Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

	Also Known As: -
	Year of first release: 2013
	Director: Sam Raimi (Spider-Man 1-3, The Evid Dead 1-3, Drag me to Hell)
	Actors:  James Franco (Flyboys, This is the End), Michelle Williams (Shutter Island), Rachel Weisz (The Mummy, The Fountain), Mila Cunis (Jupiter Ascending)
	Country: USA
	Genre: Fantasy
	Conditions of visioning: 17.04.2017, VOD, 32" TV screen.
Synopsis: A frustrated circus magician from Kansas is transported to a magical land called Oz, where he will have to fulfill a prophecy to become the king, and release the land from the Wicked Witches using his great (but fake) powers.
Review: This is a prequel to the classic story of Dorothy being caught in a tornado and transported to the land of Oz in which she will make strange friends on her way to meet the magician that could take her home. Of recent memory I know it only from the version with Michael Jackson and Diana Ross in it: The Wiz. This movie follows a similar spirit with its main character looking for his place in the world, and meeting assorted colorful characters along the way, both friends and foes. I had read some bad or mild reviews about this movie, and in fact I didn't find it great, but more a large display of colorful and well-done digital special effects. A bit surprising coming from Sam Raimi, but I guess this prequel story was something he had at heart to tell. I didn't mention yet the known actors in the lead role (Franco, Weisz, Cunis) that I found to pay their part just right. An interesting new take at a classic story, but nothing revolutionary. Anyway much better than Snow White and the Huntsman (which I should have rated less than 4/10)..
Rating: 5 /10