Review of Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) by Aayushi G — 23 Nov 2013

I will preface this by saying that I have an irrational respect for James Franco. In some ways I think this movie would've been better if it were a Depp/Burton production instead of a Franco/Raimi production, but then it would've just been 'Alice in Wonderland 2'.

This movie starts slow, but continues to build and has a satisfying finish. And it stays true to its PG-ness, so you can feel safe taking your 5-year-old. I just wish I didn't have to see the 26th iterations of Oblivion and After-Earth previews (which were *not* PG-friendly).

This is a much more satisfying 'Oz' prequel than 'Wicked'. I thought the 3D was worth it, but for $14/ticket, it gets harder to say that with a straight face. The china doll is the best part of the picture - finally a Disney character that girls will love who is not a princess.

Grade B.