Oz the Great and Powerful

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) PG

Directed by: Sam Raimi

Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, and Joey King

Here We Go:  I came in with high expectations due to all the buzz around the visual effects.  The visuals did not disappoint.   James Franco, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams were all well cast; however, Mila Kunis only seemed right for the first half of the movie.  Kunis does shy/cute/funny well - evil witch not so much.  It's an all around good story that did not seem like the 130 minutes that it was.  I would have liked more of the battle scenes between the good and evil but this was Oz not Return of the Jedi so I can't complain too much.  The "new" characters (China Doll and Finley the Monkey) were well placed and added to the overall enjoyment of the movie.  Overall, Oz the Great and Powerful is a witty, engaging and visually pleasing movie that is right for kids and adults.  I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Bottom Line:  Watch it.  Buy tickets for you and the kids.