OK for kids 10+
Colorful prequel is scarier, less magical than the original.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Oz the Great and Powerful is considerably darker and more intense than The Wizard of Oz. While it pays tribute to the original film, the main character this time is an adult, rather than a girl, and the themes are accordingly more mature. For much of the movie, Oz (James Franco) is a selfish, egotistical ladies' man; he flirts to get his way and ends up kissing four different characters. (He also says "damn" a couple of times.) And if the Wicked Witch's flying monkeys in the 1939 classic frightened your kids, the flying baboons in this prequel may terrify them (particularly in 3-D), as will the general cruelty of the evil characters and the plight of the orphaned China Girl. Glinda is also briefly tortured (via magical lightning), and there's an intense twister scene and several "jump" moments that are especially startling in the 3-D version. The Wicked Witch's transformation is creepy, though ultimately she doesn't look quite as scary as the original. On the bright side, the movie offers a lasting lesson about how teamwork and friendship between unlikely allies can overcome obstacles and how a person's legacy lives on in people's hearts and minds.
- Families can talk about Oz the Great and Powerful's scary scenes. What makes it scarier than the original? Does the fact that it's a fantasy story make it any less scary? Why or why not?
- Some critics have complained that the wizard isn't a very likeable character. Do you agree? Were you still rooting for him? Why?
- How does Oz the Great and Powerful compare to the 1939 original (and, if you're familiar with it, the musical Wicked)? Do you think it's meant for the same age kids?
- Do you think Hollywood should have revisited the story of Oz, even if it wasn't an actual remake?
The good stuff
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Messages: Despite the overwhelming odds against them, Oz, his friends, and the good people of Oz band together to save the land from evil. There's a recurring emphasis on the idea that when you believe (in yourself, in others, in a dream), anything is possible, as well as the notion that people can change for the better if they're given the chance -- and others' trust. Evil characters are driven by vengeance and jealousy.
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Role models: Both Glinda and Annie see vast potential in Oz, even if he's a self-described con-man magician who -- at least at first -- is quick to take advantage of others and put his own selfish interests above all else. Glinda is optimistic, self-sacrificing, and wise; China Girl and Finley are faithful companions who teach Oz the meaning of unconditional friendship. The wizard rises to the occasion to save the people of Oz, and even at the end, he offers the Wicked Witch a chance to redeem herself.
What to watch for
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Violence: The flying monkeys are now flying, screeching baboons with big talons, and they can be downright terrifying, especially in 3-D. Early in the film, the circus strong man chases and tries to beat up Oz; the twister scene that follows is intense (this is another instance where 3-D ups the intensity, with sharp projectiles flying toward Oz, objects hurtling through storm clouds, etc.). Glinda is tortured (via magic) and must battle her evil enemies, who look quite scary and can be frighteningly wicked. China Town and all its inhabitants are mostly destroyed, and the orphaned China Girl is left with broken legs. One main character's transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West is freaky, although she's not as ugly as the original Wicked Witch. The wizard navigates some intense river rapids upon his initial arrival in Oz, plummeting down a scary waterfall, and he's later charged by a hungry lion and attacked by fierce piranha-like plants (again, scary in 3-D). Theodora hurls fireballs when her temper flares, and angry tears leave scars on her cheeks. China Girl briefly wields a knife in one scene (played for humor); soldiers use spears. Scenes in the Dark Forest include creepy eyes and a spooky graveyard. One scene near the end briefly suggests the death of a main character.
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Sex: Oz is quite the womanizer; he kisses four different women over the course of the movie, and there are a few innuendos about his various conquests. Theodora wears what looks like a corset top in one scene; earlier, she's shown wearing very tight leather pants and a jacket. The Wicked Witch is fairly busty as well. Oz's treatment of women is the cause of a lot of anger and destruction.
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Language: "Damn" is used a couple of times; also "shut up."
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Consumerism: Although the movie itself contains no product/brand references outside of the book and classic film, Disney has merchandise partnerships with everything from makeup and apparel companies to stationery and games.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: In the Kansas section, a clown drinks from a flask during Oz's magic performance.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Oz The Good and Entertaining by MedRed
Oz The Great and Powerful has great things going for it. The visuals were vibrant and beautiful.The CGI is really good. This movie has the best use of 3D I've seen outside of an animated film (better than Avatar). It's worth an IMAX 3D ticket.
The supporting actors (especially the CGI characters) are excellent. Their dialogue, believability, and comedic relief are top notch. They make this movie very playful and fun!
So what's not so great? The main characters. Their acting, dialogue, and interactions come off as acting 101. There is very little character development. Franco's character comes off as one dimensional to a fault. Mila Kunis is not believable in her role at all.
It's a shame that the main actors do not capture the whimsy of the original Oz movie. Despite this, this movie is worth seeing. Just don't expect a masterpiece on par with its inspiration.
There are no scenes during or after the credits.
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3
OZ The Great ............... Disappointment by Darkola
Took the wife to see this with hopes it would do justice to the original story The Wizard of Oz, unfortunatelly with all the improvements over the years with special effects, and even the acting being better these days, this movie doesnt even come close to the original 1939 movie. The movie itself did have a good idea for a story, on how the Great Oz became who he is, but unfortunately they went in a disappointing direction with even that. The choice of actors and actresses for the main characters also fell short, for a movie like this, they should have did a better job with their choices. I found myself and my wife looking back and forth at each other for the majority of the movie wondering when it was going to get good, as it just seemed to drag, but will say the last half hour did get alot better, but not near enough or soon enough for this movie to deliver, I myself would give this 2 stars, and unless ya have kids dying to see it, wait for the DVD ......... Enjoy :)
4
Oz The Great and Powerful by dzz10
A feast for the eyes but some very mediocre acting. James Franco and Mila Kunis were pretty awful but Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Rachel Weisz,, and Joey King saved the movie. I couldn't help but think the entire time I was watching this film that Bruce Campbell in his prime would have made the most AMAZING wizard. I did thoroughly enjoy his cameo, however. Fun to spot Ted Raimi as well. All in all a fun film that kept the spirit of the original Wizard of Oz intact.
4
A Great and Powerful movie? by StarTreatment
I did enjoy Oz the Great and Powerful. Yes, I've seen better movies, I've also seen a lot of movies that are a lot worse. I think that one of the elements that made this movies so-so for me is that I didn't watch it in 3D. It is OBVIOUSLY made to be watched in 3D. There are many scenes that I'm sure would have been amazing in 3D that fell short-of-the-mark in the regular version.
I enjoyed the actors, but there is something off-setting about the Wicked Witch of the West's face. It's almost as if she's had botox and looks plastic. With all of the advancements in special effects, I think that they could have made it better. I felt as if it distracted me and took away from the scenes.
I do recommend seeing this movie. I will probably go again, and watch it in 3D next time. I will definitely purchase the video when it comes out.
3
OZ The Great and Powerful by flight51
while film is artistically spectacular, it does drag in spots and at least 15-20 minutes should have been cut from the film. And WHY didn't they fix that one strand of Glinda's hair? Bothered me the entire movie. Loved Findley the monkey and the china doll. Rushed the characters of the bad witches. While we did not see the 3D movie, you could tell where the 3D effects were.
Glad I saw it, will not watch it again on TV when it hits the cable channels
1
A real loser! by shelleybelljones
This movie wasn't just bad, it was awful! The best actor was the animated china doll. It was a struggle to sit through the entire film.
3
Not the best attempt at a prequel to MGM's 1939 home-run. by andydukes
Overall, a 'not-bad' movie. I left a little disappointed hoping for a more realistic experience in terms of special effects and cinematography. I really did not connect with James Franco or Mila Kunis playing Oz or the Wicked Witch of the West. Comparing this movie to the first Pirates of the Caribbean, I felt like it did not live up to the standard that Pirates set.
3
Great Trailer, Actual Movie Not So Much by bigtgt17
I remember seeing the trailer a couple of times and thought that this was going to be an awesome movie. The beginning is incredibly slow and just barely keeps you interested. It moves along pretty uneventful until the end. The last 30 mins or so is how the whole movie should have been.
3
OZ the Great & Powerful by redkettle
It was good, the special effects were great, was disappointed in the story line and the witches. Mila just did not have it to be a witch nice or not. And Glinda was not elegant as you would have thought she would be. LOVED the China Doll girl...but could have waited for the dvd.
5
Great Fantasy Story by CinemarkMac
Great story, stayed true to the original concept. Wove the creator's name into the story setting, by creating the BAUM Circus, added nice touches like the Cowardly Lion, Scare Crow and the TInkers who would eventually create the Tin Man. Very enjoyable surprise movie.