Film Review of Disney's Oz the Great and Powerful #DisneyOZ

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We recently saw an advanced screening of the new Disney film directed by Sam Raimi Oz the Great and Powerful. It’s the prequel to one of the most popular film classics of all time The Wizard of Oz. Oz and The Wizard of Oz share many things in common from the most high-tech special effects of their time to even a black and white beginning. Both are extremely family friendly and provide a positive message that can speak to us all. This is the story of how sideshow magician Oscar Diggs is blown away in his hot air balloon to the colorful fantasy world of Oz in which he becomes the great wizard. While the special effects far exceed the 1939 original, it still holds dear what captured the hearts of movie goers all those years ago.

Oz (real name Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkel Emmannuel Ambroise Diggs) escapes through a twister to the wonderful world of Oz (which he points out is odd since it is also his name). Theodora, a good witch, is the first character Oscar meets when his balloon crash lands in Oz. After introductions, Theodora tells Oscar of a prophecy that a great wizard bearing the name of the land (Oz) will save them from the menace of the wicked witch and then take the place as their king. Oscar, a selfish and conniving man, agrees that he must be the great wizard and will save Oz and remain as their king. Once arriving in The Emerald City, the former king’s adviser Evanora informs him that to be king he must kill the wicked witch. From there the true adventure begins and Oscar journeys to become a “great man.” Accompanying Oz in the journey is a small fiesty companion in the form of a flying monkey (voiced by Zach Braff)…

And a small china doll (the most adorable character with the best lines).

The cast performs their roles perfectly. James Franco (127 Hours, Harry Osborne of the Raimi Spiderman Trilogy) as Oscar Diggs has both the flare of a side show magician and the heart of a good man.

Mila Kunis (Black Swan) as Theodora has such innocence and naiveté that we feel such pity for her when she says no one has ever asked her to dance. Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) as Evanora is a wonderful treat and truly becomes every facet of her character showing that no one could have done it better. Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn) performs a younger Glinda as homage to Billie Burke while making the role her own in the same way Ewan MacGregor did with his portrayal of young Obi Wan Kenobi.

Zach Braff (Scrubs) plays both Oscar’s assistant and does the voice of Finley the small flying monkey. Braff maintains his regular charisma even as a CG character while still knowing he is a monkey. And 13 year old actress Joey King (Ramona and Beezus) gives the most touching and adorable performance as both a wheelchair bound girl viewing Oscar’s magic show and CG porcelain character China Girl.

Oz the Great and Powerful is an incredibly family friendly film. While the film does have a PG rating, do not let that deter you from bringing your kids to see this beautiful film! The 3-D is actually used in ways most filmmakers have not. Things are thrown out of the screen, falling is done in 3-D, nearly everything pops off the screen the likes of which hasn’t been done so well since Martin Scorsese’s Hugo. Oz is a true achievement for the cinematography alone. Every shot in Oz is a picture to be framed it’s that beautiful. Never has Oz been so truly colorful and magical on the big screen. Between the visuals and quick pace of the film, two hours and seven minutes will fly by and you’ll leave wanting to go back to Oz.

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL lands in theaters on Today! It’s a must see!

For more info on this amazing film visit the website: http://www.disney.com/thewizard or “Like” OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL on Facebook and “Follow” OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL on Twitter: @disneyozmovie