Why people are split on this (including the critics) actually baffles me.
To me, this is exactly the set up and prequel that the original Wizard of Oz deserved. It's highly entertaining and hit some very impressive visual notes. Sure, the story does come across as a bit shallow but it's not like the original film was full of complexity and depth. I'm glad I avoided most press and knew nothing about the movie before I saw it because the twist really did surprise me. Maybe I should have seen it coming but I honestly did not. Franco was great and the CGI characters really worked. The flying monkey and china doll were just what a family friendly like this needed. Although, there was a stretch were the china doll's personality hit a cartoon sour note but her intro and how she finished erased that in my book. Overall, a film that delivers fun and a wonderful use of effects and visuals. The budget was well spent and so was my movie ticket money.
To me, this is exactly the set up and prequel that the original Wizard of Oz deserved. It's highly entertaining and hit some very impressive visual notes. Sure, the story does come across as a bit shallow but it's not like the original film was full of complexity and depth. I'm glad I avoided most press and knew nothing about the movie before I saw it because the twist really did surprise me. Maybe I should have seen it coming but I honestly did not. Franco was great and the CGI characters really worked. The flying monkey and china doll were just what a family friendly like this needed. Although, there was a stretch were the china doll's personality hit a cartoon sour note but her intro and how she finished erased that in my book. Overall, a film that delivers fun and a wonderful use of effects and visuals. The budget was well spent and so was my movie ticket money.