Sorry, but I always disliked this film

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 2000)

I wish I could be more specific as to why, but all my life I have found this film to be...well, creepy and unappealing. I know this is a kid's movie and a certain degree of over-acting is to be expected, but still I find the performances unconvincing and rather dumbed-down and over-broad even for the genre.
My wife, who is a great L. Frank Baum fan, introduced me to the OZ books when we were in college, and I could see how the film completely and unnecessarily changed aspects of the story, effectively ruining the book's atmosphere of daft fantasy. The original has a simple, good-natured charm, completely at odds with the impression the film gives of forced, kitchy, gaudy clownishness. Other attempts to bring Baum to the screen have been limited by a similar disrespect for the integrity of the original material. I hope Hollywood will wise up and one day present a Baum book in the spirit it was intended.