Oscar Diggs (James Franco) is a two-bit illusionist in a travelling circus, but his eyes are opened to a whole new kind of magic (and travelling) when a tornado whisks him to the wondrous Land of Oz.
Though surrounded by fantastical creatures and spectacular scenery, the residents of Oz live in fear and misery after rule was wrested by Wicked Witch Evanora (Rachel Weisz). However, virtuous witch Theodora (Mila Kunis) is convinced that Oscar is the saviour the citizens have been waiting for.
The cynical showman is propelled on an epic adventure to the Emerald City, but when he fails to reciprocate Theodora's romantic feelings, it seems he may be unleashing another terrifying curse on Oz.
Perhaps best known for his Evil Dead trilogy, Sam Raimi was expected to bring a darker sensibility to this remake of the iconic family favourite, but it is, in fact, the visual brightness of his film that prevails. With a quality cast having fun with the tale's innate theatricality, Raimi delivers a fun family adventure on an epic scale.
Oz: The Great and Powerful is a Film programme that first aired in 2013 and has been classified a PG certificate.
