Sunday 10 March 2013

Movie Review: Oz- The Great and Powerful

 Today we bring you another movie review.

Well, technically this isn't a movie based on a book but since it serves as a spiritual prequel to one of my most beloved fantasy worlds- Oz, I believe it is worthy of a review from a literary standpoint as well.


While the oh-so numerous novels were meant specifically for kids, the movie targets the grown-up audience as well, although the central attention is still the kids.

It shows how the Oz (full acronym OZPINHEAD), came to the land to Oz and became its ruler. The story is surprisingly good and I never truly saw the major twist in the plot till it actually came to the fore, which was in the middle of the movie.

The characters are also well developed and Oz is not the simple, bumbling fool, we have to know in the books but a selfish, deceitful, pompous showman who loves womanising but also has a good heart beneath it all.

Theodora (the Wicked Witch of the West) played by Mila Kunis, is a wonderful character who starts up as a good person and believer in the protection of the people but spurned by Oz's betrayal and the seeds of evil (almost literally) planted by her sister, turns into and evil cackling broom-riding witch.

Evanora (the Wicked Witch of the East) played by Rachel Weisz, is the major antagonist and is probably the most non-gray character in the movie, besides Glinda the Good, who, as you can already tell is good.

A special mention goes out to Finley, the flying monkey, who is one of the most lovable animated creatures of all time and comes up with some witty lines through the movie.

The first half is breezy and the first glimpse into Oz is breathtaking and the 3D effects are in full force. The second half is a traditional good v. evil battle, but it manages to hold your attention well enough. Overall, although, it doesn't rank among the all time greats, it still is a decent watch and may even find a place in my DVD collection.

Signing off,
Utsav