OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL Is Good and Visually Powerful

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: "Oz The Great and Powerful" on Blogcritics.org.

It is extremely hard to bring the land of Oz to life, as Disney can attest, given the numerous unsuccessful attempts over the years the company has made to bring the specific, magical world to the screen. Some projects have gotten farther than others, but I think most will agree that the best effort by Disney yet is the film Oz The Great and Powerful, recently released on Blu-ray and DVD.

I’m not sure why Oz proves to be so challenging. It is a place with wickedness, but it’s also a place of wonderment and surprise. Fans of the book series know that even the characters who live their whole life in the realm can find something they’ve never heard of before around every corner. There’s a childlike wonderment inherent, and death is not something oft felt, as even those cut into tiny pieces survive.

Oz The Great and Powerful attempts to capture that tone in a variety of ways. The inhabitants in Oz are forbidden to kill. Kidnapping or chasing others away is more the norm, and even then, we don’t see anyone seriously hurt. The music is whimsical; the effects make the world seem just a little outside of reality, and the characters in this film are colorful, both literally and figuratively.

While Oz The Great and Powerful is not a good adaptation of the books, neither is the beloved MGM classic The Wizard of Oz, so that’s not the sole basis on which the movie should be judged. As much as I want to see a true version done that actually uses L. Frank Baum’s stories, and that has not been accomplished yet (to my knowledge). However, it is possible to create a enjoyable film without sticking to the source material.

This movie is fun, and does provide some nostalgia for fans of the original movie. The black and white beginning and reusing actors in both Kansas and Oz are both reminiscent of the 1939 classic Oz, and there are scarecrows, and flying monkeys, and munchkins that sing. Michelle Williams does a fantastic job as Glinda, not copying her predecessor, but catching just the right feeling for the role, something incredibly hard to do with such a strange, yet familiar, figure. And the China village, while sad not to see more of it or its people, is a nice addition.

There are a couple of issues I have with Oz The Great and Powerful. James Franco at times plays the Wizard too over-the-top, although there are glimpses of greatness in some of the smaller moments. It goes a little too dark, and some of the characters, Knuck (Tony Cox), in particular, are a little too abrasive to be from Oz. Dark characters are a hallmark of modern filmmaking, but they don’t really belong in this realm. Also, the pacing is a little too fast in Theodora’s (Mila Kunis) transformation, and we never return to Kansas, thereby wasting the double-casting device.

Most significantly, I think was a poor choice to make the Wizard as heroic as he is portrayed in the movie. We know that “after the credits roll” he sends a little girl to face the evil witch, but that action doesn’t jibe with how he’s written for this Oz. Oz The Great and Powerful stands OK on its own, but when considering it as a prequel, it really doesn’t work.

Despite this, overall I liked it, especially once the wizard meets Glinda. The story is a bit predictable at times, but then it also goes in unexpected directions in other places. The clash of our world and the fantasy world is very well done, and the score is sweeping in just the right way. Most of the performances are at least serviceable, in particular Williams and Rachel Weisz, who are far better than the rest, and the effects are very well mixed with the physical sets and actors. I would give it a solid B-.

The computer imaging in Oz The Great and Powerful is amazing! I was disappointed not to be able to obtain a 3D copy of the film, but after watching, it strikes me that it may not be necessary. The landscapes and opening credits, especially, already feel like 3D because they are so rich and layered. Somehow, the effect is created to some extent without glasses, though now I wonder how awesome a true 3D version is.

Picture and sound are flawless. I detected no errors or popping or static of any kind, and was extremely impressed with the visual and auditory presentation. Blacks are deep, and the vibrant colors really come through. I’d go so far to say this was probably the best looking non-3D film I’ve watched on Blu-ray. Clearly, more effort was put into the look than the writing or casting itself, and I found myself forgiving some story missteps because it all looked so good. Plus, aided by Danny Elfman’s very appropriate music, which, delivered crispy, enhanced every scene, never taking away from dialogue or action, it soared in this arena.

I also enjoyed the special features. One tells the story of Walt Disney himself trying to get Oz to screens big and small. Others go into Kunis’ transformation, Elfman’s composition, filming techniques with the China Girl (Joey King) and Finley (Zach Braff), and the production design. Each of these were entertaining, informative, and brief, which is probably a good decision for a Disney release. I only wish there had been more featurettes.

There is also a “second screen experience,” but unfortunately this only works for iPads, and since I don’t own one, I can’t report on it. I think this will disappoint some who may own other devices, and wish this additional feature was more universal.

Included in the Blu-ray / DVD / Digital combo pack is a “free” ticket to The Lone Ranger. Unfortunately, this voucher only covers up to $8 for the ticket price, and the theaters in my area (and probably most others) charge more than that, even for a matinee. The ticket expires less than three weeks after release, so you can’t wait until it makes it to the cheaper theaters. So while it’s a nice coupon, the “free” tag is misleading and somewhat inaccurate.

I recommend Oz The Great and Powerful, despite my complaints, because the movie is a visual masterpiece. Keep your expectations in check, and you may be pleasantly surprised by a pleasing movie and some awesome effects. Oz The Great and Powerful is available online and in stores now.

Steve Carell is leaving The Office

    For six seasons Steve Carell has starred as boss Michael Scott on the American version of The Office on NBC.  At the end of next season, his seventh, he will be departing from the series.  He insists that he will nto be changing his mind, and that this is no a negotiating tactic, saying, "I just want to spend more time with my family."  The former The Daily Show cast member is definitely one of the biggest reasons for the sitcom's success, and his departure is sure to shake things up in a big way.

    One option may be to just end the series.  Seven years is a good run, and audiences may not be able to accept the show without Michael Scott.  Other cast members may also choose to exit, so it may be more than Scott that is lost.  There is plenty of precedence for this.  Series that have tried to continue without one or more main characters, sometimes under a different name (After M*A*S*H, The Golden Palace, Joey) don't often do very well.

     Another option may be to try to get Carell to accept a part-time commitment, as Zach Braff did to try to help Scrubs continue last year.  On the British version of The Office, Scott's counterpart David Brent (Ricky Gervais) was fired midway through the series, but would show back up every week to hang out with his former co-workers.  I don't see Scott doing the same thing, as he is not as big of a loser as Brent was,  but perhaps Scott could appear in six or seven episodes.  The problem there is, who will be the new boss?  Dwight's (Rainn Wilson) counterpart did it in the British version, but again, because of character differences, it wouldn't work so well over here.  Presumably Jim (John Krasinski) would top the list, or producers could bring in a new actor or actress.

     Either way, The Office has at least one more season, and will return to NBC in the fall.

Scrubs ends abruptly

 
     Scrubs, after a mistaken decision to be kept on air this year with a new format, was canceled after a mere thirteen episodes.  Ok, it's not quite canceled yet, but would you believe that a portion of this article was written nearly two months ago and saved, because it was so obvious that the end was coming?  Technically, the episode that aired this week was a season finale, and was certainly not written to cap a long-running series.  However, that's most likely what it was.

     It's biggest mistake was a lack or originality. It was a mere goofier version of the original. The security guards, while funny, were just an extension of the Janitor (Neil Flynn, The Middle) character. Drew (Michael Mosley) was a mini-Dr. Cox, Cole (Dave Franco) was like The Todd (Robet Maschio), both of whom were still on the show. Lucy (Kerry Bishe) was a cross between J.D. (Zach Braff) and Elliot (Sarah Chalke), and Denise (Eliza Coupe) became very similar to Elliot as well as Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley), but with less emotion than the former. The problem was, all of these new characters resembled the old ones, instead of bringing something new to the show.

      The one positive was that it gave Dr. Cox and Dr. Turk (Donald Faison) a chance to really grow their friendship. We finally got to see them on equal footing, rather than Turk being seen as the much younger student.  And in the end, both Cole and Drew got some serious growth that would have made them much more interesting were they allowed to continue.  Dr. Kelso (Ken Jenkins), who seemed to have the most fun in this continuation of the show, was nowhere to be seen this week.  Anyway, it's likely too little, too late.

Scrubs's new class

     Bill Lawrence's Scrubs returned for it's second season on ABC last night.  (It originally ran for seven years on NBC).  It felt like a whole new show, and it was a little shaky, but since this was only the first hour, that can be forgiven.  That is, IF it improves quickly.  Here's what was good, and what was bad.

     The new characters are fun and interesting.  Not sure Lucy (Kerry Bishe) can fill Zach Braff's shoes, though.  Yeah, she is quirky, sweet, and naive.  Kind of like a slightly less female version of J.D.  However, she didn't have quite the level of likability that he always had.  She may, in time, grow to be a fitting main character, but she is clearly still finding her legs.  Cole and Drew had an easier time, perhaps because they were allowed to be their own people, instead of serving as a replacement for a beloved character. Cole (Dave Franco) brought a level of jerkiness not seen on the show regularly before, and Drew (Michael Mosely) seems to be the type to try to hide everything, but also has layers.  The romance blossoming between Drew and last season newbie Denise could turn out quite exciting.  The only issues with the new guys is that the show is focusing on them too quickly.  Last season a slew of new interns was brought on, presumably to prepare for this new direction, however it appears that only Denise (Eliza Coupe) made the cut to continue, and that is disappointing.  It would be easier to accept them if they had been eased in, but given a few more episodes, I think they will all pass muster.  None of the three faces insurmountable odds.  I also enjoyed the security guards and the Australian chick, and hope that they will become staples.  I even liked the slightly new theme song.

     The issue with the new Scrubs is the how the old characters are being treated.  Only one of the supporting cast turned up, though The Todd (Robert Maschio) was arguably the most prominent, save Ted (Sam Lloyd), so it is fitting that he will continue.  But what about the rest?  Kelso (Ken Jenkins) made the transition the easiest.  He seems fine where he is.  Janitor (Neil Flynn), too, who won't be part of the new show, had a nice little goodbye scene.  The others, not so much.  Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) and Dr. Turk (Donald Faison) are the only two returning full time.  Why would Dr. Cox stop being chief of medicine and take a teaching job?  What exactly happened to the old hospital, and who is in charge now?  Sure, I understand it was torn down and rebuilt on a campus, but why, and what happened to most of the staff?  For instance, I saw nurses.  Where is Carla (Judy Reyes)?  Apparently she is no longer in the cast at all, though her bio is still on the official website, because she wanted to remain a full time character, and she was told that wasn't feasible.  Why not?  And Dr. Turk, who did transition almost as well as Kelso, is still married to her, so how will he get full, rich stories if she won't be popping up from time to time?  Also, what is Elliot (Sarah Chalke) up to?  We saw her only briefly in the pilot.  She is signed to do a number of episodes, but in what capacity?

     The character of John Dorian suffers the most, though.  He is still the same guy he was, which is fine, but what has he been up to this past year?  He apparently wasn't working with is friends, but where is he?  Why exactly did he return?  He is still treated like one of the stars, despite splitting narration with Lucy, but he is only signed for a limited number of episodes.  I would assume his contract stipulated he remain in the theme song with top billing for now, but why?  Just because he's an executive producer?  It doesn't make sense, and it makes him seem watered down.  My biggest beef is that he had such a perfect, fitting series finale last spring, that anything more than an occasional guest spot for him seems to cheapen the new show.  Hopefully his transition out will come soon and with class.

     This new version of Scrubs is funny, I'll give it that.  It kept enough of the old elements to make the viewer feel comfortable continuing.  But it needs to up the ante and let the newbies prove themselves quickly, or this could be another failed After M*A*S*H*.

Scrubs, Chuck & Lost: missing persons

     Three of the best shows on television will be returning soon, but this time they will be down a few cast members.  Is it the economy, scheduling conflicts, or creative decisions?  I don't know, but it certainly won't be the same without them.

     Chuck returns in January, and Anna Wu, played by Julia Ling, will no longer be at the Buy More.  This is hugely disappointing to the fans, especially those rooting for her character and Morgan to work out.  Chris Fedak, co-creator of the show, gave a glimmer of hope, however, when he mentioned to Ausiello that although she is not in the original order of thirteen episodes this year, six more were picked up and they are still being written, so there's always a chance.

     Scrubs has undergone a complete makeover, and will be missing practically the entire cast.  Only Drs. Cox (John C. McGinley) and Turk (Donald Faison) will be starring in the new year, which is moving to med school, with only an occasional visit to Sacred Heart, the hospital the show has taken place at up til now.  Judy Reyes, who played Carla, only wanted to return full time, and because of the new setting, it was decided not to honor that.  She is not currently signed to return at all.  The show will even get a new narrator, with Zach Braff being reduced to a handful of appearances.  Fear not though, most of the former cast will pop up from time to time, and there are plenty of new faces that will hopefully continue on the very funny tradition.

     The most disturbing shakeup has been for Lost.  Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond) and Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet) are out, the latter currently starring in V.  They are both set to appear a little, along with former cast members Ian Somerhalder (Boone), Rebecca Mader (Charlotte), Dominic Monaghan (Charlie), and the recurring Katey Sagal (Helen), and likely more.  But Desmond was arguably the best character on the show, and he already had only limited screen time last season, being off the island but not with the Oceanic Six.  Also, he was added later in the show.  Very disappointing.  The enjoyable Jeremy Davies is also gone, and not yet signed to return at all.  The bright spot, however, is who was added.  Joining Jack, Sawyer, Kate, Locke, Sun, Jin, Hurley, Ben, Miles, and Sayid this year as full time cast members will be Jeff Fahey (Frank) and Nestor Carbonell (Richard Alpert).  Emilie de Ravin will also star, after taking last season off, as will Zuleikha Robinson, who played Ilana last year.  This final season is a complete mystery to fans, but it should be nothing if not interesting.