Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!  Oh, but in Oz the Great and Powerful, he’s brought in for his close-up, and it’s an interesting look at how a con man from Kansas became the most powerful wizard in all of Oz.  Though this movie may not be “great and powerful”, it’s a lovely romp for fans of the original film, and a fun escape for children of all ages.  Well, except for perhaps the very young’uns, who may get scared of the flying gorillas.  What?  They creeped me out.  Don’t judge me.

Franco is cast well as a steampunk wizard prototype, a young con-man named Oz — his full name being Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkel Emmannuel Ambroise Diggs — who accidentally lands in the Land of Oz after a run-in during his stint as a circus magician.  When I say “run-in”, I mean “running away from”.  And when I say “running away from”, I mean “running away from a jealous strongman whose girlfriend Oz was macking on”.  Because this Oz is a pimp.  A weasely mess of a magician whose dreams of becoming a great inventor are always sidetracked by his inability to do more than dream and pick up chicks.  If those of you that were non-plussed by Franco’s turn at the Oscars — and I’ve gotta say I figured he was riding the Pineapple Express the entire ceremony — doubt that he can pull off this character, let’s just say that Franco has an interesting combination of fecklessness and candor that works well here.

I only wish that the witches had more to work with.  Michelle Williams, as Glinda the Good, has the meatiest role of the three and as such she’s able to imbue her character with a bit more humanity (Oz-manity?)  It’s nice to see Glinda as more than just a flying bubble.  However, Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz, as sisters of the West and East respectively, aren’t given much to do.  After Franco’s Oz romances Kunis’ Theodora, Weisz’ Evanora stirs up her sister’s fears, turning Theodora literally green with jealousy.  And we’re not even halfway into the film.  So those two are simply left to plot and rub their hands together in wicked glee…and what could have been amazing character arcs are punted to the side.  Which is a pity.

Director Sam Raimi does seem to understand that he’s wasted an opportunity here, and the climax of Oz the Great and Powerful definitely doesn’t disappoint.  Not only is it satisfying for this film, it ties in perfectly with the original, The Wizard of Oz. Fans of that classic film now understand exactly why everyone is in awe of The Wizard, why people ask him to grant wishes, and why he wants the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick so darn bad.  Fans of Sam Raimi will also be happy to note that his brother Ted and BFF Bruce “Evil Dead” Campbell make their usual cameos.

There’s also a similar from-black-n-white-to-saturated-color transition in this film, which makes the cinematography and art direction here all the more amazing.  Giant cowbell flowers that ring-a-ling, hummingbirds that swim, cattail reeds that blow a tune whenever there’s a breeze, and a farmer’s field where Horses Of A Different Color graze.  The Oz treasury is beautiful too, even if it’s “just” gold.  In fact, there’s so much gold I expected to see Smaug rear his head when Oz first sees all that loot.  There’s so much beauty crammed into this film it’s gonna take several repeat slo-mo viewings of the DVD to drink it all in.  I just wish that the costumes looked less…costume-y, and more gown-like.  And as I try to figure out a better way to put that (and fail), just know that the witches’ outfits look less like royal or witchy garb and more like something you’d see during Halloween at the Disney store.  Which is probably what will be happening later this year.  Speaking of folks who like to dress up for Halloween, make sure that any little ones you plan on bringing to this film can take a few good scares.  Flying gorillas, with their sharp fangs and evil intent, shriek and jump out at cast and audience alike.  Theodora’s transformation is visceral, and her character after the transformation is just as scary as the original MGM gal.  Very young children may be freaked out, so assess your little ones’ ability to roll with the scary before taking him or her to see this film.

Oz the Great and Powerful doesn’t live up to the original The Wizard of Oz, but did anyone really think it could?  But on it’s own it’s an enjoyable bit of fantasy that makes for a fun time at the movies.  Do splurge and go for the 3D with this film; the moments of beauty are all the more fantastical when you find yourself reaching out for snowflakes, and seeing fireworks explode right in front of you.  Oh, and there’s a cool Oz-3D glasses thing that will be happening.  That we didn’t get at the screening.  But I’m not bitter.  Not at all.  Don’t make me fetch my flying monkeys.