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.