Oz, the Great and Powerful

[SouthernFriedInfidel]

Just went out to see "Oz, The Great and Powerful" this afternoon. I've been seeing the clips and trailers for it for months, and was really hoping it would fill out the story and act as a worthy prequel for "The Wizard of Oz."

While I would in no way claim that this was a perfect film... I gotta say it was a mighty good effort. Myself, I think Frank Baum would have approved, had he ever DREAMED of writing a "prequel" instead of the many sequels that he did write.

I read that Johnny Depp had been approached to play the lead, but he declined... saying that he was concerned that this project would not work out well. It's something of a shame, because while James Franko did well enough in the role, Depp could have played it to perfection.

Now as to casting, I was VERY impressed at the 3 witches in the story. Evanora, Theodora and Glinda all played their roles nicely and believably. Mila Kunis as Theodora was absolutely wonderful. I don't want to spoil the story, because I thik it was very well written all around... but Theodora was a most striking character, trust me.

Regarding the special effects, I was totally blown away by the "Little China Girl." Every bit of the movie that concerned her was a wonder to behold. The monkey that pledged fealty to Oz left a LOT to be desired. They gave him a few close-ups and that was a major mistake, I thought. But over all, his part was rather minor, so I wasn't too concerned.

The story itself had some interesting similarities and connections to "The Wizard." Just like in the original, the black-and-white prologue had several characters that were echoed in the main body. The trip through the tornado was very cool to watch, as was Oz's arrival over the rainbow. The adventures that followed, the struggle of a carney-show trickster against powerful witches, and the development of Oz from a con-man into a needed leader was very entertaining to watch.

I thoroughly enjoyed it all. Highly recommended for everyone. Go watch this film... then run home and queue up "The Wizard" I think they will go very well together indeed.

The only minor beef I had with the story was that at the end they could have EASILY included a bit about the Ruby Slippers. Would have been a PERFECT "stinger" to add after the credits.

They didn't -- SHAME ON YOU, Sam Raimi!!

[Liv]

We watched it a couple days and thought it was absolutely horrible.

Worst writing I've ever seen, with absolutely no attempt to be original. Worst, the acting from actors who I always thought were better than this, performed horribly.

Baum is rolling over in his grave at this attempt.

I'm a huge fan of the masterpiece of Oz, and can only say I was disturbed that Disney got their hands on this material then chose to butcher it to pieces.

Does every Disney movie have to have fireworks in it for their Blu-Rays? Someone kill me please!

[SouthernFriedInfidel]

Hm. Seems we have a basic disagreement here. The fireworks, I thought, fit in reasonably well with the rest of the plot. I had a few objections to the film, but that wasn't one.

[Liv]

As you know, I'm not a fan of McDisney as is.... but enough with the fireworks.

Even if they kept the script, an attempt to justify the original, they missed the whole concept of "the turn", the idea that you save surprises to the end.

I really haven't hated a movie this bad in a long time.

Oh, watched one today called "The Words" in Blockbuster's kiosk for $1.... HIGHLY RECOMMEND it:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1840417/

Both the writers for Oz, Kapner and Lindsay-Abaire seem to (according to IDMB) lack creds. Likely that's the problem. I'm sure Disney tossed enough money at the production, but the script was horrible. Whether it was just "rushed" or just poor writing, I can't say. But darn you Disney.

[SouthernFriedInfidel]

Actually, I also disagree about the writing. Yes, there were a couple of rough points, but overall, I liked the script.

[Liv]

You wouldn't be a fan of Disney would you?


Hmmmmm.....

[SouthernFriedInfidel]

You wouldn't be a fan of Disney would you?


Hmmmmm.....

I'm mostly a fan of quality entertainment. When Disney creates a POS movie (say... "Cars 2") I have no problem saying it's crap. This isn't crap.

[Liv]

Actually I thought Cars 2 wasn't nearly as bad as this.

[SouthernFriedInfidel]

Actually I thought Cars 2 wasn't nearly as bad as this.

Ah. Well that says much, doesn't it? Both Cars films had major flaws, and are easily the weakest efforts to come out of Pixar so far. The first one was, I believe, a "Farewell F-U" to Disney while they were breaking away from their initial contractual obligation, while Eisner was busy screwing the company all to hell. The fact that they returned to the franchise with such a pitiful effort frankly puzzles me, but that's beside the point, obviously.

Thinking back to this movie, about a day now after first seeing it, I still think it's a very good film. The development for the central characters is the key, I think. It's very believable, within the context of the setting. The use of magic in the story seemed mostly consistent... and the introduction of the China People was a big plus. I would not go so far as to say it was an "equal" of the original film. But I do say it's FAR superior to all the other efforts to add to or re-make the series over the years, like "Return to Oz" or (heaven forbid) "The Wiz."

Sadly, the writers WERE in fact working in the dark regarding Baum's thoughts. I do think, however, that they made a VERY good work that fits well with the classic. It is both a homage to the original and a pretty cool film in its own right.

[Liv]

Oh no, Return to Oz was EPIC.... it was creative, well-thought, and DARK....

LOVED RETURN TO OZ!!!!

[Liv]

The Wiz sucked.