It seems that fantasy movies are popular these days. The second one I watched this month was Oz the Great and Powerful. I had high expectations on this one as I heard lots of raves about the movie. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see James Franco and Mila Kunis?
According to director Sam Raimi, the film takes place twenty years before the events of Victor Fleming’s original 1939 movie. The film is not based on any book in the Oz series, but can be seen as a prequel of the classic myth.
Oz the Great and Powerful tells the story of Oscar Diggs commonly known as Oz (James Franco), a circus magician, con artist and womaniser. Originated from Kansas, Oscar got into the land of Oz when he was hurled away by a tornado. Oscar thinks he got lucky upon seeing the fortune he could get at the land of Oz. However, Oscar was unwillingly drawn into the problems facing the land. He met three witches and transforming into a better man in the process.
Here are the main characters including some of my favourite supporting ones
(source: Walt Disney FB Page):
- Oscar Diggs (James Franco) – a small-time magician who takes his magic act on the road as part of a traveling circus in the Midwest. A man with dubious ethics, Oz is a handsome, charming charlatan who is skilled at smooth-talking his way out of problems. When he is hurled into the magical Land of Oz, Oscar faces a fight-or-flight dilemma that holds the fate of a kingdom in the balance, forcing him to decide what kind of man he truly is before it is too late.
- Theodora (Mila Kunis) – a beautiful, naïve witch who is protected by her powerful sister Evanora. Theodora only wants peace to come to the Land of Oz and truly believes that a prophesied wizard will arrive someday to restore order.
- Evanora (Rachel Weisz) – A witch to be feared, Evanora is Theodora’s over-protective sister. With her penetrating gaze, she exudes a powerful presence and has positioned herself as the royal advisor and protector of Emerald City.
- Glinda (Michelle Williams) – a good witch who rules over a peaceful kingdom of simple, kind folk. Beautiful Glinda is not only a compassionate and benevolent witch, but also a fierce protector of her people. Though Glinda sees through Oz’s façade early on, she knows genuine goodness lies within and helps Oz achieve his true destiny.
- Finley (Voice of Zach Braff) – a winged monkey that accompanies Oz on his journey. Finley doesn’t have a high opinion of Oscar and lets him know it. Ultimately he becomes a loyal ally and helps Oz discover his true self.
- China Girl (Voice of Joey King) – from the village of China Town, where everything, including the inhabitants, is made of china. When destruction befalls her land, the brave, resilient China Girl encounters Oz and they strike up an unlikely friendship.
- Knuck (Tony Cox) – a dour, unsmiling Munchkin, who, as the Herald of Emerald City, announces all the visitors. Despite his cantankerous demeanor, he is loyal to Glinda and thus reluctantly becomes Oz’s ally.
Each and every character in the movie was interesting… I especially loved the China girl and the flying monkey. They were so cute and adorable!
Unfortunately, I felt that Mila Kunis’ character was forgettable 🙁 I’m not sure if it was the script or she wasn’t able to portray the evil witch effectively.
I must admit I couldn’t stop staring over how astoundingly beautiful Michelle Williams was in the movie. She had an angelic look all throughout the movie. I do not know if it was the make up or the costumes but boy, Oz the Great and Powerful just made me a Michelle Williams fan. She’s now one of my girl crushes!
Another aspect of Oz the Great and Powerful that I loved was the impressive graphics. I enjoyed touring the vibrant land of Oz through the film. The beautiful land, flowers, hot air balloon, and special effects like Glinda’s flying bubbles. It was eye-candy all around.
The movie was over two hours. I had a great time watching it with its beautiful scenery. I think a lot of people can escape watching this movie. Oz the Great and Powerful definitely caters to everyone of any age.
My Rating for Oz the Great and Powerful: 4 out of 5 stars
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