"Wicked" film adaptation impresses critics and audiences ahead of release

The film adaptation of "Wicked," directed by Jon M. Chu, is set to release this Friday. It features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, reprising roles made famous on stage. The film currently holds a 92% approval rating from critics and 99% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have mixed reviews. Some praise the film's entertainment value and the chemistry between the leads. Others note it lacks the magic of the original stage production, citing underdeveloped subplots and a visually unappealing style. Despite the criticisms, the film is described as a captivating experience by some outlets. The adaptation covers the first half of the story, aiming to provide a complete narrative within its nearly three-hour runtime.