Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

Oz the Great and Powerful
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Zach Braff, Rachel Weisz
My Rating: Loved It!


With the recent string of mediocre fantasy rehashes (i.e. Snow White and the Huntsman, Alice in Wonderland), I didn’t expect much from Oz the Great and Powerful. Maybe it was my lowered expectations, or maybe it was my bias towards Sam Raimi’s directing, but either way, I LOVED this movie.

The story starts off in Kansas at a traveling circus while Oz (James Franco) is gearing up for his magic show. Shortly thereafter Oz is whisked away in a hot air balloon that transports him to the wonderful Land of Oz. He lands in this colorful and brilliant place to be greeted by Theodora (Mila Kunis), who explains that he must be the wizard the prophecies speak of. Hilarious talking monkeys, conniving witches, and miniature china people are only a few of the wonders Oz will experience on his journey to become the Wizard of Oz.

There are two things that make this movie work: the cgi and the cast. I was dazzled time and time again at how beautiful this movie is, it’s truly candy for the eyes. All of the colors are so bright and vivid; I could probably hit mute and still be thoroughly entertained just by the images. Out of the star-studded cast the two performances I like the most were from Zach Braff and Mila Kunis. Braff voices the flying monkey who assists Oz on his travels. It’s not that Braff has a brilliant performance or anything; it’s just that his voice is so goofy and childish that he is perfect for it. And the irony of Kunis being the Wicked Witch of the West makes the role great, and she handles it quite well too.

I seriously don't understand why this movie has been so divisive. It's bright and beautiful and wondrous, and I truly believe Sam Raimi did the source material justice.