Movie Corner: Oz the Great and Powerful

 by Candace Salima, US Daily Review, Senior Contributor

Movie: Oz the Great and Powerful
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: James Franco, Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis, and Rachel Weisz
Runtime/Rating: 130 Minutes / PG

The prequel to The Wizard of Oz, Oz the Great and Powerful is the story of a carnival magician and conman who arrives in the land of Oz. Greeted by Theodora, a very naive witch, Oz finds himself in a very strange land, one of vibrant colors, flying monkeys, china dolls and three very different witches.

Upon arrival in the Emerald City, Oz finds himself in a room literally filled with gold. Unfortunately, Theodora's sister Evanora is conniving and manipulative. She entices Oz with the gold and promise of the throne...after he kills the wicked witch. But the question is, who is the wicked witch?

Oz's journey takes him through Oz with an assortment of interesting characters. My favorite, although Finley the Flying Monkey was awesome, was the China Girl played by actress Joey King. The animators and screenwriters surpassed all expectations with China Girl.

All in all, the story plays out wonderfully in an engaging film that shows how Oz became Oz the Great and Powerful. Sometimes, it's less about magic and more about recognizing the potential within.

The writing is solid, as is the directing, acting and animation. And Theodora...wow, there is a lot more that witch than that stunning red hat! I give Oz the Great and Powerful 4.5 out of 5 stars. I'm just not a big fan of James Franco as Oz. It felt like there was something "not quite right" with Franco's portrayal of Oz. I was never able to really cheer for him, but the rest of the movie was fantastic.

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Candace Salima is an author, columnist, frequent radio show guest, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn or Facebook.

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Music lovers and critics are astounded and pleased that music such as this,once thought a lost art, is still being created. The most unforgettable, touching and meaningful music in the world today! Welcome to the award-winning, uplifting sounds of "Moon Light" -- Aubree and Stephen Oliverson. Aubree and Stephen will be performing at the Benefit for Alvin Salima, along with Nathan Osmond, Sherry Hulet, Nancy DeMello, Ivan Bigney, Joshua Fonokalafi, and Fox 13's Big Budah on 28 March 2013 at Noah's in South Jordan. Details here.

Listen to them perform, your soul will be irrevocably touched. David Osmond sings as Aubree plays Firework to the background of an orchestra.

Donations are being accepted at Zions Bank to the Alvin Salima Fund.

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Copyright 2013. All rights reserved by Candace E. Salima.