RIP in 2009

[flippyshark]

Originally Posted by Bornieo: Fully Loaded

New Beverly Cinema is showing "The Wiz" on July 15-16th

I just rewatched The Wiz two nights ago, and wow, what a mixed bag. The pacing is leaden, certain numbers ("He's The Wiz") are shot in such dim light, they defeat the considerable energy of the performers themselves. Oz is a stark, depressing place (but not in as interesting a way as say Return To Oz), and Diana Ross is just plain miscast. (Not only too old, but in the opening scenes, her shyness seems like a full-blown pathology. How can this character possibly be a teacher?!) The final scene seems to drag on forever. There are odd choices everywhere. It's a mess, plain and simple.

BUT - Michael Jackson is fantastic in this. He's energetic, brilliantly physical and charming. (And beneath the make-up and costume, he still looks like himself!) I do wish there had been more and better opportunities for MJ to strut his stuff on the big screen, especially back when he seemed so full of joy and humanity. (How far south that went, alas.)

Also, I love the "Everybody Rejoice" number, especially when the dancers strip down to their bikini briefs. It's one of the sexiest screenfuls of delicious brown skin you'll ever see.

On the whole, it's impossible to recommend this movie, but there are moments when a remarkable movie peeks through the lameness. Bigtime missed opportunity. (I'm tempted to blame screenwriter Joel Schumaker.)