As a movie enthusiast who spends a significant amount of time online, I couldn't help but notice the buzz surrounding the movie musical Wicked. It's now playing in theatres, and I've been observing the strange press tour and countless memes along with everyone else. However, I've been on the fence about actually going to see it.

"Wicked's Runtime: A Battle for Moviegoers' Time"

Stage vs. Screen: The Wicked Dilemma

I haven't had the chance to see the stage version of Wicked, but I do have some knowledge and a general love for musicals. Some movie musicals, like Hairspray, are absolute gems, but many others fall short. If I'm going to invest my hard-earned money in a movie on the big screen, I need to be certain that it's worth my while.The runtime of Wicked, specifically Part One, is a staggering two hours and forty-one minutes. This came as a shock to me, as I wasn't expecting such a lengthy movie musical. It made me question whether the extended time was necessary or if it was just a trend in the movie industry.

The Impact of Long Runtimes on Moviegoers

This issue of long runtimes isn't unique to Wicked. It's been a problem in the movie industry for a long time, and it's finally reached a tipping point for me. I believe that movie makers have been getting away with pushing out longer and longer movies, gradually acclimatising us like frogs in boiling water.We don't need every single movie to be at least two hours long. Some movies earn the right to be longer, with a story and artistic vision that requires that extra time. But most of the time, it doesn't make the film better; it often hurts the overall experience.Think about the last time you watched a movie and thought it could have been shorter. There are often parts or storylines that could have been cut to make the movie more streamlined and enjoyable. Quality should always outweigh quantity, and in many cases, the current trend of long movies is not achieving that balance.

Balancing Quality and Quantity in Movies

Clueless is a prime example of a perfect movie. It's iconic, enduring, and lasts a delicious 1 hour and 37 minutes, with not a single second wasted. It shows that it is possible to create a great movie without sacrificing quality for the sake of length.We need to start gently pushing back against the trend of long runtimes. Demand shorter movies or at least make it known that we won't accept endless drone shots and unnecessary padding. We love seeing movies and going to the cinema, but we also want the best experience possible.However, despite my reservations, I've heard enough from judgmental queer men and musical girlies that Wicked is good and worth seeing on the big screen. It's hot outside, and a frozen coke sounds like a perfect treat. So, I might just give it a try.