Having left the cinema only half an hour ago, I can't get this film out of my head, I just have to write something about it.
Setting aside my newly emerged love for James Franco, the format of the film was something I couldn't ignore. Every twist and turn pushed me back into the nostalgia of seeing Judy Garland emerge into Oz every Christmas while huddled in front of my television with my family. The black and white into the vivid colour of Oz, the delicate detail of the costume and makeup design and the humour of animated sidekick Finley, voiced by the timeless Zach Braff, I was hooked.
The casting kept me thoroughly intrigued by the characters' individual stories and lives and made me feel like a munchkin in my rather fetching 3D glasses; I was rooting for the good and booing at the bad! The film brought modern character to the classic tale and gave the story life before what we already knew from the 1930s film.
I can't give away much without spoiling the film for you, but I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loved the original Wizard of Oz; whether you were around for Judy Garland's original performance or are parents with a young child who will be gripped by the colourful scenery and the charismatic animals, you will all find great love and laughs in this film.
And I totally didn't fall a bit in love with that cheeky Franco grin... okay, maybe a bit.. but I'm only human right?
