Wicked movie adaptation premieres after 37 years of anticipation and receives positive reviews

The movie adaptation of "Wicked" has finally premiered after 37 years of anticipation. It runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes, and early reviews highlight its strong performances, particularly by Ariana Grande as Galinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Director Jon M. Chu has transformed key musical numbers into cinematic spectacles. The "Defying Gravity" finale is now a 15-minute action sequence, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Jonathan Bailey's portrayal of Fiyero has also garnered significant praise for its charisma. The film includes notable changes, such as a reimagined puppet show for "Something Bad," which adds depth to the plot. However, some moments, like the Wizard's song, have been criticized for slowing the pace. Overall, the adaptation has been well-received by audiences.