The Witches of Oz (2011)

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

This movies is certainly a good companion movie the Original Wizard of Oz by MGM, and the Tin Man. IT is one that I have in my own collection. For all of its good points it keeps leaving me with three questions:1) How can one justify nine Munchkins as an Army?2) Glenda the Good, suggests that the character played by Billy Boyd has an Oz counter part. For the plot of the movie no-one says what that parallel is; so it leaves me wondering what character is it and if they edited 15 minutes out of the story out in the cutting room.3) While the Tin Woodsman may well have a grudge with the Gnome King; I feel as though some part of the movies is missing somewhere to explain what this grudge is and where it started.Even with these plot omissions there's a good movie, good plot, and good adventure here for anyone who wants to re-enter the world of OZ one more time!

I was surprised at how bad this movie was. Choose your criteria and they will all come up bad. Really poor acting consistent with the junky TV series, shorts and D-level movies that fill out the actors other film credits. Disjointed, jump around editing and directing producing a story that seemed like a bunch of half hour TV series patched together. Writing and script of a modern day Dorothy showing up at a farm house with a magical key to save Oz from the bad witches was a boring and too frequently copied plot line found in many fantasy movies. Dialogue was written by the students in a high school drama class. A couple of cheap CGI effects of swirling air to represent Dorothy escaping Oz and of a tornado and some '60s era zapping effect from the witch's wand - that's it.

I saw The Witches of Oz--or Dorothy and The Witches of Oz, as it's come to be known recently--last year, and I LOVED it. I seem to be in the minority in my love for this film, but I found it to be quirky, deeply imaginative, and adorable. It appealed to the kid in me that still finds a dream in Oz...and also to my 23-year-old self, who still keeps Oz close to my heart! I've been an Oz fan ALL of my life (so I must admit I'm a tiny bit biased) but I really did wholeheartedly *appreciate* this movie. Everything you'd expect to be there is there. The quintessential foursome: CHECK. Good witch(es): CHECK. Bad witch(es): CHECK. Magical items: CHECK. And so much more! So much more is brought to the table, and it's fun getting to explore the ins and outs of the characters and the world of this film. The Witches of Oz may get a lot of flack, as far as reviews I've read on the internet and message boards, but I'm really opposed to looking at films simply as surface-pieces. I try to really appreciate time and effort, as well as the passion of actors and crew. The creative minds behind this cared enough to give nods to the books that I've never seen done in film before, so that was a delight to see. It warmed my heart, as a reader, that Baum's creations--however wackily or faithfully they may have been portrayed in this film--were alluded to, and given credit. The audience sees the Oz they thought they knew taken to a place that they may have subconsciously wanted to go, but films or other media just haven't gone before. Oz and its inhabitants were really portrayed in a new light, and I applaud them for such decisions...as well as the guts to go there! Paulie Rojas is undeniably adorable as Dorothy Gale. She personifies the innocence that is essential in Dorothy, but also shows a lot of strength. Ari Zagaris definitely deserves credit, as he brought a lot of quirkiness to Allen, while acting as a real anchor for Rojas's Dorothy. Their pairing was definitely believable, as a creative team, the minds behind the stories and images of Oz. It was good to see Mia Sara take on an evil role, and she added a certain bubbliness to hercharacter that was refreshing. Christopher Lloyd was perfect for this. He brought with him every ounce of his usual gusto and whimsy, and acted accordingly as The Wizard. I was really happy to see Billy Boyd as a normal guy--and with his natural accent, yay! Sean Astin and Ethan Embry were cute as Muckadoos, and it was good to see them both taking on more family-friendly roles, nonsensical though they were at times. I can't imagine the film without their mischievous little Muckadoos! Eliza Swenson gave a delightful performance as Billie (and her nefarious alter-ego--I'll let that be a surprise!). She was deliciously devilish in both turns, and she also deserves praise for her score-work! Brava, Eliza! Beautiful work. I have to praise the practical effects as well; rarely do you see such lengths gone to when CGI could compensate. It was refreshing to see old-fashioned makeup and costume take place of what could have easily been bad CGI-work. On that note, the CGI and computer work is pretty well done.. It's not shoddy, it's consistent. It's bright, beautiful and unflinchingly magical. The effects only help add to the illusion, and the suspension of disbelief that these events really could happen in our world. Leigh Scott is criticized quite a lot for his films, from my understanding, but this little film deserves more PRAISE. What I saw in The Witches of Oz was an attempt to achieve a very vivid, very important vision, and the success of working to create that vision. This film seemed to have a lot of heart in it. Clearly, the cast and crew cared a lot about the project. Everyone just seemed to lose themselves in it, and really have a lot of fun, cast and crew alike. In that respect, as an audience member, I couldn't have enjoyed it more. It may come across to some as campy or stupid to some, but I definitely enjoyed it. If you're looking for a story with a lot of fun, heart, all the magic of Oz and more, look no further!

This fill in the blank retelling of the Wizard of Ox, is bursting with imagination and fun. This made for TV miniseries have very good special effects and leaves the viewer stunned with it unforgettable scenery. Although, some of the lines are hokey, it still manages to put a smile on your face. If you like the Wizard of Oz, you will at least find it interesting. All the characters are here, and a few more surprises. Is there no place like home ?? Dorthy Gale has all grown up and a writer. Guess what she writes about? If you are an "OZ" lover, you are sure to enjoy this gem, with it's imaginative writing and story framework. Oh and you will laugh in parts, Be sure not to pass this One up, And don't forget TOTO too. Happy viewing.