From the official studio boilerplate:
Disney’s fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved wizard character. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. 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 is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great wizard but into a better man as well.
“Oz The Great and Powerful” is produced by Joe Roth, with screen story by Mitchell Kapner and screenplay by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire. Grant Curtis, Palak Patel, Josh Donen and Philip Steuer are serving as executive producers. “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013.Despite having seen many trailers, my daughter did not realize that this was a backstory for Wizard of Oz. After the movie when she commented that some parts were a little scary, I mentioned that she should have known that Oz and Glinda were ok because they were in the subsequent movies. I was a little surprised that she was scared as she has watched many movies at home that I consider to have more suspenseful moments (Harry Potter 1-3, Star Wars (IV-VI), Jurassic Park, Avengers, and Thor). The difference between the big screen and watching a DVD may have contributed to the intensity of the movie.
I liked the movie, but did find some parts a little slow. I enjoyed learning a backstory for how the Wizard of Oz became the man behind the curtain with his image displayed above. I also liked the continuity with the Wizard of Oz...the sleeping poppy fields, the horses of a different color (briefly visible in a field), and the concept of people from Kansas appearing as the hero's traveling companion in the movie. Glinda (Michelle Williams) was Annie in Kansas, Finley (Zach Braff) was Frank, and China Girl (Joey King) was a spectator at Oz's magic show.
Now that I have seen Oz: The Great and Powerful, I would like to go re-watch Wizard of Oz. However, since the films are only connected through their relationship to the L. Frank Baum works, this is not a true prequel so there will be some inconsistencies between the two worlds.
We saw a 3D showing and I thought it was worth the additional charge. I had no issues with the 3D and liked how it was used in some of the scenes.
Based on my daughter's opinions, I would recommend the movie for children ages 6 and above depending on their tolerance for suspense.
To get ready for Oz, check out these Oz Activity Sheets.
Disclaimer: Boiler plate, Images and trailers provided by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. All opinions are 100% mine. I have not been compensated for writing this post.
