This past Tuesday night the kids and I were treated to a premier of Disney’s newest movie OZ – The Great and Powerful. As Disney and Oz lovers, we were super excited to be able to see this movie.
Moms View: I have to admit that I was a little hesitant to take Lu to the movie. I knew it would be fine for Eph but I wasn’t sure if it was going to be too dark for her. She had been begging to see it every time a preview came on the television. I really took time to look over the press materials provided by Disney and watch the You Tube videos. After much consideration, I decided to let her come.
I want to be clear, I was very cautious and careful in my choice to let my 4 year old come. I did not take the decision lightly. She loves the original Wizard of Oz and has probably watched it 100 times. She has all the songs memorized and has never shown ANY fear to the witch or scary parts. (Unlike my son Plus she and I talked about the new movie being more scary but she still really wanted to come and I don’t regret my decision. However, I do want to caution parents to make their own decision about the movie based on their child’s sensitivity.
With all that being said. All three of us LOVED it. The special effects are amazing and even though I don’t normally like 3D movies, I would definitely recommend seeing it in 3D. There is a scene in the beginning of the movie where the most beautiful flowers are blooming and it literally feels as if they are going to come right at you. Lu kept reaching her hand out towards the screen and trying to grab things. Eph stayed still and mesmerized the entire time. (Which is pretty much a miracle in itself.)
There are definitely some dark and scary scenes but there no blood and gore. Lu took her glasses off during the flying monkeys. She didn’t like that part. There is one 3D effect that is just a large flying monkey head right at you. She also jumped at the a few scenes with the witches. I would personally say that the most difficult part to watch where Glenda is being “shocked” by Evanora. I saw a lot of flinching in the seats around me.
I loved how certain imagery was taken from the first movie and included in this one. Starting out in black and white then going to mind blowing color in Oz for one. Plus the “characters” in Oz resemble the characters from back home. I don’t think the kids picked up on those subtle nuances.
The kids reviews as narrated to me:
Eph’s View (age 8): “It was awesome. I loved the witch. I think all the witches were pretty. I loved the little China Doll because she was so cute. I liked the little monkey. It was kind of scary when the big monkeys came out and scared the magician. I think all my friends should go see it.”
Lu’s View (age 4): “I liked the princess (Glenda) and the bad witch. I also liked when they they put on the show with the fireworks. I liked the China Doll, like Mommy did. And I liked that silly monkey who had all the worms (vines) on his tail and legs. I liked when they flew in the bubbles. I didn’t think it was scary. I want to see it again and again.”
Overall this was a beautifully constructed movie. I am certain it is going to become a quick classic in our family.
Still not sure about taking your little one? Check out the Disney YouTube page for some great previews.
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Disclaimer: I received tickets in exchange for this post. Regardless, I only post my honest opinions. This blog is in no way affiliated with Twitter, Facebook or any other social network.