CAST: JAMES FRANCO, MILA KUNIS, RACHEL WEISZ, MICHELLE WILLIAMS, ZACH BRAFF, BILL COBBS, JOEY KING, TONY COX
DIRECTOR: SAM RAIMI
SUMMARY: Oz or Oscar (Franco) is a struggling magician who dreams of becoming a great and powerful man. His ambition got the best of him after his balloon crashed into a freak tornado. He found himself stranded in the magical place of Oz where he befriends sister-witches Thedora (Kunis) and Evanora (Weisz) who told him he is the wizard who will fulfill a prophecy. In Oz, he gets his chance to take a stab on greatness.
- Wow. The filmmakers behind this film have serious sets of balls to create a prequel to an all-time classic. Sure, it is not a remake but still. Just imagine the tornado of unfavorable comparison it’ll receive from both the critics and the audience. The Wizard of Oz is one of the ten films completing Hollywood’s Greatest Year (1939). Roll call: Gone with the Wind, Stagecoach, Wuthering Heights, Dark Victory, Love Affair, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Ninotchka, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Of Mice and Men. To top it all, Oz (and Gone with the Wind) consistently ranks in the top 10 best films of all-time. You now see the big picture, of what’s going to happen if the prequel turns out to be a screw-up.
- To be fair, Oz: The Great and Powerful put some serious emphasis on modern special effects, one thing its predecessor will never have. Oz, in this case, is quirkier. However, it still is not the same. It lacks magic. And music. Yes. Oz: The Great and Powerful lacks music and magic. More on this later.
- James, Mila, Rachel and Michelle are all competent performers. Franco, in particular, has enough chutzpah to take on the role of Oz. As for the witches, here is the deal, girl power is missing and the scorned women cackled but did not roar. Theodora, despite her abilities, cried and stepped into the dark side after Oz left him. Evanora is the stereotypical scheming b*tch, I mean, witch who just cannot handle fame and power. Honestly, too much female hatred. As for Glinda, well, she’s the good witch who saw the goodness inside of Oz and ends up kissing him. No one told me this is romantic fluff.
- MUSIC + MAGIC = JUDY GARLAND. No doubt Garland lifted the The Wizard Oz to brilliant heights. Her Dorothy deserves a time capsule because it is one of those once-in-a-lifetime performance. Capturing the innocence and fortitude of the classic heroine, Garland elevated a memorable character her into a cinematic icon. That is indeed a special performance.
- Seven words: Oz The Great and Powerful lacks magic.
RATING: C+
