The new Oz film inhabits a world already established in the 1939 classic, "The Wizard of Oz". It is in fact, a prequel to that film and in this film, Oz (James Franco) ends up in the mythical land and must establish himself as a "great and powerful" wizard that he was destined to be.
Visually, the film is appealing: the CGI seamlessly blends into the real world in a way that makes it pleasing to watch. The 3D effects are appropriate and entertaining. The problem is the film is quite boring and unimaginative despite all its "imagination" and action. It lacks the originality and excitement of the original film and doesn't even hold up to other fantasy pictures that have come out recently.
It is a film where a lot happens on the screen but not much really happens at all in the story. The plot is straightforward and too simplistic: Oz must defeat the wicked witch and restore harmony to the land of Oz. Along the way he learns about himself and how his flawed character can be redeemed with the help of his travelling companions and the decisions he makes.
Fans of the original movie will either be really disappointed or delighted. There is no middle ground. Sam Raimi's direction lacks cohesion and the acting from Franco is not very charismatic. L. Frank Baum is probably rolling in his grave.
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