Oz: The Great And Powerful

The Wizard of Oz is one of my top 10, if not top 5, favorite films of all time. It is a wonderfully made, enjoyable film for the entire family that has a certain addictive quality. In addition, the special effects are incredible for the 1930’s. Needless to say, I went into Oz: the Great and Powerful very hopefully but also with great skepticism. I mean lets be honest here, it’s a prequel to one of the best loved films of all time made nearly a century later. Is it possible for the filmmakers to recapture the magic that made the original so well loved? To even connect with the audience the way that the original did? The answer is…most of the time, yes.

Oz is very interesting film. It has a slightly more fantastical element than the original but overall maintains the family friendly fantasy vibe that the original executed so well. The basic story consists of a young Oz, a traveling fair magician, being transported via tornado to the Merry Old Land of Oz. Oz encounters Munchkins, Winkies, and a few Witches of both good and Wicked varieties. He also encounters all manner of magical beings and mystical creatures all the while trying to save the land from evil.

A solid cast backed by a pretty good script make this film an overall good experience. Surprisingly good (just because of the genre) direction from Sam Raimi brings a whole different element to the vibe of the movie. If you’re a fan of the original, or even if you aren’t, it’s a film well worth watching. This one is worth your money. 3/4 stars.

-Heath