KANSAS CITY, Mo —
**OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL (PG)**
RUSS
There’s no place like home, and there’s no movie like “The Wizard of Oz.” While Disney’s new big-budget prequel, “Oz the Great and Powerful” fails to capture the magic of the original, it’s still a visually spectacular and entertaining attempt.
SHAWN
It’s actually entertaining and a misfire all at the same time. There are moments of brilliance and times were this thing is just dull. The good? The visuals are spectacular and that talking monkey is the most engaging character of the bunch. The bad? James Franco is awful and the story is “Wicked” light.
RUSS
Yes, James Franco is miscast as the wannabe wizard, but Michelle Williams is luminous as Glenda, the Good Witch. The whimsical art direction and special effects that dazzled on the big screen will be somewhat muted on your TV.
SHAWN
No where close to being as amazing as “The Wizard of Oz” but what movie is? However, “Oz the Great and Powerful” is perfect for family viewing and it’s loaded with extras.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
**SNITCH (PG-13)**
RUSS
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson flexes his acting muscles instead of his biceps in the new action thriller, “Snitch.” He plays a father who agrees to do some undercover work for the US Attorney in exchange for the freedom of his teenage son who’s in jail on drug charges.
SHAWN
Just don’t expect the over the top “G.I. Joe” and “Fast & Furious” The Rock. He’s more Dwayne Johnson as he attempts some serious acting in this somewhat engaging drama.
RUSS
Although the film was reportedly ‘inspired by true events,’ it’s easy to see how some of it may have been embellished to enhance the action. While it has a rousing car chase at the climax, the movie’s deliberate pace may disappoint fans of the genre. Still, “Snitch” is well acted and a bit more realistic than Johnson’s previous outings.
SHAWN
I really liked the story. Sure the pacing is a bit awkward and a few key details are left out but I like watching The Rock do something a bit different. Extras include audio commentary with the director and editor, a making of Snitch” multiple part documentary and deleted scenes.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3Popcorn Bags
**HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS (R)**
SHAWN
Enough with the vampire hunters. Stop it! “Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters” is horrible. The action is cool but not cool enough to even make this a guilty pleasure. It’s proof that it’s time for new ideas.
RUSS: DID NOT SCREEN
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
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