Movie Review: Oz: the great and Powerful (+trailer)

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 to take 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.

His arrival sparks great excitement as the locals believe the great Wizard of Oz has come to rid them of the wicked witch who rules their kingdom.

Theodora (Mila Kunis) takes Oz under her wing and escorts him to the Emerald City to meet her sister, Evanora (Rachel Weisz).

He is told of the evil witch who killed the king and plunged the land of Oz into darkness.

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.

Oz: The Great and Powerful 3D

(PG) 145 minutes

Rating: 4 / 5