As a kid, I think everyone saw The Wizard of Oz. It’s a classic movie, and no matter what generation you’re born in, you just haven’t experienced a “complete childhood” without seeing The Wizard of Oz. I don’t know what it is about that movie….perhaps it’s the ruby red slippers, or the amazing Judy Garland. It’s just magic. It’s magic in a time when they had very little abilities for special effects. It was just about the performances.
The new Disney “pre-quel” is a little less magical…….but it is chock full of beautiful scenes. Oz The Great and Powerful doesn’t “bring it.” It totally lacks in the performance area of the movie, but man, does Disney know how to do “pretty” in a movie. The sets must have been unreal to work on. It should be another part of their theme park!
Basically, the story is about what happened BEFORE Dorothy arrived in Oz. It gives the back story of how the witches came to be, why the lion is so cowardly, where the tin man came from, and how their fabulous Wizard came to be. The story is actually good. I like how they created the history to what would become of their Emerald City. Two sisters, one who is obviously evil, one who wants to be good, but has a hard time with a crazy sister chipping away at the good all the time. Since I have a sister, I could totally relate to the sisters…..of course, my sister and I aren’t witches (well, that depends on who you ask….,) but this scene in the movie was very indicative of what it’s like to be one half of a sisterhood. It kind of gives you a little “premonition” of what’s to come…..
In my opinion, there were amazing actors in this movie. Hello? James Franco and Rachel Weisz, plus Michelle Williams. COME ON! I expected top notch acting. There were great “moments,” but none of the acting was stellar. Sure, it’s about a wizard, coming to Oz……how great can the acting be? Well, with a cast like Disney had, it should have been OSCAR worthy acting. It seemed more like “over the top” drama acting. Franco tried too hard, and he could have been better. A lot better. It seemed like Disney kind of wanted the scenery to be the star. The 3D special effects to make the movie great. I still think there’s a way to combine great special effects, 3D, and amazing acting.
The scenes, though……spectacular. One of my favorites was when they were flying out of the dark forest inside of bubbles…….who doesn’t love bubbles? During the scene, no one really talks too much. It’s probably the best acting you’ll see in the movie. Franco’s face does all the acting he needs, and it’s fantastic.
In 3D the movie is phenomenal. By far, the best 3D part of the movie? Well, let’s just say there’s little creatures that live in the water Oscar Diggs falls into…….and they have a lot of fun with water. When you watch in 3D, you’ll experience the very “playful things” they do. The kids thought it was hysterical, and everyone in the theatre reacted the same way.
Personally, I was allowed to view the movie before it came out. I did it for no cost to me, or my family. It’s Disney’s way of saying thank you for giving feedback, and sharing what I think about the movie. IF I had paid for the movie, I would have been a smidge disappointed. I was expecting much better performances from the cast. An animated monkey shouldn’t steal the show, if you know what I mean. Doesn’t matter if Zach Braff is the voice.
I would say, in my opinion on whether the value is worth the price……..not for a night showing. Head out during the first show, on a Sunday, or Saturday, when the ticket prices are cheaper. Get yourself a coupon for some popcorn and drinks. In this kind of scenario, where you’re getting a lot more for your money, it’s totally worth it. If not, wait for it on TV. Although……the 3D part is pretty cool, so perhaps, for the full effect, go during a matinee and experience it in 3D! Whatever you do, don’t pay full price!
DISCLAIMER for the kiddies: My kids, at the ages of 6 and 4, are pretty hard to scare. They live with me, and I’m far scarier than anything they’ll see in “make believe.” I KID. However, if you’ve got kids under 6, it might be a little too much for them in 3D. There’s some “coming at you” moments that might freak a kid out. They jumped a few times, but were never overly scared. They giggled after most of them.
Thanks for the review! Due to all the ads on TV my kids cannot wait to see it. =)
I tried not to give anything away in the storyline. Just give my overall take on it. Definitely try to get to see it when you don’t pay full price, though. It’s insanely slow in the beginning.