Oz The Great And Powerful

PG
Starring: James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis, Zach Braff and Joey King.
Running Time: 2 Hours and 10 Minutes

I have been looking forward to this movie since I first saw it advertised last summer. I wasn't quite sure how Disney was going to be able to come up with a prequel to the much beloved 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz". 
The movie begins similar to the original in black and white as Oscar Diggs (James Franco) a circus magician, tries to fool everyone with his lackluster magic. When he is caught flirting with the wife of the circus strong man, he has to make a quick escape. In his hurry to get away, he jumps inside a hot-air balloon and is whisked away by a storm. Little did he know, but the storm was an approaching powerful tornado.
He is whipped and tumbled and battered around. When he finally comes to a stop, he finds himself in the most beautiful place ever. The color and scenery were absolutely stunning! He has just arrived in the land of Oz! He is immediately greeted by a beautiful young woman named Theodora (Mila Kunis), she is completely convinced that he is the Wizard whose coming had been foretold. The Wizard was suppose to come and free their people and save their land. He is not impressed with helping the people, but he is intrigued with inheriting the peoples riches.
He is confronted with many unique and unusual situations. He comes across an adorable little monkey man named Finley (Zach Braff) who is so life-like and sweet that he is irresistible! He also encounters a young China Girl (Joey King) whom he finds crying and distraught because she was injured and alone and her china-village had been destroyed.
As he ventures on he encounters Emerald City and the beautiful witch, Evanora (Rachel Weisz) who is truly evil and despicable! She is the older sister of Theodora. They conspire to destroy the good witch Glinda (Michelle Williams), who is everything that is good and wonderful in Oz.
Oscar has to find out for himself who is good and who is evil and help to come to terms with his own conscience to help the people and save Oz.
I appreciated how Disney tried to keep as close as they could to the original movie without infringing on MGM's copyright.
I found Oz to be totally entertaining. The special effects and little characters were amazing! The colors and costumes were fabulous! This movie is full of fantasy and pure entertainment. There are parts where you feel like you are right in the movie itself! There was a lot of excitement and drama and some really scary parts as well. However, I wasn't that impressed with James Franco's job as the wizard. I felt like he was lacking and could have been stronger and more convincing.
Parents be advised that there are scary parts with the monkeys (mean baboons) and evil characters that will be real  intimidating for young children. I would recommend this movie for children nine and older.
I am giving "Oz The Great And Powerful", three bags of popcorn!