A prequel to the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz, and based on L. Frank Baum’s novels, Oz the Great and Powerful tells the story of Oscar Diggs (James Franco), an arrogant circus magician who finds himself in the Land of Oz after his hot air balloon is engulfed by a cyclone. Upon his arrival, Oscar meets two witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis) and Evanora (Rachel Weisz). Although they have their doubts, they believe Oscar is the wizard the Land of Oz has been waiting for – a wizard who can save their land and become the new king. Oscar is happy to bask in Oz’s fortune but his courage is tested once Evanora asks him to kill the supposedly wicked witch, Glinda (Michelle Williams). However, on his quest, Oscar starts to question whom to trust and he must decide if he’ll take responsibility and become a better man.
Helmed by horror veteran Sam Raimi, Oz the Great and Powerful side steps invigorating storytelling and follows in the footsteps of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, and becomes a lifeless CGI feast.
Opening in black and white and 4:3 ratio, the film has a stylish and nostalgic introduction but once the screen is filled with lavish colour Oz becomes a dull place to be in.
There’s little spark in Oz, momentarily Theodora falls in love with Oscar but their interaction is awkward and the two actors stumble. On the other hand, Weisz and Williams bring much needed enthusiasm and the world of Oz shows a little zest.
However, the pacing is uneven and the story plods along unaware of its faults. The film occasionally picks up due to Finley, a flying monkey, and a cute china doll. The two bring humour, sentiment and an ounce of fun but they are soon overpowered by a big reveal – the wicked witch.
Once the green-faced hag is unleashed, Oz explodes with theatrics and spectacle. Its beautiful to look at and harmless entertainment but Raimi’s vision doesn’t generate enough excitement.
Oz the Great and Powerful may have a vibrant canvas but following the yellow brick road has never been so bland.
★★☆☆☆
