I just got back from seeing Oz the Great and Powerful, and it was amazing!!! The prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz is colorful, lush, vivid, splendidly witty, sophisticated, and touching. It's the story of a man who starts out as a charalatan, and ends up using his trickery to bring people together. It's absolutely marvelous! Just a good old-fashioned story.
Watching the trailer didn't really make me want to see this film. It was a word-of-mouth review that changed my mind. I went in not expecting anything, and walked out with a renewed sense of faith in the film industry. Director Sam Raimi does a great job of coxing winning performances from an all star cast of young, familiar actors.
James Franco is Oz, and when you see his entire performance, you'll be blown away. I won't give it away, but you will definitely be impressed. Rachel Weisz as Evanora is adorably wicked. Mila Kunis as her sister Theodora is passionately unhinged. Michelle Williams is practical, shrewd, and intelligent as the good witch Glinda.
I literally laughed, clapped my hands in delight, gasped in surprise, and cried real tears watching this cinematic triumph. The other Wizard of Oz unfurled on screens at a time when people most needed hope. This one has the same perfect timing. I want to see it again and again! (Especiallly in 3D, which literally left me awestruck).
Trailers:
The Host: Saoirse Ronan as Stephenie Myer's newest teen heroine comes off as more passionate and spunky than the last one. *kind of interested, we'll see
Now You See Me: Jesse Eisenberg looks buff and sexy, the new straight hair is working for him. I'm still confused by the trailer, but it looks interesting. *not sure yet
Oblivion: Tom Cruise saves the world, but this is a new version of the trailer that makes a more emotional plea. *worth a ticket purcase
After Earth: Will Smith and his son Jaden re-team in this sci-fi fantasy. It had merit, but it feels so much like Oblivion. However, the father/son tale should score viewers. #worth a ticket purchase
GATSBY: C'mon, you KNOW I'm going to this one as soon as it opens. I love spectacle and fashion, so there's no keeping me away. I'm gonna spring for the 3D, it looks amazing. *will probably see it a few times
Epic: I would actually see this! An animated fantasy about world's to tiny to see with the naked eye. *worth a ticket purchase, kid friendly, environmental message tied to message about using creativity, solid win.
Monsters University: I will not tell a lie, I am sorely tempted to go see this. Click the lin and see why. #worth a ticket purchase.
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