The Wiz Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Dorothy, a kindergarten teacher from Harlem, chases her dog into a blizzard and ends up in a funky, disco-infused Oz ruled by a politician from Atlantic City.

🍿 The Wiz: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dorothy’s Thanksgiving and Arrival in Oz

Dorothy, a shy 24-year-old kindergarten teacher in Harlem, feels unfulfilled as she celebrates Thanksgiving with her family. While chasing her dog Toto during a snowstorm, they are magically transported to the Land of Oz, a nightmarish version of New York City. She learns that the only way back home is to seek the help of the powerful Wiz in the Emerald City.

Meeting the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion

Dorothy embarks on a journey down the Yellow Brick Road (a stand-in for a dangerous New York street), encountering a Scarecrow longing for a brain, a Tinman yearning for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion desperately seeking courage. These characters, all metaphors for societal struggles, join her quest to find the Wiz and fulfill their desires.

Facing Evillene

The group faces numerous obstacles, including the Wicked Witch Evillene, a representation of oppression and exploitation. They navigate dangerous urban environments, encounter drug-infested poppy fields, and confront Evillene’s menacing forces in a sweatshop setting.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dorothy (Diana Ross): A shy, sheltered 24-year-old kindergarten teacher from Harlem who is transported to the Land of Oz and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
• Scarecrow (Michael Jackson): A straw-filled character longing for a brain and representing the intelligent black male oppressed by his surroundings.
• Tinman (Nipsey Russell): A rusted, former sideshow performer seeking a heart and representing a dying breed of African-American showmen.
• Lion (Ted Ross): A Cowardly Lion longing for courage, symbolizing the strong Black man guarding the assets of the white man, yet unable to partake.
• Evillene (Mabel King): The Wicked Witch of the West and sister of Evermean, representing the self-oppressive element within the African-American experience.
• The Wiz (Herman Smith) (Richard Pryor): A failed politician from Atlantic City who masquerades as a powerful wizard in the Emerald City.
• Glinda the Good (Lena Horne): The Good Witch of the South, representing family and inner strength, who guides Dorothy in understanding herself.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dorothy: “There’s no place like home.” – Dorothy realizes the importance of home and self-belief to return to Harlem.
• Scarecrow: “Public office is the last refuge of the incompetent!” – The Scarecrow’s cynical remark reflects his desire for intelligence and understanding.
• Glinda: “Home is knowing. Knowing yourself. Knowing your worth. Knowing where you belong, Dorothy.” – Glinda explains to Dorothy that “home” is about self-discovery and internal understanding, not just a physical place.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,049,053
• Worldwide Gross: $21,049,647

💥 The Wiz Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched “The Wiz” as a kid, and the soulful music and vibrant visuals blew me away. Michael Jackson’s Scarecrow was so endearing, and the whole urban take on Oz felt fresh and exciting. Sure, it’s a bit dated now, but that’s part of its charm. I still get chills during “Brand New Day” – it’s a total feel-good moment. This movie definitely holds a special place in my heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the Broadway musical ‘The Wiz'”
  • “Those interested in 1970s musicals and disco culture”
  • “Viewers looking for a unique, urban take on ‘The Wizard of Oz'”
  • “Michael Jackson and Diana Ross fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes may be too intense or frightening for very young children”
  • “Deals with themes of urban decay, oppression, and drug use”
  • “Contains some dated stereotypes”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “Visually stunning and musically engaging, The Wiz compliments the seriousness of its themes with humor and gives a glimpse at the breakdown of black culture and society. This film rewrite the point of view of the lives of the folks who lived in the ghettos and inner cities.
• AllMovie: “Sidney Lumet, the director, seems ill-prepared to make a big budget musical. But there is not a single honest moment to be found in the performance by Diana Ross and rewriting the story, the screenplay changes Dorothy from being a winsome child to an emotionally unstable adult.
• Common Sense Media: “This movie’s a fun, urban take on The Wizard of Oz that’s dated but still worth seeing. Kids see diversity; parents get thought-provoking stuff. Some scenes (the subway, Evillene’s factory) are intense, but the message of believing in yourself shines through.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the soulful music and energetic performances by the cast, especially Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.: The film’s unique blend of urban settings and classic story resonated with audiences who appreciated its cultural twist on the Wizard of Oz.

Fans enjoyed the imaginative costumes and set designs, which transformed New York City into a vibrant and surreal version of Oz.: The film’s message of self-belief and the importance of friendship were praised as timeless and uplifting themes.

Overall Consensus: “The Wiz” is a culturally significant adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” praised for its music and performances, though criticized for its pacing, casting choices, and darker tone.

Awards

1. David di Donatello Awards (Best Foreign Actress)- 1980

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Original director John Badham left the project due to disagreements about casting Diana Ross as Dorothy, as he felt she was too old for the role.”
• “The movie’s depiction of New York City as Oz included iconic landmarks like the World Trade Center, which adds a layer of nostalgia and historical context.”
• “Quincy Jones was responsible for arranging and producing the music for ‘The Wiz,’ bringing a distinct 1970s R&B/funk flavor to the classic story.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Wiz?

The Wiz is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings and streaming options. You can often find discounted purchase options on these platforms as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Wiz, you might like these similar films:

• The Wizard of Oz (1939): The original classic film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s novel, providing a direct comparison to ‘The Wiz’.
• Dreamgirls (2006): A musical drama with a predominantly Black cast that explores themes of fame, identity, and the music industry, similar to the cultural elements in ‘The Wiz’.
• Annie (1982): Another broadway adaptation with musical elements and a focus on a young protagonist finding their way, appealing to families and musical fans.
• In the Heights (2021): A modern musical film that celebrates the culture and community of a specific neighborhood, echoing the urban setting and cultural themes of ‘The Wiz’.

🛒 The Wiz Related Products

• The Wiz (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): The complete soundtrack featuring iconic tracks by Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and the cast, remastered for pristine audio quality. Experience the soulful sounds of Oz.
• The Wiz: The Super Sounds Of Quincy Jones: An extended collection of funk, jazz and disco sounds from the mind of Quincy Jones, the composer and arranger behind The Wiz
• The Wiz Funko Pop! Figures: Collectible Funko Pop! figures of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion from The Wiz. Celebrate the iconic characters with these stylized vinyl figures.
• The Wiz T-Shirt Collection: High-quality t-shirts featuring iconic images and quotes from The Wiz. Available in various sizes and styles, perfect for expressing your love for the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Wiz features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ease on Down the Road” – performed by Diana Ross & Michael Jackson
• “You Can’t Win” – performed by Michael Jackson
• “Brand New Day (Everybody Rejoice)” – performed by The Wiz Cast
• “Home” – performed by Diana Ross

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Wizard of Oz – Book review (Part 1)

Ever wondered how the ‘Wizard of Oz’ movie stacks up against the original book? This review dives into the source material and points out all the fascinating differences. I didn’t realize how much they changed, it’s definitely worth a watch!

The Wiz: More Than Just the Black Version | Movie Decoded

Did you know ‘The Wiz’ has deep roots in Black American history? This video breaks down the cultural significance of the film, revealing layers you probably missed. Honestly, it gave me a whole new appreciation for it, check it out!

The Timeline of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz

How does ‘Wicked’ fit into the world of the ‘Wizard of Oz’? This video breaks down the timeline and shows you how the stories connect! It’s super interesting to see how they all fit together, I bet you’ll learn something new!

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