At The Movies

Journey Back to Oz Runtime: 80 min Studio: Filmation Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 4 Based on: Book (The Marvelous Land of Oz) An animated sequel to the original Oz story, Dorothy returns to the Land of Oz to help her friends confront new challenges and restore peace to the magical kingdom. Ratings: My Rating: 7.0 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 6.4 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Dorothy is transported back to Oz, where she discovers that her friends are facing new threats from evil forces. Alongside the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, she embarks on a journey to restore order and ensure that good triumphs over evil. The story emphasizes courage, friendship, and perseverance. Critics Review: Critics noted the animation quality as charming but occasionally inconsistent. The story is faithful to the Oz universe and praised for its moral lessons and entertainment value for children. Christian Perspective: The story reinforces Christian values such as courage, ...

Oz, the Great and Powerful Runtime: 75 min Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 2 A silent fantasy film inspired by L. Frank Baum’s Oz series, following a young magician who is transported to the Land of Oz, where he faces magical challenges and discovers his own abilities. Ratings: My Rating: 6.8 The Dove Foundation: NR IMDb: 6.5 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: A magician is carried to the magical land of Oz, where he encounters witches, fantastical creatures, and magical obstacles. Through cleverness, courage, and resourcefulness, he works to restore peace and order in Oz while learning about responsibility and self-reliance. Critics Review: As a silent-era film, critics value it primarily for its historical importance and early special effects. While some storytelling elements are simplistic, it was innovative for its time and contributed to the enduring popularity of the Oz universe. Christian Perspective: The film illustrates C...

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Runtime: 14 min Studio: Thanhouser Film Corporation Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 1 Based on: Book A silent short film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, following Dorothy as she is transported to the Land of Oz and begins her journey to meet the Wizard, encountering magical friends and obstacles along the way. Ratings: My Rating: 6.5 The Dove Foundation: NR IMDb: 5.8 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Dorothy is carried by a cyclone to the magical land of Oz. In this brief silent adaptation, she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, and sets out to find the Wizard to help her return home. Despite its short runtime, the film captures the essence of Baum’s story with visual storytelling and early cinematic techniques. Critics Review: As an early silent film, it is recognized for its historical significance rather than cinematic quality. Critics note the creativity in visual effects for the time and its importan...

Emerald City Runtime: 636 min Studio: NBC Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 13 Format: Miniseries A darker, modern reimagining of the Land of Oz, following Dorothy Gale as she is transported from Kansas to Oz and becomes entangled in political intrigue, battles for power, and the struggle between good and evil. Ratings: My Rating: 7.1 The Dove Foundation: TV-14 IMDb: 6.4 Rotten Tomatoes: 76 Metacritic: 64 Plot Summary: Dorothy is swept away to a war-torn Land of Oz, where she discovers that the magical world is rife with political corruption and powerful enemies. Aligning with unlikely allies, she seeks to understand her mysterious role in Oz and confronts the tyrannical Wizard while facing her own inner challenges. The series explores themes of identity, loyalty, and moral responsibility. Critics Review: Critics praised the miniseries for its darker, more mature take on Oz, strong performances, and high production value. Some noted that the plot was complex and occasionally ...

Tin Man Runtime: 210 min Studio: Sci Fi Channel Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 8 A reimagined, darker miniseries set in the Land of Oz, following DG, a young woman who discovers her true identity and destiny. She teams up with a mysterious Tin Man and other allies to overthrow the oppressive sorceress Azkadellia. Ratings: My Rating: 7.3 The Dove Foundation: TV-PG IMDb: 7.0 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: DG, a young woman from Kansas, is transported to the fantastical Land of Oz. She learns she is the long-lost daughter of a royal family and becomes embroiled in the struggle against Azkadellia, a tyrannical sorceress. Along the way, she allies with the Tin Man, Raw, and Glitch to reclaim the land and restore balance. The miniseries explores themes of identity, courage, and the battle between good and evil. Critics Review: The miniseries received praise for its imaginative reimagining of the Oz universe, dark tone, and production design. Performances and ...

The Wiz Runtime: 131 min Studio: Universal Pictures Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 5 A modern, African-American retelling of the classic Oz story, Dorothy is swept away to the magical Land of Oz, where she befriends new allies and faces the Wicked Witch of the West, discovering courage, heart, and wisdom along the way. Ratings: My Rating: 7.4 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 5.9 Rotten Tomatoes: 65 Metacritic: 66 Plot Summary: Dorothy, a schoolteacher from Harlem, is transported by a tornado to a fantastical version of Oz. Along the journey, she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, and confronts the Evil Witch of the West. The story emphasizes teamwork, self-discovery, and finding strength within oneself. Critics Review: Critics were divided on the film; while the musical numbers and performances, particularly Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, were praised, some felt the modern setting and stylistic choices distracted from the story. Nevertheless, the adaptation was recogniz...

Oz the Great and Powerful Runtime: 130 min Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 9 A small-time magician named Oscar Diggs is swept away to the Land of Oz, where he must confront witches, fulfill a prophecy, and discover his own courage and moral character while navigating a magical world of wonder and danger. Ratings: My Rating: 7.6 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 70 Metacritic: 57 Plot Summary: Oscar Diggs, a con-man magician from Kansas, is transported to Oz after a hot air balloon accident. Mistaken for a powerful wizard, he is thrust into the conflict between the good witches and the evil sorceress Theodora. Through deception, ingenuity, and eventual moral growth, he works to save Oz and discover his true potential. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s visual effects, set design, and performances, especially James Franco as Oscar. Some felt the story relied on clichés and lacked depth, but the movie’s spectacle and moral ...