The Wizard Flies High Again!
By ALAN SAMUEL
Taking off where the classic 1939 MGM The Wizard of Oz left off is Oz the Great and Powerful a dazzling special effects laden experience. Trust the folks at Disney to take the time and care to create a soon to be new classic. Catch the magic of this totally friendly family movie unfolding at the Empire Studio 12, Empire Esplanade as well as Cineplex Odeon Theatres throughout B.C.
Producer Joe Roth hits all the right notes in this prequel to the original Judy Garland classic. Hot young stars are on their way to the Emerald Kingdom. Lead figure Oz is a not by the book magician from Kansas played with gusto by James Franco (Spider-Man). Full value is this smiling cad who winds up in a tornado on route to a magical kingdom
Witches abound in this dazzling make believe land bolstered by superior and luscious 3-D effects. Witch number one is attractive enough and well played by Mina Kunis (Ted). Yes, the two enjoy a bit of puppy love before the tables are turned and a more nasty witch appears on the scene. Oh, and there’s another good witch too. Evil is shown by Rachel Weisz while love and hope comes through Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain).
Perfect for youth and adults Oz the Great and Powerful is a dazzling bit of creative triumph. Smart direction from master illusionist Sam Raimi pays faithful homage to the one of a kind Frank Baum original. Expect a sense of danger, awe and some pesky flying monkees and a China girl to dazzle you senseless. Charming in all its forms that Oz The Great and Powerful a majestic playful film that has a great morale, a battle of good versus evil and charming unique characters. Enjoy it today.
