Last night, my son and I were privileged enough to represent Lady and The Blog at the screening of OZ The Great and Powerful. This Disney movie was directed by the wondrous Sam Raimi and stars the likes of James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Zach Braff and Michelle Williams. With all of that star power, you’d have to guess that this film would be spectacular. It was that, and more.
We were able to view it in 3D on an IMAX screen, which really bought the story to life. James Franco plays Oscar, a carnival magician, and manages to enchant us right from the beginning with his stylish swagger, devilish smile and quirky sense of humor. He was made to be Oz. All of the actors were placed in roles that were meant for them and did a fantastic job staying true to the magic of the land of Oz. I believe it’s unfair to call this a “film” when it was really more of an “experience.”
Based on characters created by L. Frank Baum, Oz The Great and Powerful takes us back to the love we felt during the first time we experienced The Wizard of Oz. It’s set in the same Oz we viewed during Dorothy’s journey, filled with Winkie Soldiers, Witches, flying monkeys, The Emerald City and that famous yellow brick road. The costumes and effects were spellbinding and the transition from the classic black and white to Technicolor takes your breath away. The 3D effects were very convincing, frightening my son just a bit during the Wizard’s trek through the Dark Forrest. So, if you’re taking the kids, be prepared to cover some eyes during that part.
Bringing you into a world you’ve never seen is what Disney does best, and they have outdone themselves with this film. It’s a family-friendly movie full of excitement, humor, and heart-felt life lessons.
Oz The Great and Powerful will be released worldwide on Friday, March 8th.
