Oz the Great and Powerful Review

When it was announced that a prequel to The Wizard of Oz was going to be made, it seemed like a bad idea at that time. And it was an even bigger gamble for Disney. With the release of Oz the Great and Powerful, the risk and gamble paid off.

Oz the Great and Powerful is an adventure filled with colors, surprises, laughs and thrills. Director Sam Raimi manages to bring his unique way in creating a new look at the word of Oz and not just some rehash of the classic film. The film is filled with styles made famous by Raimi. Like the close ups, the lighting, and even the witches which bears the make up in Raimi’s past films like Evil Dead and Drag Me to Hell. His unique vision brings to life an Oz which is scary and fun, dark and colorful. There are even parts in the film which feels like Army of Darkness where Ash begins planning the defense of the castle.

Cinematography and camera movement works for this film. The fluid motion of the camera and the wide shots brings a Raimi-style look at things. And the 3D works for it. This film was really made to be 3D and it isn’t an eyesore. The 3D brings the already bright colors to an even brighter state and the scares will literally pop out.

One of the reasons the film works is because of the cast. James Franco brings his cool and unique take on the wizard/con-man. There may be some times that he might have been overshadowed by the rest of the cast, but Franco manages to rise up and take the wizard of Oz to a new level. As for the lovely witches, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams brings their A game to the film. Each brings their unique take on the characters and manages to shine individually in the film. Probably one of the characters that probably got everyone’s attention is the China Girl voiced by Joey King. She first comes out to us with her fragile frame and then she begins to show her tough side. And she is funny. Aside from the flying monkey, China Girl racks up a lot of laughs in the film.

The story is simple and creative. It goes to a path where it would be easy to make more prequels before ending in the original Wizard of Oz. it may start a bit boring but it catches up fast. Joining the story is the great special effects which brought a lot of characters to life as well as brought the wonderful world of Oz come to life once again on screen.

Oz the Great and Powerful is a film that will be enjoyed by a lot of people. Especially those who would want to visit the world of Oz again. Kids and new comers to the tale will greatly appreciate the story and the way it is told. It is funny, thrilling, magical and entertaining. Oz the Great and Powerful lives up to its name. I give it 7 out of 10.