OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Stars ììì

Oz the Great and Powerful tells the Wizard Oz’s prequel story from the movie The Wizard of Oz. The special effects are not spectacular. The animation is below expectations for a film in this category. The script dialogue is laughable at times. Potentially great scenes, such as those for witches, are completely lost. However, the animated china doll story presents a classic, not-to-be-forgotten character that could easily be used with great charm for a separate movie. It seems that this story may have been better portrayed under the direction of Tim Burton or Terry Gilliam.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a wannabe magician, leaves a local circus via hot air balloon, transports into the Land of Oz via tornado, and becomes mistaken for the prophesied Wizard-King of Oz.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Raimi for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Grant Curtis, Joshua Donen, Philip Steuer, and Palak Patel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Evanora (Rachel Weisz), Theodora (Mila Kunis), Annie/Glinda (Michelle Williams), Frank/Finley (Zach Braff), Master Tinker (Bill Cobbs), Girl in Wheelchair/China Girl (Joey King), Knuck (Tony Cox), Winkie General (Stephen R. Hart), and May (Abigail Spencer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie lacks good direction and performs below its entertainment capabilities.

Video critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers