The Wiz (1978) Review in 2025
The Wiz is a musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic tale The Wizard of Oz, featuring an all-black cast and a funky, soulful soundtrack.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for families with children aged 8 and above, as it features some mild violence and themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching if you're a fan of musicals or the Wizard of Oz. It's a fun and entertaining film with some great performances and catchy songs.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows the story of a young girl named Dorothy who gets transported to a magical land called Oz, where she meets a group of colorful characters, including a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, who join her on a quest to find the Wizard of Oz and help her return home.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is a loose adaptation of the original Wizard of Oz, with some changes to the characters and plot. While it's not the most original or complex story, it's still engaging and fun to watch.
acting8.00/10
The acting in this movie is top-notch, with standout performances from Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The rest of the cast is also excellent, with memorable performances from Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross.
characters8.00/10
The characters in this movie are well-developed and memorable, with standout performances from Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion are all lovable and funny, and their interactions with Dorothy are some of the highlights of the movie.
direction6.00/10
Sidney Lumet's direction is competent, but not particularly memorable. He does a good job of capturing the energy and excitement of the musical numbers, but some of the scenes feel a bit dull and uninspired.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is colorful and vibrant, with some beautiful shots of the costumes and sets. However, some of the scenes feel a bit dark and muted, which can make it hard to see what's happening.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Wiz has a great soundtrack, with some catchy and memorable songs. The cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
Cons
The story is a bit predictable and the direction is not particularly memorable. Some of the scenes feel a bit dull and uninspired.
Notable Quotes
"If I only had a brain..."
"If I only had a heart..."
"If I only had the nerve..."
