“Oz The Great And Powerful” is the cinematic prequel to author L. Frank Baum book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” written in the early 1900’s which the 1939 film classic “The Wizard of Oz” was based on. Oz The Great And Powerful envisions the origins of the wizard and how abouts he came to land in the wonderful world of Oz while shedding light to the quirky wizard’s psychology.
The wonderful world of Oz is a visual fantasyland, set with rich colors and a 3D innovative depth that makes for a remarkable movie going experience. Quite possibly the best aspect of the film, award winning production designer Robert Stromberg should be proud of the visual wonderland he created, there truly is “No Place Like Oz”.
The story line is focused around Oscar Diggs “Oz” (played by James Franco), a con man on a personal journey of self-discovery who finds himself stranded in a strange land full of fantasy, danger, deceit and ultimately, love.
In a self inflicted hurried escape from Kansas during a tornado, Oz’s hot air balloon plunks down in The Land of Oz. Upon landing in the new strange land, Oz meets Theodora (played by Mila Kunis). Theodora is convinced Oscar Diggs is the Great Wizard of Oz from the prophecy that was sent to save The Emerald City.
On his journey, Oz creates a band of humorous misfits to accompany him on his mission to save The Emerald City. The Great Wizard of Oz concedes to use the power of illusion and sleight of hand circus tricks to win the war against the wicked witches and finally, become a better man.
Unlike the classic “The Wizard of Oz”, the modern prequel “Oz The Great And Powerful” lacks the cutesy sing along songs and happy merriment that generally appeals to children. Oz The Great And Powerful is a dark film with adult themes and is visually terrifying in several scenes. Although I do not have any moral objection to this film as I have other films in the past, I would not recommend this film to children under the age of 13. Ultimately, it is the parents decision to know their children’s maturity level to handle viewing this film.
Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest rates “Oz The Great And Powerful” 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars. Oz The Great And Powerful is best seen in a theater.
Oz The Great And Powerful opens in theaters everywhere today, March 8th 2013.
I attended a media screening of Oz The Great And Powerful. All balloontastic opinions are my own.
