Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

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Although gloriously beautiful, the film is neither great nor powerful. Oz the Great and Powerful is more than adequate, but it is in no way truly epic or profound. 

Here, the world of Oz is marvelously re-imagined through the eyes of Robert Stromberg, who has already snatched two Oscars - for Art Direction - for his visionary work on Avatar and Alice in Wonderland. Upon the protagonist's arrival in Oz, the screen expands and is brought to life with exquisite colours; co-incidentally, this is when the dreary story draws its first breath of intrigue and excitement. The landscape of this world is absolutely wondrous; its extraordinary mountains and endless waterfalls are sights of breathtaking beauty. At this point - regardless of James Franco's dull performance - the film is set on its course for Greatness. 

Oz hesitantly enters what is left of China Town.
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As the film progresses, the director sweeps the grand visuals and theatrics aside to reserve center stage for the story and its key characters. This is as it should be. Unfortunately, the script fails to cultivate the more complex and perplexing nuances of the story, and the consequence is a simplified plot with characters who are severely under-written. Alice had the same problem, however, it benefited from consistently spectacular visuals and a stupendous cast who did their darnedest with the thin material given. 

Then, it is vital that we credit and/or discredit the essentials of this cast.

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James Franco's portrayal of the accidental wizard grows to be believable as the film's progression allows him to inject just enough sincerity. In fact, just enough is the perfect summary of his efforts, which is barely acceptable for an interpretation of an iconic character such as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Mila Kunis, with her excellently emotive eyes, is quite likable when we first meet her. However, her characterisation proves to be the most unsympathetic, flat and two-dimensional; I hesitate to blame her considering the material, and the wickedly distortive effect of CGI and make-up.

Needless to say, the costume department deserves a sparkling round of applause.
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Now, this is starting to read like an extravagantly negative review, so, it is time to celebrate the film's few, but significant merits. Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams, once again, dazzle with their undeniable grace and captivating screen presence. Although she delivers very few lines, Weisz delivers them in a powerfully subtle manner, and her passive-aggressive calmness is delightful to admire; I was absolutely enticed by her - how shall I phrase this - cool sass and playful wickedness. 

Michelle Williams' Glinda does not shine as radiantly in terms of witchery, but this illustration of Glinda is lovely and, more importantly, compelling. Some may claim that William's portrayal is sugary and bland, and only showcases the superficial layer. I come to Williams's defense not because I love her, which I do, but because I adore this performance.

Look at the piercing sharpness of that expression.
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 Glinda - to me - has always been the symbol of purity, righteousness and flawless enunciation. I still remember Billie Burke's mesmerising turn as the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz, and her effortless grace is something that I shall never cease to admire.

 I think Williams, too, has an endearing love for this character, and it shows.
Although her moments of fiery conviction are fleeting, and it would have been unforgettable to see her shed that amour of composure in a quiet corner of her idyllic castle - this Glinda is everything that I need her to be. Plus, why should she act otherwise when her gentility, patience and charms are so naturally persuasive?

Discontinued, it may be, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful.
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This film is a lot like Williams' performance; it is not perfectly spectacular nor is it extravagantly dramatized, however, it is sprinkled with enough clever wit and lovely sights; it strikes at the appropriate times, and is ultimately warm and quite endearing. The film doesn't quite reach that peak of Greatness, but at its core is a heart full of Goodness. I can only give it a 7.5, but I do so recommend it.

P.S. 3-D is relatively well utilised, but let's be honest - the only film that should have ever been made in 3-D is Ang Lee's Life Of Pi. Discussion over.

Love y'all.