Movie Review - Oz: The Great and Powerful

I was lucky enough to attend an early screening last night, so I just figured I’d share some thoughts.

The pros:

1) Excellent use of 3D. Usually movies these days tack it on for the markup value, but the 3D actually enhanced the experience quite a bit. I’m one to be disappointed in a lot of 3D versions these days. It also didn’t give me a headache which tends to happen. I got one for Alice in Wonderland (though to be fair, that wasn’t natively shot in 3D and was converted during post-production).

2) The effects were spectacular. I could see them winning an Oscar for it, especially when it comes to the china doll. Freaky out of this world.

3) The second half of the film was very strong.

4) I was surprisingly scared at times even though this isn’t a horror movie. I know (or hope) some kids will be effectively spooked per the film’s intentions. It was cool to be drawn in enough to feel suspense.

The Cons:

1) I didn’t like Mila Kunis in this at all. Her yelling grated on my nerves. I liked her even less than James Franco. I think she was supposed to be a sympathetic villain, but I didn’t buy it. And I’m someone who tends to like good villains. This could have been a signature performance for her, but it felt more like a wasted opportunity. I think she was miscast. Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams had better performances.

2) James Franco. I’ve seen stronger performances from him and I actually like him. I think he’s hott, but he didn’t have that leading man appeal for me here.

3) I wasn’t sure what to make of the first half of the film. It took me a while to become invested.

4) The soundtrack. I wish it had the same musical quality as The Wizard of Oz. It was really lacking here. There were practically no singalong songs, or at least nothing memorable. The one with the munchkins was way too short.

All in all I definitely recommend it, and I recommend seeing it in theatres in 3D. It doesn’t have the classic and epic feel as The Wizard of Oz, but for now it’s probably the best movie I’ve seen of 2013 thus far. The film releases nationwide this Friday.

March 5, 2013 | Categories: TV and Movies | Tags: Evanora, Glenda, Glenda the good witch, Glinda, Glinda the good witch, James Franco, Mila Kunis, Oz, Oz The great and powerful, Rachel Weisz, The Wizard of Oz, Theodora, Wicked, Wicked Witch, Wicked Witch of the West | 5 Comments »