Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: A carnival con man is transported to the magical world of Oz where he discovers he is destined to save its people.
Review: I will admit I am not well versed on the many books, and I have no idea how faithful of an adaptation this film was to any of those, but these facts did not stop me from enjoying the movie. I should also note that this is a Disney film so expect a certain formula ripe with their own self-created cliches. The movie begins by homaging the original '39 version of "The Wizard of Oz" with black and white film when in the "real world" while transitioning to color when in the world of Oz. This was a nice touch, and there were even a few shots using old-school tactics, I most certainly appreciate, such as the close-up of a character's eyes lit up while the rest of their face is obscured by no lighting (I'm sure there's a name for this technique). The lead character is also nicknamed Oz, played somewhat awkwardly by James Franco, who is a wannabe magician that even considers himself a con man. While Mr. Franco does an adequate job, there are many moments when he seems confused on how to play the character; I do not blame this on the director since that's Sam Raimi, and I know Mr. Raimi would have a clear vision of how he wanted things judging by his many past films; speaking of which, you know this will lead to obligatory cameos by Ted Raimi and Bruce Campbell! The main problem lies with, what many have criticized about the whole film, a miscast of the actors playing the roles.
Oz only cares about money, is selfish, and is an apparent womanizer as he seems to be involved with multiple women within his traveling sideshow. When one of the boyfriends of these women finds out, they chase Oz until he flees in a hot-air balloon. To Oz's great distress, the balloon is heading directly toward a tornado that immediately pulls him in. Much like Dorothy, Oz then finds himself safe and sound within the world of Oz coming into contact with the witch, Theodora, played by the beautiful Mila Kunis. Again, there is this sense that someone else would have been better suited for the Theodora character than Ms. Kunis, but she did a commendable job trying to fill such an iconic role. The naive Theodora is captivated by Oz because she believes he is the destined wizard that will reign as king and defeat the Wicked Witch terrorizing their land. She is likewise dazzled by Oz's tricks believing they are true magic, and, after he applies his charms on her, Theodora finds herself with a crush and hoping to be Oz's queen. Furthermore, Oz saves a flying monkey, named Finley, who pledges to be Oz's lifelong servant as a means of gratitude; Finley essentially serves as Oz's moral compass throughout the film. After being taken to Emerald City, Oz meets Theodora's sister and fellow witch, Evanora, played by Rachel Weisz, who is weary that Oz is the actual wizard foretold about. Seeing the mountain of gold he will receive, and swimming in it Scrooge McDuck-style, Oz works up the nerve to go after the Wicked Witch with Finley at his side. While they follow the classic yellow-brick road, they come across a village, full of creatures made of china, that was destroyed by the flying baboons with one lone survivor dubbed China Girl. After Oz uses some glue to repair her legs, China Girl decides to join Oz and Finley after some coercion. The group finally runs into the so-called Wicked Witch who turns out to be Glinda the Good Witch, played by Michelle Williams doing her best to fill in yet another famous role. Glinda informs the group that Evanora is the actual Wicked Witch and that she killed Glinda's father, the former king. The group then narrowly escapes the flying baboons as Evanora had been watching the group through a crystal ball and ordered her minions to attack. Sensing some resistance from her powerful sister, Evanora manipulates Theodora into believing Oz was tricking her and that he was only nice to her for personal gain. Theodora becomes heartbroken and Evanora offers her a magic apple that she promises will make her pain subside but actually unleashes the evil within turning her into the classic green-skinned Wicked Witch. Two things: from here we see Theodora become a cartoonish villain with no reconciliation of who she was; I would have preferred there was more of a romantic storyline with Oz trying to bring back Theodora. The other thing is that Ms. Kunis made the witch sexy! The original film had her looking more like an archetypal witch, but here she came off attractive. Or maybe I'm just a weirdo? Anyway, Glinda brings Oz to the majority of the land's people in an attempt to rally them to retake the Emerald City. There is a funny part where Oz tells the Munchkins to please not sing! Knowing Oz is not a real wizard, Glinda nd Oz plot a means to trick the Wicked Witches into believing he does indeed possess great powers; using all of the citizen's skills, they devise an elaborate plan to infiltrate and assault Emerald City. The first phase of their plan involves using scarecrows to trick the flying baboons into entering the infamous poppy fields that make you sleep "forever;" however, Glinda is still captured by a few baboons. Then Oz allows himself to be spotted raiding the treasure room and once again fleeing in his balloon that is shot down by Theodora. With this, they use a projector-like device that Finley and Oz snuck into the heart of the city to make it appear as though Oz is a giant, ethereal head using fireworks as if they are blasts of energy. Feeling outmatched, Evanora runs away where she is later confronted and defeated by Glinda thus turning her into an old woman, but she escapes with aid from the flying baboons. Theodora flies away on her broom after Oz says she is still welcomed in the Emerald City if she should ever choose to change her ways. Why couldn't they have played up this angle more?! With the Wicked Witches gone, Oz and his crew design the throne room to play his projection and maintain the illusion he's immortal. For their assistance, Oz gives gifts to those that helped the most much as he did in "The Wizard of Oz." This part was heartfelt and even felt more meaningful than the '39 film. The films ends with Oz and Glinda getting together although I would have preferred Oz and Theodora...or me and Theodora green or not!
I don't understand why the reviews have been so harsh for this film because it is a solid family-adventure while paying tribute to the '39 film. For example, we see the lion, we saw scarecrows, we see the Tin Man's creator, and even meet who is implied to be Dorothy's mom, just to name a few. The acting is shaky from time to time, probably because of the miscast debate I already mentioned, but for the most part things still work. The story probably won't be as beloved as the original, but it doesn't deter from the fact that it stands well on its own. It could have used more depth especially in regards to Theodora and more background on Evanora's motives. While I don't think this is a run out to the theater right now situation, this is most certainly worth a rental or buy. If you see this, go in with an open mind and don't expect it to be like the '39 film since this was meant more to be a reboot than a true prequel.
Notable Moment: When you first see Theodora fully transformed into the Wicked Witch. I was curious as to how they would handle the makeup, but they managed to pull it off excellently.
Final Rating: 7/10
She's working it! Ms. Kunis is quite attractive regardless!
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