Oz: The Great & Powerful - Film Review

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Oz the Great and Powerful, directed by Sam Raimi and released in 2013, serves as a prequel to the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Based on L. Frank Baum's beloved Oz series, the film explores the origins of the Wizard of Oz, delivering a visually spectacular and narratively ambitious tale about ambition, deception, redemption, and self-discovery. Featuring James Franco as the titular character alongside Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams, the movie attempts to recreate the magic of its predecessor while offering a unique perspective on the land of Oz.

The film begins in 1905 Kansas, where Oscar Diggs (Franco), nicknamed "Oz", is a small-time magician and con artist working in a traveling circus. While Oz is charismatic and ambitious, he is also self-centred, manipulative, and consumed by a desire for greatness. After a confrontation with the circus strongman, Oz escapes in a hot-air balloon, only to be caught in a tornado that whisks him away to the magical land of Oz.

Upon arrival, Oz meets Theodora (Kunis), a naïve and kind-hearted witch who believes he is the prophesied wizard destined to defeat the Wicked Witch and restore peace to the land. Theodora introduces Oz to the Emerald City and tells him about the riches and power he could attain as king. Seeing an opportunity for wealth and glory, Oz pretends to be the wizard.

Oz then meets Evanora (Weisz), Theodora’s sister and the advisor of the Emerald City. Evanora instructs Oz to defeat the Wicked Witch by breaking her wand. Accompanied by Finley (Zach Braff), a flying monkey, and China Girl (Joey King), a living porcelain doll, Oz sets off on his quest. However, he soon discovers that the supposed Wicked Witch is actually Glinda (Williams), the Good Witch of the South, while Evanora is the true villain manipulating events behind the scenes.

The story takes a darker turn when Evanora deceives Theodora into eating a cursed apple that transforms her into the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West. Heartbroken by Oz's perceived betrayal, Theodora becomes consumed by rage and hatred. Meanwhile, Oz teams up with Glinda and the people of Oz, using his knowledge of illusion and invention to outsmart Evanora and Theodora.



The climax of the film sees Oz embracing his potential as a leader and creating the illusion of being a powerful wizard to rally the people of Oz against the witches. In the end, Evanora is defeated, and Theodora flees, leaving her redemption open-ended. Oz, now a wiser and more selfless man, decides to remain in Oz as its ruler, using his skills to protect the land and its inhabitants.

At its heart, Oz the Great and Powerful is a redemption story. Oscar Diggs begins as a selfish and morally ambiguous character, but his journey through Oz forces him to confront his flaws and evolve into a better person. By the end of the film, Oz learns the value of selflessness, teamwork, and using his talents for the greater good. The film explores the concept of illusion as both a tool of deception and empowerment. Oz’s skills as a magician, initially used for personal gain, become instrumental in defeating the witches and inspiring hope in the people of Oz. This theme underscores the idea that belief and perception can be powerful forces for change.

Oz’s ambition drives much of the narrative conflict. His desire for greatness blinds him to the consequences of his actions, particularly in his interactions with Theodora. The film critiques unchecked ambition while also suggesting that it can be redirected toward positive ends when tempered by compassion and humility. The classic battle between good and evil is central to the story, but the film adds complexity by showing how individuals can be corrupted or redeemed. Theodora’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West highlights how betrayal and heartbreak can lead to darkness, while Oz’s redemption arc demonstrates the potential for change.

The dynamic between the three witches—Theodora, Evanora, and Glinda—adds depth to the narrative. Each represents different aspects of power and agency. Theodora is a tragic figure manipulated by her sister, Evanora wields cunning and deceit, and Glinda embodies kindness and resilience. Their relationships with each other and with Oz drive much of the story's emotional weight.

Oscar "Oz" Diggs (James Franco): James Franco’s portrayal of Oz captures the character’s complexity, balancing charm, arrogance, and vulnerability. Oz begins as a deeply flawed individual, but his journey in the magical land helps him discover his potential as a leader and a hero. His growth from a con artist to a benevolent ruler underscores the film’s themes of redemption and self-discovery.

Theodora / Wicked Witch of the West (Mila Kunis): Mila Kunis delivers a compelling performance as Theodora, whose descent into villainy is one of the film’s most tragic elements. Initially portrayed as innocent and hopeful, Theodora’s heartbreak and manipulation by Evanora drive her transformation into the iconic Wicked Witch. Her story reflects the destructive power of betrayal and unrequited love.

Evanora (Rachel Weisz): Rachel Weisz brings a sense of elegance and menace to Evanora, the cunning and manipulative Wicked Witch of the East. As the primary antagonist, Evanora’s deceptive nature contrasts with Glinda’s honesty and compassion. Her role as the instigator of Theodora’s fall adds depth to her villainy.

Glinda (Michelle Williams): Michelle Williams shines as Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. Glinda serves as a moral compass for Oz, guiding him toward his potential as a leader. Her kindness, wisdom, and strength make her a compelling foil to Evanora, and her unwavering belief in Oz helps inspire his transformation.

Finley (Zach Braff) and China Girl (Joey King): The supporting characters, including Finley and China Girl, provide humour and heart to the story. Finley’s loyalty and China Girl’s resilience highlight the importance of friendship and courage, reinforcing the film’s themes of teamwork and hope.

One of the film’s most notable achievements is its stunning visual design. The transition from black-and-white Kansas to the vibrant, colourful land of Oz mirrors the iconic shift in the 1939 film. The landscapes of Oz, from the Emerald City to the Enchanted Forest, are brought to life with rich detail and imaginative artistry. The CGI-heavy visuals enhance the magical atmosphere, though some critics noted that the reliance on effects occasionally overshadowed the narrative.

The use of framing and perspective reflects Oz’s journey and the film’s homage to its predecessor. The 4:3 aspect ratio in the Kansas scenes transitions to widescreen in Oz, symbolizing the expansion of Oz’s world and possibilities. Danny Elfman’s score adds emotional depth and a sense of wonder to the film. The music blends whimsical and dramatic tones, reflecting the duality of Oz as a land of beauty and danger.

Upon its release, Oz the Great and Powerful received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised the visuals, performances, and ambition of the film but noted weaknesses in the screenplay and pacing. The movie grossed over $490 million worldwide, demonstrating its appeal to audiences despite its flaws.

The film’s exploration of Oz’s backstory and its connections to The Wizard of Oz sparked discussions about prequels and reimaginings of classic stories. While it does not achieve the timelessness of the original, Oz the Great and Powerful offers a fresh perspective on the land of Oz and its characters.

The film’s vibrant and imaginative depiction of Oz is one of its strongest elements, immersing viewers in a magical world. The cast delivers engaging performances, particularly Michelle Williams as Glinda and Mila Kunis as Theodora. Oz’s journey of self-discovery adds emotional depth to the narrative.

The film occasionally struggles with balancing its narrative and spectacle, leading to moments that feel rushed or underdeveloped. While entertaining, the story follows a familiar trajectory, offering few surprises. The heavy reliance on CGI detracts from the film’s emotional resonance in some scenes.

Oz the Great and Powerful is a visually stunning and thematically rich prequel that adds depth to the world of Oz. While it does not reach the iconic status of its predecessor, the film succeeds in telling a compelling origin story for The Wizard of Oz, blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and redemption.

Through its exploration of ambition, illusion, and the power of belief, the film offers valuable lessons about personal growth and the potential for greatness within us all. Despite its flaws, Oz the Great and Powerful remains an engaging and imaginative addition to the legacy of L. Frank Baum’s magical world.

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