Oz The Great and Powerful Review

One of the most highly anticipated movies of 2013 definitely proved it was worth the wait.  Oz is a star-studded cinematic masterpiece.  James Franco leads the cast as Oz, a womanizing small time magician who, above all else, desires to be great.  Though his definition of greatness is superficial- fame, power, money, respect- he is willing to set aside true love, family, and even friendships to attain it.  After a clever turn of events puts him in a hot air balloon during a tornado he finds himself plunged in to a mysterious and enchanted land of wonder in the midst of civil war.   Three witches, who are also sisters, contend for the rule of this land and Oz has to choose whose side he’s on- the side of good, of evil, or his own.  Initially entering the battle for selfish reasons, Oz is on a journey to learn what it takes to become a genuine man of greatness. 

The main cast of characters is rounded out by Mila Kunis as Theodora, Rachel Weisz as Evanora, Michelle Williams as Annie and Glinda, and Zach Braff as Frank and the cutest flying monkey ever, Finley.  There is also an appearance by the legendary Bill Cobbs.  But the real breakout star of the film is Joey King who plays the girl in the wheelchair and voices china girl.  King, who is no acting neophyte with more than 20 blockbusters to her credit, shines in an extra special way playing two different characters in Oz. 

As the girl in the wheelchair who longs to be healed by Franco’s magic she is sincere and vulnerable.  And as the china girl who joins Oz on his adventure she is gutsy and earnest.

With a strong storyline, amazing actors, and unparalleled animation and special effects, this prequel to The Wizard of Oz will at the least be one of the best movies you’ll see all year and at the most one of the best films you ever seen! 

For me the movie’s paramount theme was that anything is possible when you believe.  When Oz starts believing in the greatness that is already inside him he is able to conquer evil and appreciate his friends.  I love when movies highlight ideals that translate to real life.  Oz The Great and Powerful exemplifies such an ideal.   We are already the heroes we long to be.   We just have to BELIEVE.

PS- For the maximum viewing experience I highly recommend seeing Oz in IMAX 3D.

Rating: 5/5