The Oz: Great and Powerful

The Oz: Great and Powerful

Rated PG and Released 3/8/13

Reviewed 3/8/13 at Celebration North Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary, Leigh, Brandon

2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Disney's version of the prequel to the Wizard of Oz stars James Franco as Oscar Diggs from Kansas. Hard to believe he was third choice behind Robert Downy Jr. and Johnny Depp. I was satisfied with him in the part as the Wizard over the other two, as I thought he added a little zip and humor. Gary said "no way" as he thought RDJr would have rocked it. But...I admit Franco doesn't save this sluggish flick. It is not quite exciting enough for the adults and maybe a snitch above the young kids, so it kind of sits in mediocreville. It's not charming either.

This is one of those rare opportunities Brandon joined us for a movie. He actually picked it over a couple others. He got caught up in the trailers and reviews. He gave it an "ok" which is about what the rest of us thought. Danelle and Aaron, while they didn't see it with us, gave it a 1J, but they are a tough crowd. That's what happens with the big blockbusters, seeing too many trailers and all the hype can get us unfairly roped in.

Early in the 1900s, Oscar Diggs is trying to escape the clutches of some fellow disgruntled circus workers that are in hot pursuit. Diggs hops in a hot air balloon and is thrilled to be caught up in a storm blowing him farther and farther away only to crash in the magical land of Oz. This begins the journey encountering his first witch, Theodora, played by the talented Mila Kunis, one of three witches. Diggs hooks up with a flying monkey sidekick that adds some amusement and a porcelain doll that he sentimentally glues back together. Thank goodness he had that glue with him! More to come as he gets to know the witches Evanora (Rachael Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), as the story is revealing the shift from good witch to wicked. The gullible people of Oz mistakenly believe Diggs is the legendary "Wizard" coming to save them from the clutches of evil. Don't worry; this isn't exorcism evil. It's not even mildly scary. The final showdown in the town square of Emerald City is probably the most worthwhile moment as the Wizard needs to maintain the guise of the savior. Nice subtle messages of "believing in yourself" and "faith in those doing great things" contribute to the conclusion. When the story finally gets to the Emerald Castle you can stop looking at your watch and be relieved to know the end is near...not the end of Oz, but the end of the movie!

QUIET Rating system: 2  Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  J