Oz the Great and Powerful Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A magician gets isekai’d to Oz, messes with three witches’ love lives, and becomes a legend using stage tricks.

🍿 Oz the Great and Powerful: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Oscar’s Kansas Life

In 1905 Kansas, Oscar Diggs, a small-time magician and con artist, dreams of greatness but struggles with his unethical ways. He juggles relationships with multiple women, gifting them identical music boxes. During a circus performance, his trick is exposed, and he’s confronted by an enraged husband.

Arrival in Oz

Fleeing in a hot air balloon, Oscar is swept away by a tornado and lands in the vibrant Land of Oz. He meets Theodora, a beautiful witch who believes him to be the wizard prophesied to save Oz from the Wicked Witch. Initially motivated by the promise of gold and power, Oscar agrees to help.

The Witches of Oz

Theodora introduces Oscar to her sister Evanora, who is skeptical of Oscar’s abilities. As Oscar travels to confront the Wicked Witch, he encounters Finley, a winged monkey, and China Girl, a porcelain doll, who become his loyal companions. He soon discovers that Glinda, the Good Witch, is the one Evanora wants him to kill, and that Evanora is the real Wicked Witch.

Deception and Transformation

Evanora manipulates Theodora into believing Oscar has betrayed her, leading Theodora to eat a poisoned apple that transforms her into the Wicked Witch of the West. Faced with the impending threat, Oscar realizes he must use his skills to protect Oz, despite not being a real wizard.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Oz (James Franco): A small-time, ethically questionable magician who is transported to Oz and must find a way to become the wizard they need.
• Theodora (Mila Kunis): A kind witch who initially believes in Oz but transforms into the Wicked Witch of the West after heartbreak.
• Evanora (Rachel Weisz): A powerful, manipulative witch who serves as the primary antagonist, seeking to maintain her control over Oz.
• Glinda (Michelle Williams): The benevolent and wise good witch who guides Oz and fights against the evil forces in Oz.
• Finley (Zach Braff): A winged monkey who becomes Oz’s loyal friend and conscience throughout his journey.
• China Girl (Joey King): A porcelain doll brought to life, she becomes a loyal and vulnerable companion to Oz, symbolizing the innocence in Oz.
• Knuck (Tony Cox): Initially appearing as an adversary, Knuck eventually becomes an ally to Oz and Glinda, aiding in the fight against Evanora.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Oz: “I’m not that kind of wizard, kid.” – Oz awkwardly responds to a girl in a wheelchair during his magic show in Kansas.
• Theodora: “You’re the Wizard? I thought you’d be… taller.” – Theodora expresses her initial surprise upon meeting Oz, based on the prophecy she knows.
• Oz: “I may not be the wizard they expected, but I’ll be the wizard they need.” – Oz reflects on his ability to be the leader the people of Oz need despite his flaws and lack of real magic.
• Evanora: “In this world, good deeds are just bad ones waiting to happen.” – Evanora reveals her cynical and manipulative worldview to Theodora.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $215,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $234,911,825
• Worldwide Gross: $493,311,825

💥 Oz the Great and Powerful Reviews

Personal Review

As a kid, I always wondered about the Wizard before Dorothy arrived. This movie gave me that backstory, and while it’s not perfect, I enjoyed it a lot. The visuals are incredible, especially in 3D, and Rachel Weisz is fantastic as Evanora. I found myself smiling throughout, especially during the scenes with Finley and the China Girl. The scene where Oz uses his illusions to scare the witches was impressive and made me feel like a kid again. However, it really stretches your belief that the witches could be so easily fooled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of The Wizard of Oz”
  • “Families looking for a fantasy adventure”
  • “Viewers who appreciate visually stunning films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scary imagery may frighten young children”
  • “Fantasy violence”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Visually stunning, ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ delivers a spectacle but lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor. Franco’s portrayal is charming but not quite commanding, while Weisz steals the show as the wickedly delightful Evanora.
• ScreenRant: “Though visually impressive, ‘Oz’ struggles with a predictable plot and uneven performances. The world-building is immersive, but Franco lacks the charisma to fully embody the Wizard, leaving the film feeling more like a tech demo than a timeless tale.
• IMDB: “I didn’t like it. This movie was awful! James Franco, who I have seen act well in the past, seems to have lost his mojo. Mila Kunis, while pretty, acted as well as her boyfriend in real life, Ashton Kutcher, ugh! There was NOT wanting to yawn or sleep. The dialogue between them all seemed so forced and contrived.

Audience Reactions

Spectacular visuals and world-building made Oz a stunning cinematic experience.: Most viewers praised the film’s visuals and its imaginative take on the Land of Oz.

Rachel Weisz delivered a wickedly captivating performance as the evil Evanora.: Many agreed that Rachel Weisz stole the show with her portrayal of Evanora.

Overall Consensus: While visually impressive, ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ receives mixed reviews due to a predictable plot and uneven performances, although the world-building and Rachel Weisz’s performance are generally praised.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Downey Jr. and Johnny Depp were both considered for the role of Oz before James Franco was cast.”
• “The film opens in black and white and in a 4:3 aspect ratio, just like the original 1939 film, before transitioning to color and widescreen when Oz arrives in the Land of Oz.”
• “Several original sets were built for the film to reduce CGI, adding a sense of realism to the fantasy world.”
• “Sam Raimi included some subtle references to his ‘Evil Dead’ films, such as the witches holding out their hands in a way reminiscent of Deadite possessions.”

🖥️ How to Watch Oz the Great and Powerful?

Oz the Great and Powerful is available to stream on Disney+. You can also rent or buy the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Oz the Great and Powerful, you might like these similar films:

• The Wizard of Oz (1939): This is the classic film that ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ serves as a prequel to, sharing characters, themes, and the magical Land of Oz.
• Alice in Wonderland (2010): Similar visual style and fantasy setting, though with a darker tone.
• Labyrinth (1986): Features a young protagonist entering a magical world filled with strange creatures and challenges, requiring them to grow and overcome obstacles.
• Stardust (2007): A fantasy adventure with a blend of magic, romance, and humor, featuring a journey into a mystical land.
• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): While darker and more mature, it shares themes of escaping into a fantastical world to cope with harsh realities and features strong visual storytelling.

🛒 Oz the Great and Powerful Related Products

• The Art of Oz The Great and Powerful: A behind-the-scenes look at the film’s stunning visual design and creative process, featuring concept art, sketches, and interviews with the filmmakers.
• Disney Infinity: Oz the Great and Powerful Character Pack (Xbox 360 / PS3 / Wii U): Add the characters from Oz to your Disney Infinity game, unlocking new adventures and abilities. Enjoy interactive gameplay within the Disney universe.
• Funko Pop! Disney: Oz The Great and Powerful – Theodora: A stylized vinyl figure of Theodora, capturing her likeness in the signature Funko Pop! style. A fun and collectible item for fans of the movie.
• Oz The Great and Powerful [Blu-ray]: Relive the magic anytime, and take advantage of Blu-ray exclusive content and enhanced audio-visual quality.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Almost Home” – performed by Mariah Carey
• “Main Titles” – performed by Danny Elfman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

I’ll never get back together

Prepare for a wave of nostalgia! Relive this iconic scene from ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ that will make you question the passage of time.

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) Bloopers Outtakes Gag Reel

Join the cast of ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ for a hilarious blooper reel filled with laughter and behind-the-scenes fun.

Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013-2024) Cast Then And Now #thenandnow

Curious about how the stars of ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ have transformed over the years? Check out this intriguing ‘Then and Now’ video for a visual journey through time.

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