Oz the Great and Powerful is set as the prequel to the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. It follows the life of Oscar Diggs (Oz), a two bit magician from Kansas. Although the accuracy of the film may be in question—like the flying baboons and which witch is which—,there are many similarities between the two films. Both of the films begin in black and white and move to color as the main characters venture into new worlds. Oscar and Dorothy’s friends in the new world resemble people they knew and loved in Kansas.

As far as the content is concerned, Oz’s story line is simple. Mr. Diggs is a lady’s man. In Kansas he is marred by unsuccessful magic tricks and promises that he cannot seem to keep. His charm follows him into the new world, but the faith the people have in him enables him to pull off his greatest magic trick yet.

This film runs for a little over two hours; however, the entire film is entertaining. The audience has a chance to see Oscar as a conniving person at the beginning of the film as he will do and say anything to accumulate the “King’s” wealth, to a compassionate, loving person as he shows his emotional side when dealing with the little “China Girl.” The battle scenes are very interesting too.

Oz the Great and Powerful leaves room for a sequel. At the end of the movie, Evanora is carried off by her flying monkeys as she is defeated by Glinda the Good Witch. Oz hands out gifts to the main people that helped him scare Theodora off. Much like he does at the end of The Wizard of Oz.

Lemuel Way

Because, because, because, because, because...

An evaluation of any film that proposes to recreate a classic world or to add to a much beloved story must necessarily take into account the success or failure of that endeavor, not merely from a purely functional perspective, but also from an emotional one.

Over the last decade or so, Hollywood has produced a vast quantity of remakes or "reboots." From 70s and 80s television shows such as "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "21 Jump Street" to movies such as "Halloween, "King Kong" and "True Grit," the list is long and varied. Some are well done; others are purely derivative. Few represent any true innovation.

"Oz the Great and Powerful" distinguishes itself from the pack by offering viewers something new and original. Rather than merely regurgitating existing content, this new "Oz" does what all the best stories do. It asks "what if?" It creates both a prequel to a long-beloved tale and a film that is valid and entertaining in and of itself.

As Lemuel points out, the new film does mimic the original in areas, and incorporates motifs and themes well-known to fans of  Dorothy and company. It's important to note, however, that in this, too, the new film pays homage  to the old rather than simply aping it. Watching the movie evolve to color, seeing original characters echoed in new ones, revisiting Dorothy's dissatisfaction with her life as mirrored by Oscar's own--all these experiences create a pleasing backdrop of familiarity against which the new and highly entertaining story plays out. Further, the vivid imagery, fantastic scenarios, and the frequency with which characters break into song work together to create a sense of wonder similar to the original film.

In all, this film adds nicely to the wonderful world that is Oz.

by Maggie Worth