The Wizard of Oz is a film that has had some adaptions throughout the years. There were animated versions, a rock musical, a 1985 unofficial sequel that has a cult feel now and the Muppets even were in one version in 2005. Oz the Great and Powerful is one of the more interesting adaptations. It is one that I will definitely remember both on it's own and also for what it offers the Wizard of Oz movies.
Oz the Great and Powerful is directed by Sami Raimi and is based off the book from L. Frank Baum. It is a prequel to the original 1939 version and features the ruler of Oz, Oscar Diggs nicknamed Oz, played by James Franco. It tells of how Oz became the wizard of a strange land and how he eventually defeated the evil witches who threatened the people of this land.
If you didn't like this film that is fine, but I really don't see how you can not like the opening scenes. They are shot in black and white only using the middle of the screen showing Oscar Diggs' life as a carnival magician. This opening develops Franco's seedy-like character very well. We also see the great Zach Braff who is back in Hollywood after being away for some time and plays Diggs' unappreciated assistant. This is a perfect way to start the movie before we get to the land of Oz.
Substituting for the Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow from the 1939 version, are a China (doll) Girl (Joey King) and Finley a flying monkey also played by Zach Braff. China Girl is fragile but also sweet and sassy but still with the characteristics of a young girl. Finley has an older adult-feel who is likable, kind and funny. Both characters really help James Franco carry this film and make it work.
My main concern going into this film was how they were going to make the land of Oz and how would it compare to the original. Well it is beautiful and has a lot of charm with vivid colors and style which includes flowers and exotic creatures. The special effects make everything in Oz look very realistic and like a real world.
I think the witch in the original Wizard of Oz really stood out. The witches in Oz the Great and Powerful are a bit uneven and lacking at times. That said, the witches here are much more developed here than in the original and part of that is done through costume, makeup, set-up and special effects. Both Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz both bring a gritty edge to these characters which I liked.
Another big question I had going into this movie is the James Franco "Oz" character who carries the film. The movie starts and ends with him. Franco has an edge to him and delivers a quite versatile performance. He's a fraud and a con man, also goofy, has kind of a love interest in good witch Glenda but also shows a paternal side with the China Girl. He also has a comedic side that appeals to all including children. Even though a little dry at times, Michelle Williams who plays Glenda brings chemistry to a nice love story between her and Oz that is a little unexpected.
Once Act 3 begins, the movie starts to drag a little but the ending is creative and stylish like the rest of the film. Oz is essentially an underdog story with the peaceful people of Oz defeating the wicked witches with the wizard's help.
Oz the Great and Powerful has kind of a slow pace to it with a lot of dialogue but there are also some scary parts and enough that it may not be appropriate for some very young children. It does have a campy style that is faithful to the original but also leaves it's own mark. I liked Sam Raimi before this film and I like him even more now. I recommend Oz the Great and Powerful.
4/5
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