Hey there SWRNN readers — here’s my review for the new “Wizard of Oz” prequel, “Oz the Great and Powerful.”
(Contributed image)
“Oz the Great and Powerful” is a film about Oz – an egotistical conman – and his adventures that lead to his eventual ruling of the land of Oz.
We all know that he becomes the great wizard of Oz, but we don’t know how – until now that is. This film was directed by cult favorite Sam Raimi and stars James Franco as Oz, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff and many more.
If you know Raimi’s filmography, then you know that each of his films is unique. He’s directed films like the horror-comedy “Evil Dead” series to the original Spider-Man trilogy.
When I first heard he was directing Oz, I was very excited. Although the trailers may make this film appear to be an Alice in Wonderland-style rip off, I’m very glad to say that this is not only incredibly original, but also my favorite films of the year so far.
The acting in this film was great. Franco is as charming as ever, portraying the fabled Oz in a very three-dimensional light. The movie doesn’t try to make you root for or against him. Obviously you want him to succeed, but the film does a great job of developing his very flawed yet likable character. The rest of the cast was great as well.
The real star of this film, however, is the special effects. Every shot of this film was absolutely stunning and breathtakingly beautiful. I saw this film in IMAX 3D, and I don’t say this very often but in order to truly experience this film you absolutely must see it in 3D. I usually don’t like 3D, because very few films actually utilize it properly, but I promise you this is worth the extra $4.
The script in Oz is very good as well, developing each and every character to perfection.
I’m not kidding, every main character is developed perfectly here — even a flying monkey in a bellhop’s uniform voiced by Zach Braff.
You really care about what happens to the cast in this one, and that is saying a lot for a film that (from the trailers) appears to be a visual effects fest.
I absolutely love this movie. The original “Wizard of Oz” is in my top ten favorite films of all time, and this is a very worthy prequel.
Overall, I give “Oz the Great and Powerful” a 4.5 out of 5.
Adam Rolseth is a teen movie reviewer and regular guest contributor to SWRNN.
This isn’t just a good film, it’s a great one.
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