Oz the great and powerful review
More than 73 years after The Wizard of Oz, the sequel finally arose. Promising to stun audiences with a creative story line, top notch visual effects and taking the audience back to that classic land of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot-fame and fortune are his for the taking, that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Of course the plot quickly thickens as he is sent on a epic adventure to confront the evil witch.
The movie starts off in a black and white screen with a small aspect ratio, but the second Oscar enters Oz and even the visuals change to a full colour wide screen with mind blowing 3D effects for that epic feel. As for the effects, many times I felt that the movie was pure green screen. It made me feel that the world was fake and unbelievable. Of course the world of Oz is very creative and intriguing as a concept and even though the effects were overkill they still managed to get the image of Oz over to the viewer.
The movie itself does not have that fun family vibe of the original Wizard of Oz movie in 1939. The approach was far more ‘epic’ and it did feel as if they were trying to compete with modern day fairytale remakes such as Alice in wonderland and Snow White and the huntsman. The world of Oz certainly did come alive.
The new Oz falls short of the 1939 Oz in charm and innocence. At the end it does make for great family entertainment. I would not watch this movie a second time but it was not a waste of my time either. We will give this movie a 3 out of 5 rating. It does lack that classic charm but it is great entertainment. The film contains mild language (no blasphemy) but it is safe for family viewing. Be warned that there are a few scenes where your child might be scared or startled so parental guidance is advised.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DylgNj4YQVc[/youtube]
