Oscar (James Franco) is a small-time magician who uses his smoke and mirrors trickery* to his advantage with the local ladies. Upon getting involved with the wrong woman, he tries to flee in a hot air balloon, which gets blown away by a tornado*.

    Crash-landing* in the weird* and wonderful Oz, he soon runs into the beautiful witch Theodora (Mila Kunis), who informs him that he is part of a prophecy* that will restore peace to their world. Theodora and her sister Evanora (Rachel Weisz) explain that in order to become King of Oz he must kill The Wicked Witch, who they lead him to believe is Glinda (Michelle Williams). Glinda killed their father, the previous ruler of Oz.

    So off he sets down the yellow brick road, picking up accomplices* like Finley The Flying Monkey and a little girl made out of china — China Girl. Throughout, you can take in the visually arresting* camerawork from director Sam Raimi.

    At times it can feel like you’re watching a 130-minute special effects show-reel, with certain performances revelling* in a complete lack of subtlety*.

    Much like Oscar himself, there’s a lot of razzle dazzle* to get your attention, but not much going on to keep it.(SD-Agencies)