A Must-Read Movie Review!

My son and I have long awaited the release of, “Oz: The Great and Powerful.” We decided to go and see it in 3D because of all of the talk about the great visual effects.

The story is presented as a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s 1939 classic book, “The Wizard of Oz.” The story provides the back-story on the Wizard of Oz, Glenda the Good, and, of course, the sister witches, Evanora and Theodora.

The story begins in Kansas (where else?). We find Oscar Diggs working at a carnival. He is selfish, conniving, and a known ladies’ man. He is swept up into a tornado and ends up in Oz. It is here that...
...he meets the lovely Theodora, the good witch. She and everyone in the Land of Oz have been waiting on him to fulfill the prophecy and overcome the evil witch. Oscar is in way over his head, but with the many riches offered to him, he forges on.

The colors, the creatures, and the costumes are pure beauty. The story is action-packed with lots of flying, running, and jumping. My son thought there was too much romance. There are three kissing scenes that he could have done without. There are a few scary moments as well, but my nine-year-old described these scenes as surprising, not scary. A smaller child may be frightened at some of the flying baboons and evil witches.

Out of 10 stars, my son gave this movie 7 ½ (Toy Story Three was a 10). I give it 6 stars (I gave Toy Story Three a 10, also). This is worth seeing on the big screen in 3D.
 
This movie review was contributed by LaDonna Kennedy and her son, Ian, age 9.