OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL – The Review

OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL takes viewers on a visual thrill-ride through the merry old land of Oz, but could use a bit more heart. Where is that tin woodsman when you need him?

The film is a (sort-of) prequel to the original 14 books about the world of Oz written by L. Frank Baum in the early 1900’s. (Do not go into this film expecting it to be like the 1939 film adaptation starring Judy Garland. It is not based on the film, and comparing the films will leave viewers with a less enjoyable experience.) OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL tells the story of Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a circus magician who uses trickery to get what he wants. When a tornado hurls him away from Kansas and into a colorful, magical land called Oz, Diggs continues to use his trickery in an attempt to obtain fortune and power. There’s just one catch. In order for him to take the throne in Oz and gain eternal wealth, he must convince three witches that he is the great man that he claims to be… by killing the wicked witch who is destroying their land.

This film is a stunning feast for the eyes. The transition between the 4:3 film ratio black and white circus world to the 16:9 vibrant and imaginative land of Oz is simply breathtaking. The 3D only amplifies the magic. Director Sam Raimi takes full advantage of the 3D format, and does it well. He allows the effects to draw the viewer in without being an overpowering distraction. It’s honestly the best use of 3D in a film that I have ever seen.

Let’s talk story. The beginning of this film is inventive and fun. We are drawn into the life of Oscar Diggs, and immediately want to know more about him and the magical circus world he lives in. Then, something strange happens towards the middle of the film. Shortly after our introduction into the land of Oz, it feels like they lose track of which story they are trying to tell. Although it is still entertaining, it really loses momentum. They could have used that lag time to develop the characters more. I would have loved more backstory on the witches. This would be a perfect place for some flashbacks, even. It doesn’t really pick back up until the last third of the film. They do a great job of winning the audience back during the climax. Still, cutting a half an hour out of the middle would even help to move the story along.

I agree with 99% of the casting decisions in this film. James Franco was actually rather charming as Oscar Diggs aka Oz. He played the bamboozling ladies man rather well, and brought balance to the role by showing glimpses of compassion. However, I wish that Robert Downey Jr., who was originally cast as the lead, would have played the part. He would have been perfect for the character of Oz. In my opinion, it would have brought a whole new dynamic to the film. Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz shine as witches Glinda and Evanora. The one who really steals the show is Zach Braff as Finley, a winged money who becomes Oscars right hand man.

SPOILER ALERT

The casting decision that I am not too keen on is Mila Kunis as Theodora. It’s pretty apparent from the beginning that Theodora will transform into the Wicked Witch. Now, it’s not that Kunis did a bad job, because she didn’t. There are some big shoes to fill when taking on such an iconic role. I mentioned in the beginning of this review that you can’t go in comparing this film to the 1939 film. Having said that, there are some images that have been burned into our heads since childhood, and the Wicked Witch is one of them. If they could reinvent Oscar Diggs, and Glinda, why didn’t they reinvent the Wicked Witch? They gave her similar green bone structure to Margaret Hamilton, a similar outfit, and attempted to mimic her signature laugh. I say mimic because it sounded completely dubbed into the film. It didn’t fit at all. The end result was rather disappointing. Also, the fact that her transformation into the Wicked Witch is caused by a man is rather old fashioned. Disney did a great job empowering women with BRAVE, and it would have been nice to see that theme carried on. I mean, come on… The heartbreak of a man that she barely knows is so overpowering that she takes drastic measures and ends up turning on the entire land??? To be honest, I think the film would benefit from taking the entire “love” storyline out of it. The land of Oz is about magic and wonder… not about womanizing and scorned lovers.

OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL is definitely worth seeing. Despite flaws in the pacing and story, it’s still an entertaining journey for viewers. The visuals alone are worth the trip to the theater. At the end of the day there’s no place like Oz.

OVERALL RATING: 3 out of 5 stars

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OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL is in theaters today