Went to the movies with a friend today. I texted and said, “I want to see OZ.” So, we did. I am not certain exactly what I was expecting or even wanting, but it sounded good. Besides, with both Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis and directed by Sam Raimi? What’s not to like? It’s a kid’s movie if you considered the original “Wizard of Oz” truly a kid’s movie. I more or less felt like the lion when he jumped through the window. The movie was scary for a kid. Evil flying monkeys, green evil witch, pull out the stuffings of a living scarecrow, and all so a little girl could kill a witch and go home. I know it’s not much compared to the movies today. Heck, it’s not much compared to even regular TV (if there is such a thing) today.
But, back to our original story (no, not that one – Oz, the Great and Powerful). I don’t like spoilers, so I will only say this: It is much easier to write a prelude when the second part is already done. All the details fit together well. It is written and acted in much the same way as the original “Wizard of Oz.” It is hokey, corny, and just as over-the-top. However, it has one thing going that the original never had – CGI. And, boy, did they pour that on! I was very happy with most of the special effects and, I have to admit, the kid in me came out and zeroed in on the story plot and hung right with it. When it was over (130 minutes), I was a bit worn-out. The cast and writers and all managed to take something that you already knew how it was going to come out and twisted it tight enough to make you hold your breath at times.
I don’t know what the rest of you would say about it, but I give it just shy of 4 1/2 stars and I may be under crediting it. Have some fun; be a kid; go see it. It’s a big picture. And, no, I didn’t see it in 3D. My friend doesn’t like 3D and, with my double vision, it’s kinda wasted on me.
Extra note: I told Zoe that I would post a pic of the painting of hers that I won some time ago when I got it framed. It is hung right near the poem “Lovely Death” that I won from another blogger who I will not name as she had some problems and had to move her blog and make it more private. Here are a couple of pics:
I get to see them every day.
My camera is crooked not the poem!
Namaste,
Scott
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