Oz: The Great and Powerful

As life moves on, it becomes rare that I actually go to the movies anymore.  However, the combination of a Friday evening when the majority of the family was available and a movie that all, especially my lady, wanted to see broke that chain.  What's more, it was opening night.

Oz: The Great and Powerful stars James Franco as the Wizard and is not, as seems to be perceived by some, a remake of the 1936 musical.  In movie terms, it is closer to a prequel and definitely does step out to pay homage to that classic, in both form and style. 

It is not, however, a musical.  If you are expecting that, stop now.  Because I have already seen a half-dozen reviews that oddly and unfortunately seem focused on this.  Odd, because nowhere in this films marketing or advance press have I seen any attempt to portray it as one.  Unfortunate, because the reviews that are focused on this are all negative.

Taking a movie that is clearly not a musical and decrying it's lack of musical numbers is kind of strange to me.  Yes, both movies are about the magical land of Oz.  But calling out this film because it doesn't satisfy your MGM nostalgia is a little like being upset 007 doesn't appear in the new Jason Bourne film...because, after all, they are both espionage movies.

There are similarities outside the setting and a few characters.  Both movies begin in black and white and bloom into color upon reaching the magical land..  Both feature characters in Kansas who later make an appearance, slightly altered, in Oz.

If this film seems a little darker, it is largely because of our own memories, not a deliberate choice of the filmmaker.  After all, the MGM classic features a woman eager to kill a beloved pet, a destructive tornado and a murder performed in a fairly gruesome manner, all in the first act.  We don't see the gore, but a house-crushing probably doesn't feel nice.  And the dead individual is immediately looted.

One thing that is less light and laughter is our protagonist, Oscar, played by James Franco.  Franco, who seems very hit and miss to me, hits here.  I think he does a fine job as the young wizard and anchors the movie.  I like the fact that his character is more nuanced than Dorothy Gale.  His reactions to the land, its beauty and dangers (often invoked together in Oz) and his shallow but realistic motivations are very believable.  There is rarely a reason to question why our main character is taking this particular action.

But the real fun is the cast around him, both human and animated.  Mila Kunis makes a lovely Theodora and sinks her teeth into the necessary camp when transformed.  Rachel Weiz makes a beautiful spinner of tales and traps and Michelle Williams manages to rehabilitate Glinda from her "Wicked" influences.  Her Glinda still manipulates, but does so for the common good and with a refreshingly realistic perspective as to why her target will comply.  Glinda as opportunist.

The two most memorable characters are both special effects driven.  A winged courier monkey and a delicate doll correspond to characters in Kansas who want to rely on Oscar and are not able to do so.  In the magic land he shares a name with, our wizard is able to rectify that.  The little china girl is especially appealing and I predict she will be a favorite of many, as she is of mine.

Oz: The Great and Powerful is an old-fashioned film in some ways.  Good vs. evil, with only a bit of grey and a large dose of moral redemption.  It is fun for all ages without being either pandering or animated.  The visuals are appealing, although I could have done without the 3D. (Just not a priority for me.  If you like it, you will love it here.)  And the story, while not overly complicated, delivers a satisfying smile.  Enjoy it as it is meant, as an escapist fantasy that helps you forget your troubles for an afternoon.