Average Rating: 
Rating:  - There's No Place Like Home
Everybody has a favorite movie and "The Wizard of Oz" is mine (and I'm sure I'm not alone in that sentiment). This is a timeless masterpiece as witness its' continuing popularity with successive generations. Younger fans might not be aware of this but the movie used to be shown exclusively once a year on TV and countless households made a family event of watching it together. It has everything; good acting, great cinematography, fantastic music, creative innovations, great props and scenery, and a terrific storyline. Some dismiss this as a children's movie but it appeals to all ages because of its' timeless message.I mentioned that the acting is good. I didn't feel comfortable with a stronger superlative but it's hard to fault any of the characters. Certainly Bert Lahr, as the Cowardly Lion, steals many a scene with his fantastic performance. Margaret Hamilton is a fantastic Wicked Witch of the West. The others play their roles as they were meant to be played. Let's face it, the title role was not meant for the likes of Spencer Tracy or Marlon Brando. Although I can somewhat envision it, the Scarecrow was not a role for the likes of Jimmie Stewart. The casting was, perhaps, better than the acting itself. The only real debate is whether Judy Garland or Shirley Temple would be the better Dorothy Gale. A case could be made for Miss Temple but then "Somewhere over the Rainbow" would be synonymous with "On the Good Ship Loli-Pop" and "Animal Crackers in My Soup". I prefer the way Miss Garland belted it out. The cinematography was certainly innovative. I can only recall one other movie in which the contrast of black and white was used to any effect ("Schindler's List" with the young girl in the red coat). I may be forgetting an obvious example but it seems that movies were either black and white or color and never a mix. The scenery and the props are a part of cinematic history. We all know about the ruby slippers and the yellow brick road. The music is beautiful from the opening credits to the closing ones. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" are know to all. Personally, I love the Munchkin's welcoming song to Dorothy as much as any of the music. And speaking of the munchkins, they are just another of the many creative touches in this movie. It was no small feat to amass so many adult dwarfs and midgets. However, it is the story that makes the movie such a timeless masterpiece. This is a story about persons in search of what they don't have only to discover that they had it all along but didn't realize it. The Scarecrow thought that, because there were things that he didn't know, he must not have a brain. He learns that knowledge is a journey rather than an end. The Tin Man thinks that his loneliness is because he doesn't have a heart. He discovers that love exists in our relationships and loneliness exists in being alone. The Cowardly Lion confuses fear with cowardice only to discover that courage is action despite fear, not instead of it. Dorothy felt the need to wander off to find a better place. She soon discovers that there's no place like home. How many of us spent years trying to find ourselves before we, too, discovered the same message. These are all important lessons in life and we all share the joy of Dorothy as she wakes up in her own bed happy to be home at last. The fact that this makes us wish, secretly, that were children again does not make this a "children's movie". Watch it with the whole family (and a box of Kleenex).
Rating: - The one True and forever endearing movie classic!!!
If anyone has doubts about the edurning magic of "The Wizard Of Oz" you must read this. This is the one film that since it's release in 1939 has remined the pivatal and favorite childhood fantacy. The film has such an unforgettable meaning to it and it reaches into the depth of ones deepest dreams and makes one realize that no matter what happens are where you are in the world, Home, family and friends are the most important things. Judy Garland starred as the little farmgirl who journeys to Oz to find just that the importance of Home. For it's day "The Wizard Of Oz" made history with it's special affects. It starts out in Black and White and then goes to the most incredable color that anyone has ever seen. If you have never seen this film then you must. There are such deep parts that it will make you cry. The music, the stars, the color and the story make this are truly magnificent masterpeice of the golden age of MGM musicals and you get to see why more than 33 years after her death Judy Garland is still one of the most beloved singers and actress's of all-time!
Rating: - A true family classic
Like most Americans of my generation, the annual television broadcasts of "The Wizard of Oz" were a part of my childhood. I still remember the delight I felt as a child when Dorothy would open the door of her cabin and step into the land of Oz--suddenly the screen would explode with color. This was a family film that wasn't afraid to be scary--I was terrified by the scene in which the flying monkeys captured Dorothy and Toto and attacked their friends, tearing the Scarecrow to pieces in the process. Years went by and I fell out of the habit of watching "Oz.' Of course, I was aware of its status as a pop icon. However, what surprised me upon a recent viewing is how well the flm holds up. This is truly a film that has something for all ages. Now I can appreciate the wonderful performances, the classic songs, and the well-written script. This truly belongs on any list of essential American films. And those flying monkeys still scare the hell out of me.
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