Genres
Adventure, Fantasy
Director
Sam Raimi
Country
USA
Cast
James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, Joey King, Rony Cox, Stephen R. Hart, BRuce Campbell, Abigail Spencer
Storyline
Oscar "Oz" Diggs (James Franco), a frustrated magician from Kansas, is transported to the magical land of Oz where he will have to fulfil a prophecy and release the land from the Wicked Witches.
Opinion
I remember being interested in seeing Oz the Great and Powerful when it hit theatres but I eventually sit it out because I had a bad feeling about it. And four years later it turns out I was right. While it still is a bit engaging and entertaining, it's far from being great as the title suggests.
The film has a very simple story that is easy to follow and predictable; it doesn't have a lot of depth and sometimes it is a bit unfocused. Also, it doesn't even have an unexpected plot twist, although the filmmakers were clever enough to keep you waiting for one through the film which is how the film managed to be engaging.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B8vKfeFxpchSTOYjDqEjqqEAobo9s_dUMAEo-6BKMJEfhfybpldQHrk6C4rNL1VQnTintmPIcyIBczFuG7sMJ_A9FcdJGcUFtfgEzW7aMNarrr4TRz7bpzht33xjcikasFABaWGx0AY/s280/Oz+the+Great+and+Powerful+%25282013%2529.jpg)
The characters are another weak-ish link. They lack proper development and they are incredibly rushed and the villains don't have a very strong motivation. In spite of these flaws, some of them - Finley, the flying monkey, and China Girl, a little living doll - still manage to be likeable and it's easy to care for them.
The performances of some of the actors also help, although I'm not sure James Franco was the right cast for the young Oz as he comes across as a creepy Oz. But that's his trademark after all. Mila Kunis also was a poor choice for Theodora as she seems lost all the time. On the other hand, there's Rachel Weisz who gives a solid performance as Evanora, the other Wicked Witch.
At last, there is the visual aspect of the film. Although they are a bit cheesy at times, over all the special effects are pretty good, and the sets and costumes are quite beautiful as well.
The costumes in this film were glorious. That was easily the best part. I'm pretty much with you on it. It wasn't good, but I didn't find it terrible either.
ReplyDeleteAt least it's got something.
DeleteThis was fun to see in theaters when it first came out. The sets and costumes were gorgeous, and I'll watch anything with Rachel Weisz. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I totally get you, I'll watch anything with James Franco.
DeleteThat was visually lovely but it was ultimately yet another soulless cash grab from Disney
ReplyDeleteYep. I just watched Cinderella and I wonder why they even bother making such films anymore. The result is always the same.
DeleteCinderella was actually quite good, at least it had a bit different visuals and Blanchett to distinguish it from others
DeleteI agree that Blanchett was good, but I didn't like the movie. It was so boring and it felt like something was missing.
DeleteAll'epoca l'ho abbastanza apprezzato, ma si poteva osare un pochino di più
ReplyDeleteTanto di più direi
Delete