Oz the Great and Powerful (DVD + Digital Copy)

Disney’s fantastical adventure Oz The Great And Powerful, from the director of the Spider-Man trilogy, follows Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics. When Diggs is hurled away to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot — until he meets three witches (Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams), who aren’t convinced he’s the great wizard everyone’s expecting. Reluctantly drawn into epic problems facing Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it’s too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity — and even some wizardry — Oscar transforms himself into the great wizard and a better man as well
Price: $29.99

Most Helpful Customer Reviews:
Making a prequel for such an iconic fantasy and beloved film as the Wizard of Oz at first glance seems like just more grist for the Hollywood mill, but said assumption couldn't be farther from the truth.

Oz the Great and Powerful (aka Oscar Diggs) is a magician in a small, traveling circus who is good at fooling an audience, most of the time, and sweet-talking the local ladies. The latter becomes a source of trouble as an angry boyfriend, who just happens to be the circus strong man, prompts Oscar's hasty departure from the troupe via a hot-air balloon and bad luck turns worse when it flies right into the path of a tornado. By some twist of fate, or divine intervention, Oscar finds himself not only alive but in a strange and beautiful land where magic is more than sleight of hand and its local residents, including three lovely witches, mistake him for a heroic wizard and either a potential savior or threat, depending on the point of view. Many people found in a similar situation would probably stumble around in denial and disbelief but Oscar is a performer of the first order and subsequently cons his way through just about every fantastic or difficult situation thrust upon him all the while struggling to suppress the true hero buried deep within.

James Franco in the lead role brings his usual intensity with a hint of gravitas, a healthy dose of light-heartedness and a smile that lights up the screen; he's utterly convincing and captivating as both con-artist and hero and I believe this role was perfect for him. I thought the film seemed well-cast all around but let me just comment on another dual role I particulary enjoyed; that of Theodora/ Wicked Witch of the West (as portrayed by Mila Kunis) because this part was just so pivotal to the story and a remarkable performance really helped to buoy what at times edged towards a one man show. Cinematically, the land of Oz is a feast for the eyes and even more striking when set against the B&W opening (used to full advantage as with the original), the creature FX were stunningly perfect including the terrifying flying baboons as well as Oz's newfound traveling friend Finley the flying monkey, the wizard duel towards the end was brief but visually exciting, the finale was so creative and it demonstrates the solid writing behind this film and I just gotta admit that little China Girl completely stole my heart.

I have no doubt that many professional critics will write this one off as light fare but for me it's films like Oz the Great and Powerful combined with exceptional actors like Franco and innovative and distinctive directors like Sam Raimi that help to restore my faith in the modern, American film industry. In the end this movie just made me happy, I left the theater with a huge smile on my face... I really can't recommend it enough for people of all ages that enjoy a good fantasy-adventure or just great cinema. :o)