Oz the Great & Powerful is a fun family romp. Fantasy built on top of the everlovin' Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, this most recent version is an animated modge podge to delight all ages. New characters, new settings and a few familiar archetypes all meld together to create a nice family movie night at home when the week is done.

As parents, my husband & I prefer a joyous movie that does not require lots of previewing. There are no parts in this that make it so parents have to scarmpble to cover their kids' eyes because it's too scary, sexy or violent. Granted, there are some characters that may invoke some fear like the wicked witch (played by Mila Kunis). She's as green as ever and now with scary contacts to heighten the fear factor. It's a game of cat and mouse where you're forever wondering who is good and who is bad. But she is well-balanced by Oz (James Franco) and his litany of buddies including a cg flying monkey and even the incomparable Billy Cox (you know- that guy that played the partner Marcus in "Bad Santa" with Billy Bob Thornton) as nuk- the door keeper of Oz (yeah- he basically plays the same guy only good).

A few months before the movie was released for rental, I was thrilled to find many of the toys for the franchise had gone on clearance. I didn't think twice about buying the reversible tutus and charms up for my young daughter even though I hadn't seen the movie and wasn't sure which skirts represented the good and the bad. And even now, I'm not certain that she understands which toy is for which character. I think that about sums up this movie. It's a short-lived enjoyable ride, albeit a little forgettable. Nevertheless, don't let that stop you from checking it out. You will see lots of familiar elements and be delighted by the newer, innovative ones, too. Overall: 3/5 stars.

For more movie suggestions check out my list "Top 5 Movies To Make A Man Cry": http://www.squidoo.c...es-to-make-a-man-cry