If you read this blog with any regularity you will know that I am a fan of all things "Oz". So, when I heard that a new Wizard of Oz movie was being released I was both excited and apprehensive. I love the old Wizard of Oz and I was afraid that a new edition would tarnish the old. This was opening weekend for Oz the Great and Powerful and we were sitting in the theater with our 3D glasses donned on Saturday afternoon. This movie lacks my favorite character: Dorothy, but her spirit and spunk are somewhat replaced by a new character: China Doll. It is a prequel to the original movie and tries to explain how the Wizard ended up in the Land of Oz. I liked it. There were plenty of elements that mirrored the old movie to keep me happy. The evil in the movie was very "retro". What I mean by that is: no deep darkness and occult evilness like is often used in newer movies to portray the bad guys.....just mean witches. And no one had to die in the movie either to tell the story.
I've read quite a few criticisms about the CGI effects and at times they seemed a bit cheesy, but I'm easily entertained and the overall effect didn't ruin my movie experience. It's also been said that the Wizard's acting lacked some authenticity (so, exactly HOW authentic is a wizard anyway?). And I might agree with that, but again, I bought it....I was pleased. Perhaps the one thing I missed most was the music. This movie isn't a musical and the songs from the old movie stick in your mind and make you smile. And given how visual a movie it is, it's one that merits a trip to the theater rather than a viewing at home.
Hmmm.......I wonder if anyone will release new novelty Oz prints?
I've read quite a few criticisms about the CGI effects and at times they seemed a bit cheesy, but I'm easily entertained and the overall effect didn't ruin my movie experience. It's also been said that the Wizard's acting lacked some authenticity (so, exactly HOW authentic is a wizard anyway?). And I might agree with that, but again, I bought it....I was pleased. Perhaps the one thing I missed most was the music. This movie isn't a musical and the songs from the old movie stick in your mind and make you smile. And given how visual a movie it is, it's one that merits a trip to the theater rather than a viewing at home.
Hmmm.......I wonder if anyone will release new novelty Oz prints?
This is definitely on my to see list! Thanks for your review! I feel the same way about the original movie!
ReplyDeleteAm a great fan too (unsurprisingly!) I can't wait to see it. Thanks for the review :)
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