Oz the Great and Powerful
Directed by Sam Raimi
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
Oz the Great and Powerful is Disney’s latest picture which preludes the 1930s classic The Wizard of Oz. With director Sam Raimi, composer Danny Elfman, and actors James Franco, Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis, and Rachel Weisz, the audience receives a movie well worth their time.
The most impressive part of Oz is its aesthetics. While they are reminiscent of other fantasy location films, they are nonetheless impressive. Raimi remains loyal to the scenery given in The Wizard of Oz by creating symmetry to Oz’s modern viewers. The Emerald City and other locations in the film are gorgeous, with scenes to become lost in.The most clever aesthetic attribute is the film’s introduction in black and white. This makes the transition to Oz much more effective and furthers the lineage as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz.
James Franco delivers an over-the-top Oz, bringing humour and life to his character. Although he often goes too far with the character, he remains delightful. Mila Kunis attempts a moving portrayal of Theodora but fails in comparison to the performance given by the other actors. Weisz and Williams give committed performances. Their diverse performances steal the show. The supporting characters played by Joey King and Zach Braff warm hearts and provide the film’s comic relief.
Oz may not become a classic like The Wizard of Oz, but it is an enjoyable film for fans of the original, with a darker portrayal of the land of Oz. With a plot that may be slightly predictable and cheesy at times, it still reaches the hype it has amassed. Overall, Oz is worth a visit to the theatre to see the glorious scenery come to life again.
