It is a challenging assignment to put a new and contemporary spin on one of the all-time classics.
What The Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland brought to the big screen in 1939 will never be forgotten.
And although Oz: The Great and Powerful is not destined totake its place in history, it is nonetheless a great adventure for children.
There is drama and excitement, magical scenery and special effects plus the compulsory good and bad witches.
Star of the show is travelling circus magician/conman/ philanderer Oz (James Franco) who is swept into the land of Oz by a hurricane. Struggling to believe he is still alive, Oz finds himself in a mystical and magical world.
And if he is able to kill her, he can assume control of the kingdom and all its golden riches.
His target turns out to be the good witch Glinda (Michelle Williams), who is trying to rid the kingdom of Thoedora and Evanora and their evil ways.
And so the battle begins - Oz and Glinda and the good-meaning countryfolk against Theodora, Evanora and the vicious fighters on their side.
If Oz wants to triumph he must dig deep inside and use all his special skills to outwit his enemies.
Oz: The Great and Powerful is a wonderful children's adventure but comes with a couple of warnings - it is long (145 minutes) and it does have some scary moments, particularly in 3D, when frightening creatures appear right in front of you.
