Oz the Great and Powerful Review

***Oz the Great and Powerful Review***


Oz the Great and Powerful Starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams. I thought this film was just a masterpiece and very incredible well made. I thought it was way better than Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. The film’s features visual and special effects that were a true highlight of this film. The film’s visual and special effects were vivid, colorful and enchanting, which Sam Raimi turns Oz into its own wonderland without it ever seeming predictable or tired. It had great character design and it gives audiences exactly what they're looking for. Gems, flowers, waterfalls, mountains, rock formations, sunsets, etc. that are completely breathtaking. Not only that, but the CGI is crisp and clean as well as excellently well done. The film was magical and very entertaining with a great sense of fun, is sometimes surprisingly touching. Director Sam Raimi brought a great sense of style to the movie. From the creative opening titles sequence onward, the film is full of stylistic flair, plenty of heart, and just enough brains to make it all come together beautifully. Danny Elfman's score is excellent. From the eerily beautiful theme used for the music box and Theodora's waltz, to the Wizard's fanfare, memorable melodies abound. James Franco was good in the role of Oz, and he had just the right balance of vulnerability and amiability. Rachel Weisz gives an excellent and villainess performance as the wicked witch of the east. Weisz performance turns Evanora into one of the best villainesses in Disney history. Michelle Williams did Glinda more than justice. She brought the character to life with a wonderfully sincere sweetness, and brings a real sincerity to the role. Mila Kunis was very good as Theodora before and during her transformation, but afterward she looked lost in her performance. She was not believable as the wicked witch of the west. China Girl was a scene-stealer. The effects used to create her were so good that she looked like she was made of real china. Her mannerisms and facial expressions were equally impressive, and was voiced by Joey King. The flying monkey Finley (voiced by Zach Braff) was actually pretty good and very funny. The script and dialogue was good, it had excellent character development especially with the three witch sisters. It does suffer from a story that, although simple and a bit silly. I believe this movie was just great with a few minor flaws, but it stays true to the original classic, while still making changes and feeling a little different. Everyone should watch this movie and walk through the yellow brick road to see the wizard of oz the great and powerful. I will give it an A.