A Reel Review: OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

 

Sam Raimi’s OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL takes after the classic THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) in both style and substance. Stylistically, we have actors playing multiple roles, over-the-top flamboyant acting which was the way to go in 1939, shifting screen formats and color, and a magical land brought to life with the best wizardry movie-making can muster. Substance-wise, it takes the classic approach of a simple story in a high-concept setting, just like WIZARD did all those decades ago. The nostalgia of the Land of Oz is ever present, but it is the movie underneath the trip back which matters the most.

Oscar, or Oz (James Franco) is a woman-chasing, con-man of a magician who gets in hot water and makes his escape via hot-air balloon, and is then whisked away to the Land of Oz via a tornado. Once there, he is mistaken for The Wizard in a prophecy by three witches; Theodora (Mila Kunis), Glinda (Michelle Williams), and Evanora (Rachel Weisz).

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL sets itself up to be a true prequel to the WIZARD OF OZ as it puts the many pieces and parts in place for Dorothy to one day find. However, OZ makes a very wise choice of not making the huge task of setup its only mission in life. There are other things that director Sam Raimi needs to do, and that is, much like the original WIZARD, tell the story of the main character, Oscar. The territory that the Oscar character goes through is very familiar, as Raimi explores the selfish man turned reluctant hero to finding his true calling. It feels predictable at first, but here it works because the writing is just so darn good. Oscar has a lot to play off of as his character goes through his arc…including dealing with equally interesting characters and engaging situations. It’s a simple story, but we are on board with him from his first bow to the final curtain.

Sam Raimi’s directing is well-suited to the proceedings. The visuals, while striking, never get in the way of the storytelling as there is a lot more at work than just spectacle here. Humor and scares work perfectly because they come when it is least expected, and each character and surrounding is always put to good use. The visuals again range from very good to obvious; some environments and CG characters stick out like a sore thumb, while others work very well. The highlight of the visuals is the little China Doll character (voiced by Abigail Leigh Spencer), who is breathtakingly realistic and one of the most convincing CG characters ever. Just for good measure, there are many subtle and not-so-subtle references to WIZARD here and there…and they are all used in good taste and never distract from the main story.

Acting is not the greatest. James Franco hits the right notes more than he misses, but he just doesn’t have the charisma or energy to light up the screen. The three Witches are stunningly beautiful, with Michelle Williams standing out in both appearance and performance. Rachel Weisz doesn’t bring her best and seems to struggle acting against the green-screen. Mila Kunis, who stuns the camera with her gorgeous chestnut-eyes, gives an expected stock performance and also lacks the charisma and fire when more is asked of her.

The finale wraps up things nice and tight, and sets up situations and characters perfectly for what we know is to come. That final setup comes just as Oscar reaches his arc, and Raimi clearly accomplishes his task of two important stories at work. OZ isn’t perfect, but is wonderful to re-visit.

BOTTOM LINE: See it