Oz the Great and Powerful

Did I mention fantasy films before? Yes, I believe I mentioned how they can send you to another place and time, delve into different characters, and allow the audience to enjoy the 'ride' as the characters themselves do in these films. All of this describes "Oz the Great and Powerful" in spades.

Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty 1905 Kansas via a hot air balloon and a twister to the vibrant Land of Oz. Because everyone thinks he is the wizard that is expected by prophesy, at first he thinks he's hit the jackpot--fame and fortune are his for the taking. That all changes, however, when he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it's too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, with the assistance of friends, Finley (Zach Braff), China Girl (Joey King), Master Tinker (Bill Cobbs), and Knuck (Tony Cox), Oscar's use of ingenuity, and even a bit of wizardry, he transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, but into a better man as well.

Others to round out the cast are Stephen R. Hart as Winkie General, Abigail Spencer as May, Bruce Campbell as Winkie Gate Keeper, and Tim Holmes as Strongman.

this was directed with grit and poignancy by veteran Sam Raimi ("The Evil Dead" '81, "Crimewave" '85, "Evil Dead II" '87, "Darkman" '90, "Army of Darkness" '92, "The Quick and the Dead" '95, "A Simple Plan" '98, "For Love of the Game" '99, "The Gift" 2000, "Spider-Man" '02, "Spider-Man 2" '04, "Spider-Man 3" '07, "Drag Me to Hell" '09). The way he can bring such passion from his actors is effortless. It was written by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire based on the works of L.Frank Baum. These writers were not only able to keep that nostalgic feel to the story, but also were able to bring fresh blood to it also. This was basically a prequel to 1939's "The Wizard of Oz", where Dorothy is transported to Oz where Oscar, or the wizard has already set up residence. This goes more into both evil sisters instead of just one.

The visual effects predominantly created by SPI (Sony Pictures Imageworks) were stunning, and usually I pan the 3D process, but this was clearly enhanced by that process and actually helped make this land that much more fantastic. You can even see the similarity of the beginning of the film filmed in black and white and the screen as smaller to, when he lands in Oz, everything is in color and the picture is much wider just like in the original. Everything from Danny Elman's whimsical score, to Peter Deming's sweeping photography, the visuals, even the main titles designed by Yu + Co, make this production sing.

This film has it all: action, adventure, explosions, but at the same time it brings poignancy, heartfelt characters, and passion that you just don't see as a typical combination in films today. What more do you want for a great ride to a fantastical place?

Out of 4 Stars: 4                            Rated: PG                           130mins.