Why Isn't This In The Top Five?

Rating: 10/10 (6 July 2003)

I've just watched "The Wizard of Oz" for what has to be the 400th time. Of course I watched it every year as a kid when it came on TV (usually in the spring, usually on CBS), and of course it was always a family favorite. But now when I watch it, I try to view it through my "film buff glasses," trying to see how it compares with other films of its day. I'm attempting to put sentimentality aside and view it critically from all angles. Sorry to say, either I'm a "failure" as a film buff, or this is certainly one of the top five movies ever made.
First off, the special effects, set design, costumes, art direction and overall cinematography are absolutely astounding. The creative energies that went into the look and feel of the movie are beyond comparison, even dwarfing most of today's productions. Just watch the Munchkinland scene and ask yourself how long it took just to design the costumes. Sure, they're over-the-top and frilly...this is a FANTASY! The use of color is spectacular, considering this was the first Technicolor movie ever made.

The set design compares favorably with some of today's blockbusters - check out the scene on the top parapet of the Witch's Castle, for instance, when Dorothy and Company are trapped by the witch's guards. Compare it to scenes in the Star Wars trilogy that take place in gigantic locales like the Death Star, looking down over impossibly huge constructs.
It's been said here that the acting was overdone, and again I say, this is a fantasy film. How can you overdo a talking, dancing scarecrow? And if Bert Lahr hadn't overacted as the Lion, would we have had as much fun?
(That word "fun" is the keyword here. Film buffs of the world, take off your snooty little librarian glasses and join in with the rest of us - have some FUN watching a movie for once!)
Even some of the stunts were amazing. The Tin Man falling to the ground after being picked up by a "spook" - that had to hurt! And the Cowardly Lion's dive out the window would make Greg Louganis jealous.
And of course, there's the music. Every song in the right place at the right time, and every one a classic, with gorgeous orchestrations and arrangements.
It's been said here that the acting was overdone, and again I say, this is a fantasy film. How can you overdo a talking, dancing scarecrow? And if Bert Lahr hadn't overacted as the Lion, would we have had as much fun?
That word "fun" is the keyword here. Fellow film buffs, follow my lead, take off your snooty little librarian glasses and join in with the rest of the world - have some FUN watching a movie for once!
I've watched "Citizen Kane" a few times now, and I acknowledge it's greatness, but I don't see how it comes anywhere near this timeless gem. "Gone With The Wind"? Sorry, can't get through it, it bores the crap out of me. So I believe it's time to rethink that list. Mine now goes:
1) The Godfather I & II (easier if you consider it one movie in two parts)
2) 2001: A Space Odyssey 3) The Wizard of Oz <-- 4) Ben-Hur (shutup, it's my list!) 5) Casablanca