Wicked film adaptation dazzles but faces pacing criticism ahead of release
The film adaptation of the musical "Wicked," directed by Jon M. Chu, features Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Galinda. The visually stunning movie explores themes of self-acceptance and female empowerment, but its pacing has drawn criticism. Running over two hours, the first part of "Wicked" is longer than "The Wizard of Oz" and ends abruptly after a key song. Critics note that the plot feels stretched, with limited character development and a lack of engaging subplots. Despite its lavish production and strong performances, the film may appeal mainly to devoted fans of the original musical. It includes cameos from Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, adding to its nostalgic appeal. "Wicked" opens in theaters on Friday.