Is this Blu-Ray release worth adding to your collection? Find out in our review!
James Franco attempts to carry the film on his shoulders as the title character. Franco’s depiction of Oz is juvenile and sophomoric at best. Franco’s delivery is stale and it often seems as if he is taking the character as a joke. It is only during the movie’s finale, which will be familiar to anyone who has seen the 1939 film, that Franco shows any kind of excitement or gravitas as the Great and Powerful Oz. It leaves you wondering how the original actor selected for the role, Robert Downey, Jr., would have done with the material. Luckily, the supporting cast saves the film. Michelle Williams carries a sense of poise and dignity as Glinda the Good. While it does seem forced at times, she still delivers with a sense of sincerity and purity that fits the character. Mila Kunis delivers one of the strongest performances of her career as one of the Wicked Witches. Her transformation from confused lover to wicked witch is strong. It may seem rushed but her performance is scary and entertaining. It pays homage to Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal without seeming too over the top.
Franco is outshined by the supporting cast.
What would any trip down the Yellow Brick Road be without a couple of sidekicks? While no one can ever compare to the performances of Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, and Jack Haley as the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Tin Man respectively, these sidekicks will find their own place in your heart. Zach Braff’s portrayal of Finley, a little flying monkey, is adorable. His performance is cute and loveable. He is no Cowardly Lion, but he is the loveable sidekick that you would expect form a Disney film. As great as Braff is, it is the performance of China girl, played by The Dark Knight Rises’ Joey King, which steals the movie. While she may be made of brittle and fragile porcelain material, China Girl boasts a personality full of bravery and adventure. Even after her village is shattered by the Flying Monkeys, she still seeks to join the Wizard on his quest. King plays the part subtlety and her charm is not overpowering. China Girl also proves to be a resourceful companion that never gets annoying. While the performances of both characters are great, it is the visual effects that bring these characters to life, and they look stunning on Blu-Ray.
Michelle Williams is radient as Glinda the Good.
