Scott Gentry reviews "Oz The Great And Powerful"

"Oz The Great And Powerful"
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Zach Braff and Michelle Williams.
Certificate: PG
Out Now In Cinemas

Oscar (James Franco) is a womaniser and also a compulsive liar; but Oscar`s best quality is being a magician. After many years of taking part in a travelling circus, Oscar faces the truth, that he is a con man. However, one afternoon after a show had gone wrong; Oscar attempts to flea from an angry mob by stealing a hot air balloon. His plan seems to be going well until he realises a tornado is hurtling towards him. Minutes later, Oscar finally awakes and finds himself in the Land of Oz, with chaperon monkeys, angry dwarfs and vicious witches.

"Oz The Great And Powerful" begins with a wonderful opening (shown in black and white), Raimi protrudes the camera around, which shows the various types of Entertainment that has slipped away in recent times. 

As "Oz The Great And Powerful" progresses, we are led into a complete mixed bag of CGI thrills and spills, within the land of Oz. So for the first half-an-hour, "Oz The Great And Powerful" is right on track, with plenty of Raimi style touches and a particular ability to dazzle the audience. But as the Film carries on, it begins to drag its heals, hurtling 3D effects in your faces, that aren't worth including and making unfunny jokes that play on the nerves. One of my main problems with "Oz The Great And Powerful" is that it is too long, little children will find this Film particularly, a downhill struggle.

However, "Oz The Great And Powerful" has a light, at the end of the tunnel, which is the final half-an-hour; which includes mesmerizing characters and some rather menacing flying baboons. In conclusion, "Oz The Great And Powerful" is a wonderful piece of Cinema, that dazzles, entertains and captivates your heart and mind. On the whole, Raimi has done a good job, considering his transition from Horror, to Superheroes and then to children's films; but his instalment (I believe) leaves a possibility to a sequel.

3 STARS