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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) in Movies

Aug 7, 2019

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

2013 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

6.7

(21 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Taking on a movie as beloved as “The Wizard of Oz” is a daunting task. The iconic Judy Garland film is considered a classic and many of the songs from the film have remained part of our culture since it was released in 1939. Despite several book sequels, the attempts to continue the series have had little success as there have been animated films as well as an urban remake, “The Wiz”, which also failed to reach the success of the original. Director Sam Raimi opted to do an original prequel story that tells of how the fabled Wizard of Oz came to be.

Oz (James Franco), is a small-time magician toiling away in small circus in Kansas in 1905. Life on the road has allowed him to be a womanizer and an egomaniac who dreams of greatness. When his actions catch up with him, Oz is forced to flee and takes refuge from an angry mob in a hot air balloon. An unexpected storm funnel grabs the balloon, and whisks Oz to a dazzling and colorful world filled with all manner of strange creatures and wonders.
Upon his arrival, Oz is greeted by Theodora (Mila Kunis), who believes that Oz is the great wizard that legend has said will arrive to save the land and rule the people in a kind and just way. It is revealed that the land is under siege from a wicked witch, and a prophecy indicates a great wizard will arrive with the same name as the land, and will save the day.

Naturally Oz does not believe this but is more than willing to charm Theodora and her sister Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and plot to get his hands on the abundant gold that will come with his appointment as the great wizard. Oz learns that in order to take the throne, he has to defeat another witch (Michelle Williams), and sets off on a journey to the Dark Forest with his flying monkey companion Finley (Zach Braff). Along the journey, Oz learns first hand of the horrors the witch has unleashed on the unsuspecting and learns that his selfish behavior has serious consequences not just for himself, but for innocent people as well. This leads to some serious soul-searching and a confrontation that will force Oz to become the man that many believe he is, less they all perish.

The film has some great visuals as Raimi wisely shot the movie in 3D and mixed CGI with some very impressive sets. It is clear that much of the film is shot against a CGI backdrop but the visual wonder of the film is something to behold. The biggest issues I had with the film were that it was slow-paced and did drag in several parts. Franco does his best to play up the seedier side of Oz, but makes some very odd facial expressions throughout the film that seem very forced and out of place for the film and the situations he finds himself in. Kunis and Weisz make excellent witches and their backstory is a very interesting and an integral part of Dorothy’s adventures in the original film. Williams does well with her role but never seems to develop the needed chemistry with Franco. I was also surprised that the film was very light on musical numbers as there was only a hint of one that was quickly halted by Franco. “Oz: The Great and Powerful” is a visually enjoyable film that sets the stage well for the original film and Raimi is to be praised for taking on such sacred material and providing a new chapter for the modern generation. While it is not likely to be considered a classic like the original film, it is still a worthy chapter in the series which will provide good nostalgic entertainment for fans new and old alike.

Kudos

Chris (1 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Books

Oct 18, 2017

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

J.K. Rowling | 1997 | Children, Young Adult (YA)

9.2

(174 Ratings)

Book Rating

The tone of the first book in this series maked it a fun read while having a dark origin story. (0 more)

Some might object to the useage of witchcraft and making it positive for kids. (0 more)

Fun novel for all ages

What we have here is a well told origin story which does a good job of getting readers wanting more. We have the story of Harry Potter who live with his aunt and uncle. He is treated badly. One day he discovers he has magical powers and is invited to study at Hogwarts school of magic. There he learns about his parents and his past with an evil wizard. This is a great start to an adventure.

Kudos

Samantha (67 KP) rated The Tales of Beedle the Bard in Books

Jul 10, 2017

Dumbledore's commentaries (1 more)

Simplistic and engaging illustrations

Re-igniting my love for Dumbledore

This is a quick read that not only provides wizarding 'fairy tales' but also provides insight into these works through the addition of commentary by Dumbledore. Through this commentary it appears as if Dumbledore is writing specifically to the reader, which develops a strong personal connection with the short novel. Rowling's decision to include commentary via a well known wizard in this universe creates an engaging read where deeper understanding of the tales can occur. As well as this, the illustrations used throughout are an engaging addition to the text, influencing its overall appeal and consolidating that this is a book of 'fairy tales'.