes place in a magical winter wonderland Russia. But I mean, “Once Upon A December” - need I say more? That song, though haunting, along with the beautiful animation just screams pure magic. To this day I can never accept that this does not have an Oscar in animation.

Bonus: any of Netflix or Hallmark’s [trashy] Christmas romcoms

In recent years, I’m trying to understand why Netflix keeps releasing Christmas romcoms with plots that make you go ✨what the hell sure ✨🚬 but here we are! LOL that said, this is a good time to watch those - the most notable ones are The Princess Switch & A Christmas Prince trilogies, both of which for some reason are part of the same universe. I don’t understand it, but again, here we are! There’s a lot more in Netflix’s catalogue; don’t even get me started with Hallmark (and its posters!)

Week before Christmas:

The Holiday (2006)

Also known as Jude Law Flirtation Season, this Christmas classic is rewatchable over and over again because of its charm. We all wanted to be Cameron Diaz at one point, be for real. And since her character and Kate Winslet’s goes on their holiday switch literally the week before Christmas, isn’t it just fitting to watch it around that time too? It’s the closest we have to flirting with Jude Law!

Last Christmas (2019)

I remember watching this in cinemas when it came out, and we all thought it was going to be another fun Christmas romcom. Boy was I wrong. The lady beside me in the theater shared the same sentiments it was so funny lol. But most of the film takes place on the days leading up to Christmas Eve, where the most important scene happens. And let me tell you, not a dry eye in that theater. Not a dry eye.

Happiest Season (2020)

I love this underrated romcom. I honestly think more people should watch it because it’s so wholesome and heart-tugging. Though to be honest, I’m with the majority on saying that Kristen Stewart’s character should have ended up with Aubrey Plaza’s characters. Nevertheless, since the plot takes place on the days leading up to Christmas when Mackenzie Davis brings home Kristen Stewart for Christmas Eve, it’s only fitting to rewatch it on the same time!

Christmas Eve:

Home Alone (1990)

This is not only a Christmas classic for everyone but it’s an automatic rewatch at my house during Christmas Eve. I can’t not go through the 24th without putting this on, even if it’s just in the background while I wrap my gifts! I may be playing it in the background but it doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention though - especially when the Christmas soundtrack comes on? Absolute banger.

Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)

Obviously, if you’ve started with the first one, then continue with the second one! In my opinion, Home Alone is one of the rare film-duo that are both hits and neither are misses. Though some believe the sequel is funnier, I think both are equally hilarious and heartwarming. Christmas Eve is not complete for me without marathoning Home Alone 1 & 2 for sure; that’s a package deal in this household!

Love Actually (2003)

Another absolute must on Christmas Eve for me is this classic (and now somehow criticized) romcom. I realize now that yes there are many problematic parts of it, but the whole Christmas vibe is undefeated. I would watch this on either the days leading up to the 24th or on the day itself - while, again, wrapping presents. No matter what people think of it now, I’m still gonna rewatch this every year.

Christmas Day:

Little Women (2019)

Usually for most families, Christmas Day is full of reunions and get-togethers. For me however, we don’t really do that stuff a lot, so I spend the day mostly watching, guess what, more Christmas films! And on the morning of Christmas Day, I first put on Greta Gerwig’s version of the March sisters’ story - mainly because of Jo saying “Merry Christmas, world” when she wakes up in the morning. I just adore this film so much, I could write more about it but probably another time!

Little Women (1994)

My second favorite adaption is the 1994 Winona Ryder classic, primarily because the Christmas theme is just all over the film. Like the 2019 version, it’s such a warm hug, but with a more classic vibe since it was released in the 90s. I actually love how this was released on my birth year!

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

I recently just watched this for the first time, and wow it’s incredibly moving. To say that it truly is a masterpiece is an understatement; I think it’s one of the most beautiful films ever. Though the climax of the film happens on Christmas Eve, the spirit of giving and community in the ending scene is just so heartwarming that you forget it’s only the eve of Christmas. But contrary to the films I watch on the 24th when I’m mostly busy with presents & cooking, this is one of those films that can’t be in the background.

In between Christmas and New Year:

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

To many people, including myself, this is a fall movie. And I agree. But, alongside You’ve Got Mail (1998), it’s part of the “Meg Ryan spends the holidays in New York” cinematic universe, aka gotta be one of my favorite genders! LOL but the reason why this is best watched after Christmas and before New Year is because the height of the film begins around that time, all leading up to the beautiful ending of Harry and Sally getting together on New Year’s Eve.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

I also just recently watched this and it can technically be a Christmas Eve movie because they actually show the family celebrating (and it's when Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman first meet!), but the rest of the hilarious events take place after. This is going to be a regular holiday classic for me as well moving forward because of its simple charm, the beauty of Chicago during the holidays, and Sandra Bullock's gorgeous face card.

Serendipity (2001)

This is one of the more underrated ones in my opinion. I absolutely adore Kate Beckinsale in this one - how on earth can someone be that beautiful?! I understand John Cusack lol. But like the previous romcoms above, we briefly go through Christmas but everything happens after, however still during winter. Every time I rewatch this I just want to teleport to New York during the period between Christmas and New Year and just ice skate in Central Park.

New Year’s Eve:

Silver Skates (2020)

I cannot stress this enough: I love this film! An original all-Russian production, it was one of the hidden gems I discovered on Netflix the holiday season following the pandemic. It's absolutely beautiful! It's your typical poor-guy-falls-for-rich-girl plot, but set against the snowy & magical backdrop of Russia at the turn of the 20th century. I always recommend this to people when they are looking for holiday films or period films; this is a bonus because it's both! (Not to mention the main cast is absolutely good-looking)

New Year’s Eve (2011)

Also known as the New Year's version of Love Actually's Christmas, this is another no-brainer. Who doesn't love a good romcom with a stacked cast with characters' stories who intertwine on a holiday? And personally - don't judge me for this if you're American & reading this - I would also like to experience the ball drop on December 31st. There's just something special about being a part of a public crowd on New Year's Eve versus just staying at home with just family. Maybe it depends on each one's traditions but all the same, 12 midnight is what we are all waiting for!

This is obviously a personal and subjective list; there are still loads of Christmas films & classics that are not on it. But make do what you will with this one! This is a free world where we can enjoy these movies whenever we want and at our own pace :)

[myrandomscribbles]

Sparkles of the Season: What Christmas Means to Me

Ah, the most wonderful time of the year. This is the general consensus but in my opinion, the meaning of Christmas is subjective to each person. Personally, I've always loved this time of the year growing up, but as I got older, the magic of it has struggled to hang on for me. But it's still there! Only just so.

Growing up, my favorite thing, as is any child's, was opening the presents. I was always so excited to find the boxes under the tree, checking on each one every morning until December 25th. I also loved the family reunions because it's when I got to see my cousins. My family didn't really have much grand traditions though; we simply prepared Noche Buena on the 24th, opened the presents at midnight, and that was it. Then we would head for Christmas mass the next day and to the family reunion after. We didn't have any of those family photos wherein we were all wearing the same color or matching outfits, posted with the caption "Merry Christmas from our family to yours!" Neither did we have those fun & chaotic family games during reunions. I don't know, it was weird that we never did it, but again, to each his own.

Now that I'm 30, some things have slightly changed. I'm now the one buying presents instead of [mostly] receiving them. The presents itself have changed too, of course. From toys and cash, I've started receiving more practical things like clothes and bags. Don't get me wrong, I'm very much grateful for these either way. (I love bags!) We still have Noche Buena on Christmas Eve, but the dishes [specifically this year] were simpler and less in quantity - financial situations play a big role in that for sure lol. Reunions are still happening, but now some cousins cannot make it and older aunts & uncles have already passed. We still don't do family photos though lol; my family was never one to do so because, well, I don't find our family to be a normal/regular/traditional one. (A story for another time that should not go on here.)

It's strange how things are still the same but it doesn't feel exactly like it was when I was a kid. But for one reason or another, the "Christmas spirit" still lingers around. Despite the changes, I personally try to find my own magic during this time. For example, I have grown to absolutely love gift giving. Though yes it takes money out of your pocket, but it's just so much fun! I enjoy every step from making the list, thinking of what the person will like or need, then dedicating one day to buy them in one go, and wrapping them while watching a good holiday movie. I even make it a point to buy unique-looking wrappers - I try to veer away from the usual red, green and white motifs with "Merry Christmas" on them LOL. That way, you'll know which gift under the tree is from me! I also love seeing the faces of my loved ones when they open their gifts - "I love it!" "How did you know green was my favorite color?" "This fits me just right!" These are real simple joys for me, and all the hard work pays off.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, despite losing the Christmas magic that I once felt when I was a kid, there's still a bit of sparkles and glimmers during the season. It just needs a different perspective in order to be found. I've learned, in the last few days specifically, that I have my own way of coping with this (and my family's situation) through making my own traditions - gift giving, unique wrappers, watching Christmas movies, making a blog post about the season. Aside from these, I found that watching people in public, specifically at the mall during this time of the year is a real gem. I can't explain it but seeing the kids at the toy section during a time when gadgets have taken over everything warms my heart. It's small things like these that remind me that even if I'm no longer a kid, the Christmas magic is still there.

If you've read this far, thank you for listening to my first personal ramble on here & Merry Christmas to you! 🎄❤️

[myrandomscribbles]

My Recommended Movies to Watch During That Gap Between November to December

Funny, you'll think that for a country that does not have more than two seasons (summer & rainy) and for a girl who has never experienced any other season except the aforementioned duo, I would know all about autumn & winter and how it feels like. I don't, LOL. Which is probably why I romanticize it so much.

So sadly because I cannot [yet, until further notice] experience the beauty and magic of autumn & winter, I am able to translate my love for it through my other favorite thing in the world - movies.

Even if I have not experienced these seasons, I still feel like there is this strange gap between November and December wherein there is only a specific type of film to watch. Otherwise, it feels out of place. I wouldn't watch Barbie (2023) around this time, for instance. Although sure, in Hollywood box office standards, this is usually the time when big budget films are released in time for Thanksgiving so people are expected to flock to the cinemas. Ka-ching. (Unrelated but this is also the time when many studios purposely release their films to campaign for awards season - not an official stat but just my observation lol)

Anyway! My point here is that this a great time to watch (or rewatch) a handful of cozy films, whether at the cinemas or at home. Personally, I think that films similar to the ones I'm listing below are the cosiest kinds to watch during the [imaginary] autumn to winter transition:

Little Women (2019)

This one's a no-brainer. I may be biased because it's the first adaptation I've watched, but I think this is the version that captured the warmth of the book and that's why it's my favorite one. Aside from the characters being perfectly cast [TO ME], the creative way Greta Gerwig used the warm and cool tones to represent their childhood and adulthood respectively is probably what makes this such a rewatchable masterpiece. That's my favorite thing about this version - I can't not watch this every holiday season, it's an absolute must. Plus the beauty of seeing the March sisters come of age through the different seasons, with autumn and winter being the most important ones is such an enchanting thing to watch.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Arguably the best in the franchise, as is the general consensus, The Prisoner of Azkaban is the most cozy of all the eight films. What's ironic about this is that the climax doesn't even happen in autumn but in the spring (as is every single one of Harry's adventures which happen towards the end of the school year). The film also literally shows the transition of the seasons though; there's just something about going through Hogwarts while seeing the leaves change color then fall. I guess it's the color palette that the genius that is Alfonso Cuarón has applied onto the film is what makes it so cozy and autumnal. That and Hagrid's oversupply of pumpkins.

You've Got Mail (1998)

One of my favorite genre of films is when Meg Ryan decides to spend autumn until the holidays in New York. It's only ever happened twice, but funny how that came to be. Which probably leads you to the thought of, "Why did you put You've Got Mail and left out When Harry Met Sally (1989), Marga?!" Well I've got an explanation for that in the end of this post, Janet, so read until the end. Anyway, again, we literally go through the different seasons while seeing Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks go from hating each other to falling in love, and I think that's what makes this film so charming. Oh, and any romcom that begins with "Dreams" by the Cranberries is guaranteed to be an instant hit in my house.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Listen, I just watched this for the first time last week (the day after Thanksgiving no less), and until now, I am still a complete hell of a mess. One of the most beautiful screenplays I've ever seen, and one of the few films that actually has heart. I think in this instance, we can disregard the seasons for a moment, though we cannot argue that it also was a paid actor in this film. However in my opinion, it's not the seasons that makes this film warm and cozy; it's the story itself. Absolutely no words. These boys have my heart.

The Holdovers (2023)

A lot of film junkies have compared this film to Dead Poets Society for the similarity in plot, which explores the relationship and influence of a teacher with his student/s who is/are struggling to find themselves. And naturally, when would be the best time for this to happen? During the holidays! Yes, the majority of the plot of The Holdovers happens during winter and Christmas (in fact there's hardly any sign of autumn) but again, the coziness is not brought about by the season itself but the story. I love how this is, yes in a way, similar to Dead Poets Society but its warmth is different; not to mention some light comedic scenes here and there. If you ask me, The Holdovers is Dead Poets Society's winter sister, if that makes sense.

Now, there are obviously longer and more specific lists out there; some may be more autumn-centric while some are purely holiday-centric. And while I agree and this is a free world, I feel like these specific films - though they are not solely for autumn or Christmas - perfectly portray both. (I hope I'm not rambling here and I'm getting my thoughts out perfectly the way I want it to lol) Think of it this way - when you think of autumn films, do any of these come to mind? What about winter/Christmas films? Both work, right?!

Another thing I'd like to mention as my last point is that while the seasons may not be exactly "essential" to the plot, it plays a huge role in setting the tone, and sometimes to an extent, plays a "character" in the story. Think The Holiday (2006) - would the plot have worked if the setting wasn't at Christmas? But we can imagine Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly write emails to each other any time of the year (and they got together at springtime, no less!) but for some reason, watching their relationship progress begin during the holidays is so enchanting.

Anyway, that was a lot of rambles. My brain is quite fried at the moment, so I hope you enjoyed this little piece while you wrap yourselves in your knitted sweaters, a cup of coffee in hand.

[myrandomscribbles]

One Short Day in the Emerald City: My Review of Wicked (2024)

For my first post, I think it would be perfect to kick it off with a movie review - which, by the way, this blog will be 90% filled with lol - so here it goes!

It's been more a week since my friends and I saw Jon M. Chu's Wicked (2024) in theaters. It was opening weekend so you can expect the cinemas to be jam-packed. But probably my favorite part pre-movie (aside from the popcorn!) was the ongoing trend of people showing up at the cinemas in costume or following the theme of the movie. This trend is one of the reasons I love going to the cinemas versus just streaming it at home. So imagine, we arrived about 15 minutes before the start and the lobby & popcorn lines were filled with people wearing pink & green. I myself was wearing a green knitted top and pink shorts! As funny as it sounds, it literally gives life to the meme of the cinema ticket person asking what movie the person is seeing and the camera pans to the moviegoers in costume. Absolutely hilarious. (And I thank Avengers: Infinity War for starting this trend & the Barbenheimer craze for heightening it!)

Also, I wanted to add that this experience was personally special because I bumped into my favorite high school teacher of all places! We haven't seen each other in years, so this was really a delight.

(By the way, this may be a spoiler-ish review when it comes to the technicalities but in terms of the story - unless you haven't seen the Broadway musical or seen the 1939 film, then I don't know what to tell you lmao)

Now on to the movie itself... The title card!!! From there, I knew right away that this film was not just going to pay homage to the timeless classic that is The Wizard of Oz (1939), but to create a new world of Oz for this generation without losing the magic of the original. We see right away the iconic quartet walking down the famous yellow brick road, snippets of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" in the music, and the dazzling Emerald City. For a semi-theater kid (I say semi because I grew up with musicals, just didn't get involved with acting in any of them at school or anything lol), I was already having goosebumps in the first few minutes.

Of course, Wicked is known for its many iconic songs that legends Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth have made timeless, but my personal favorites are "What Is This Feeling?", "Dancing Through Life", "For Good", and of course, "Defying Gravity". Now obviously with the exception of "For Good", the other three musical numbers really lived up to expectations. "What Is This Feeling?" now has the dance routine as an online trend everywhere, "Dancing Through Life" just made you want to marry Jonathan Bailey right there, and "Defying Gravity" was just mind-blowing. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande nailed it, especially with the fact that they were apparently singing that number live! I also loved Ariana's version of "Popular"; she sounds so much like Kristin but still made it her own! (Plus not to mention she feels like Sharpay Evans in another universe in that scene lol)

Now before the film came out, it was already met with a lot of criticism especially with how dull the lighting and coloring was. Now I'm not a technical expert nor do I have any kind of film knowledge in that sense, but I agree that in many scenes, the lighting and coloring could have been better. This movie was meant to be a colorful world and most musicals are supposed to be vibrant (unless of course the musical is Les Miserables or Sweeney Todd lol). I agree in that sense wherein it could've been better. Though I read somewhere that the director, Jon M. Chu wanted it to feel like a "real place" that the audience can visit so it has a more realistic rather than fantasy vibe - but if you ask me, this defeats the fact that, my brother in Christ, Oz is literally a magical land. On the other hand, I admired the fact that many of the scenes were practical sets and minimal CGI was used. For a film that pays homage to and is a prequel to one of the first films ever in technicolor, they slipped a bit on the color part but did good on the set production part.

Look, I'm biased here okay. I love Wicked so much, it's one of my favorite musicals ever, just behind The Sound of Music and Les Miserables. Seeing it come to life on the big screen has been something I've been asking for for years. I first saw the theater musical in 2013 and immediately fell in love with it, especially since it was connected to the story of Dorothy. Imagine, there is only a teeny tiny portion of the world's population who's still alive today and saw The Wizard of Oz in 1939, so this film is a whole new experience for today's generation. Jon M. Chu was the perfect director for this; after Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and In the Heights (2021), he's clearly meant for vibrant (in the literal and fictional sense) stories that pops. I'm still in awe of Cynthia and Ariana's vocals; I didn't know Ariana could hit opera-level octaves, wow. I'm so excited for Part 2 next year, and I can't wait to see what awards season will bring for this film. And I may sound like an overused tape recorder, but I have been changed for good after seeing this!

P.S. Enjoy a photo of a sticker I made on the official backdrop; isn't it prettyyy 💚