One of the most successful animated franchises in the world returns to theaters nationwide this week. KUNG FU PANDA 3 is the third movie of everyone’s favorite, loveable, Kung Fu fighting Panda Po, where he finds his long-lost panda father. The reunion takes Po to a secret panda paradise where hundreds of cute, cuddly, humorous pandas live a simple happy life. If it were not for the supernatural villain, Kai, who is searching for Po, all would be perfect. Po must train the pandas of the village how to defend themselves and become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!
I love this movie franchise. It has great messages for the kids of all ages as well as adults. One of the first quotes in the movie is “He who takes – loses out.” I think we can all learn from that. I had the opportunity to interview Producer, Melissa Cobb, Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alesssandro Carloni at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco. Everyone loves Po, voiced by the ultra-talented, Jack Black. Po is simple, naïve and humble and something so very special. I asked producer, Melissa Cobb, who produced all three Kung Fu Panda movies, “When she knew she had something special” and she responded with “It really was when we finally recorded Jack Black and started seeing him in the character. There is a moment in the beginning of Kung Fu Panda when he’s in a Dojo and he is kind of embarrassed, not ready to spare and playing with the training dummy, the animation of that when it finally happened we all went “AWWW that is Po we love him.”

Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson returns along with Alessandro Carlonni. When Jennifer directed Kung Fu Panda 2 she was the first woman to solely direct an animated feature film from a major Hollywood studio. She went on to receive an Academy Award nomination. Kung-Fu Panda 2 is the second highest grossing film ever directed by a woman, with Frozen taking the number 1 spot. I asked Jennifer what she feels is Po’s greatest trait, she responded that “he would not be embarrassed if he really screwed up and is a geek joy that compared to his sensitivity is what makes Po so special.

All the original voice actors return, including Jack Black as Po, Angelina Jolie, (Tigress), Dustin Hoffman (Shifu), Jackie Chan (Monkey), Seth Rogen (Mantis) and Lucy Liu (Viper). When I asked how difficult was it to get the entire cast to return, Mellisa said, “They were all happy to return for they love the franchise and the positive messages in the movies.”

Kung Fu Panda 3 is rated PG with a TRT (Total Running Time) of 1 hour and 35 minutes. Go see a quality movie for all ages to enjoy.

Posted or revised on: 1/12/2016

Yes, those single-celled organisms that look like yellow Tic Tacs in blue jean overalls from the blockbuster film franchise "Despicable Me" have their own movie. We all saw this coming when the first "Despicable Me" grossed $251 million at the box office and "Despicable Me 2" grossed $368 million. It makes business sense to continue the franchise with a Minion movie.

This movie teaches us about the history of the Minions' long journey to find their leader. They had many failed masters over time from T-Rex and Dracula to Napoleon, entertainingly narrated by Geoffrey Rush. As they continue to lose masters, they fall into a deep depression. One Minion, Kevin, steps forward to make everything better for his fellow Minions as he goes on a quest to find their new leader. Only two other Minions, one-eyed Stuart and childlike Bob, step forward to assist Kevin in his expedition. Their mission takes them to New York City, where they discover their trademark blue jean overalls and learn about "Villain Con" in Orlando. They head to Orlando to meet and hopefully discover their new leader Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), the most powerful villainess in the world. Scarlet takes the Minions under her wing but she has her own evil plan with her husband, Herb (Jon Hamm), to steal the Queen of England's royal crown. Kevin, Stuart and Bob are whisked away to London.

As in the "Despicable Me" movies, the Minions stay true to their characters, which would be best described as cute, wacky and loony. If one can get past their language, which for me was annoying at times, there are some funny scenes in the movie. The music soundtrack is a real treat for adults. I think you will be singing "Mellow Yellow" as you exit the theater.


Minions is rated PG with a TRT (Total Running Time) of 92 minutes.

Below are a few Minion words to prepare you for the movie:
Minion: Bello...........................English: Hello
Minion: Poopaye......................English: Goodbye
Minion: Tank yu.......................English: Thank you
Minion: Me Want Banana...........English: I'm hungry
Minion: Tulaliloo ti amo.............English: We love
Minion: Underwear....................English: I swear

Posted or revised on: 7/14/2015

Monkey Kingdom is the latest Disneynature film to be released around Earth Day, April 22. Previous Disneynature films include: Bears (2014), Chimpanzee (2012) and African Cats (2011). Monkey Kingdom is a fascinating look inside the social structure of the Macaques in Sri Lanka. The documentary follows a newborn monkey, Kip, and his mother Maya as they struggle with their kingdom of the “haves and have-nots”. You will learn their competitive social hierarchy is much like the world in which we (humans) live.

Overall there is no “monkey business” with filmmakers Mark Linfield and Alastair Fothergill (Chimpanzee) as they stay true to Disney’s goal for capturing and educating audiences of all ages about the natural world and animal behavior. If you have never ventured out to see one of these beautiful nature films, Monkey Kingdom is a good one to start with. Tina Fey delivers an excellent narration, which is an added bonus. Monkey Kingdom is rated “G” and has a TRT (total running time) of 81 minutes.

Come to learn as you enjoy the beautiful cinematography and the cuteness of the monkeys. Disneynature committed to make a donation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to Conservation International for every ticket sold during Monkey Kingdom’s opening week (April 17-23, 2015).

Posted or revised on: 5/12/2015

The Boxtrolls comes from the small yet very impressive animation studio, Laika Entertainment based in Hillsboro, Oregon. Laika is not a household name like Pixar or Disney but they have produced some of the most imaginative, original, creative and inventive animated films in recent years, including the two Oscar Nominated films, Coraline in 2009 and ParaNorman in 2012. Coraline was beaten by UP and ParaNorman lost to Brave, which was a disappointment.

Now comes The Boxtrolls, a less dark film then Laika’s previous movies. The story is about an orphan boy, Eggs who is raised underground in the town of Cheesebridge by a group of trash collecting cave dwellers – the Boxtrolls. Isaac Hempstead Wright, Eggs voice, is the talented young 15 year old from Game of Thrones, and he must save his family, the Boxtrolls from the evil exterminator, Archibald Snatcher (Sir Ben Kingsley “Schindler’s List”). Eggs is assisted by the local wealthy girl Winnie (Elle Fanning, “Maleficent”).

The Boxtrolls is based on the 544 page illustrated novel, Here Be Monsters! by author Alan Snow. It is not as solid a film as Coraline, but I do see another Oscar nomination this year. Who knows – the third time may be a charm. As with Laika’s previous films, it is the stunning visuals that makes The Boxtrolls standout from other animated movies and the leader of stop-motion animation. Kudos to the small studio in Oregon! The BoxTrolls is rated PG and has a total running time (TRT) of 97 minutes, which may drag at times for the little ones but it is well worth the price of admission.

Posted or revised on: 9/15/2014

It has been a while since there has been a good children’s movie. The Croods is just that and more. This animated comedy follows the Crood’s, a prehistoric family, on a road trip to find a new cave. Along their journey, they meet new friends who end up teaching the family more about themselves than they had ever thought possible.

This modern day Flinstone family is led by Grug (voice of Nicholas Cage), the father, who was taught to always be afraid. His daughter Eep (voice of Emma Stone), is an adventurous young lady looking for more out of life. This father- daughter duo disagree on most everything, but along the way, they learn to work together and teach each other some important lessons.

I thought this movie was fantastic. The story line is funny, adventurous, comedic, and heartwarming. It’s not too often that you find a kids movie that teaches a valuable lesson and is enjoyable for all ages. I would recommend this movie to anyone that enjoys a good family film, animated or live action.

Opening this past weekend number one at the box office, The Croods is a must see new hit!

Posted or revised on: 5/14/2013

It is the time of year again when Hollywood starts releasing its holiday film lineup. Each year one children's film leads the pack, like "Arthur’s Christmas" in 2011.This year’s choice is "Rise of the Guardians", written for the screen by David Lindsay-Abaire and based on the books of the talented children's author, William Joyce.

In "Rise of the Guardians", Jack Frost, voiced by Chris Pine, slowly wakes up not remembering who he is or that he has magical powers. When a crisis begins with Pitch Dark (Jude Law), the king of Nightmares, Jack Frost is contacted by the guardians of childhood, a group that includes North (Alec Baldwin), Tooth (Isla Fisher), the silent Sandman and the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman). Jack must assist in stopping Pitch Dark whose evil plan is to stop children from believing in the Guardians and believe in his nightmares.

The film is directed by Peter Ramsey, who has numerous credits as a storyboard artist on such films as "Fight Club", "Men in Black" and "Independence Day" but Ramsey will go down in history as the first African American director of a major Hollywood animated feature film!

"Rise of the Guardians," rated PG, is a film for the entire family with plenty of action for the little ones and humor for the young at heart. This is my choice for an enjoyable family day at the movies!"

Posted or revised on: 03-13-2013

Dreamworks latest animation feature Turbo is a true underdog story, or should I say undersnail, story. Turbo, voiced by Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern, The Croods) is a young snail that spends all his free time watching Indy 500 VHS tapes on TV and dreaming of one day being in the winnerís circle. His elder brother, Chet (Oscar Nominee, Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man)supports Turboís dream until it becomes a reality when Turbo is flooded with nitrous oxide from a street racing carís engine. Now Turbo is super charged and ready to go.

Turboís biggest supporter is Tito (Michael Pena, Cash), co-owner of a failing taco restaurant in the run down strip mall, the Starlight Plaza. It is Tito who persuades the other Starlight Plaza shop owners to sponsor Turboís twenty thousand dollar Indy 500 entry fee. The feisty old Chinese nail salon owner Kim Ly (Ken Jeong, Hangover) is the real scene-stealer as they all take off in the Taco truck and head to Indianapolis. Let the race begin!

Turbo is Dreamworkís closest work to a Pixar film, with loveable characters, visually appealing backgrounds and vibrant colors. The story will appeal to youngsters as well as adults. David Soren directs Turbo, which is his first feature film directing debut. He has several previous film credits as a storyboard artist on animated films, e.g. Chicken Run, Shrek and Over the Hedge, plus being the writer/head of Shark Tales.

Posted or revised on: 7/13/2013

It is the time for holiday blockbusters and Disney Animation's release of the family animated film Frozen, which comes from Disney Animation not Pixar. The quality is not up to Pixar’sstandards but over all the film is very well produced. I believe it is Disney's best film in recent years.

The filmmakers deliver a few surprises in Frozen: a strong female presence – the main leads are both girls and Jennifer Leeis a co-director. Ms. Lee wrote last year's Oscar nominated animated film, Wreck-It Ralph. She brings a female perspective to the film especially in the form of Wreck-It Ralph humor. Chris Buck (Surf's Up, Tarzan) is the other director.

Frozen focuses on the two princess sisters: Anna, played byKristen Bell, (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Elsa the older sister, played by Broadway actress and Tony winner, Idina Menzel (Rent, Wicked). The movie opens showing the closeness of the two as they play in the kingdom enjoying each other and establishing their sisterly bond. One day whileplaying a near tragedy strikes Anna. Apparently Elsa has magical powers that produce snow and ice from her fingertips. As the sisters are playing on the ice playground that Elsa created in the ballroom, Anna receives a head injury and is unconscious. The only way to save her is for the king and queen to take her to the chief troll who saves Anna’s life but erases her memory of the event and her knowledge of Elsa’spowers.

After the untimely death of the King and Queen, Elsa becomesQueen at the age of 18. During the coronation she tries to conceal her powers, but when Anna announces her engagement,Elsa goes into a rage, freezes the entire kingdom and runs away to create her own ice palace. It is Anna who must save the kingdom and her sister as she sets out on her journey. Along the way, Anna encounters new friends to assist her, Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) the local ice salesman, his horse and a snowman named Olaf, voiced by Broadway star, Josh Gad (The Book of Mormon). Olaf is the much–needed comedic relief in the film. He lights up the screen in all his scenes. So with the help of these Wizard of Oz type characters, Anna must break the spill.

Frozen is rated PG, due to the death of the King and Queen and the evil gigantic snow monster that might frighten the little ones. The total running time (TRT) is 1 hour and 48 minutes. The movie goes along at a quick pace.

Posted or revised on: 12/13/2013

Strange Magic is a musical movie fairy tale based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare – and created by master moviemaker and storyteller, George Lucas. It should be noted that while George Lucas created the story, three creditable screenplay writers: David Berenbaum (Elf, Haunted Mansion), Irene Mecchi (Brave, The Lion King) and Sound Designer, Gary Rydstrom (Finding Nemo, Saving Private Ryan) wrote a skimpy screenplay.

Strange Magic is saved by the visually illustrated animation and voice–over talent in this mystical kingdom that is divided by good and evil. Of course the “good” are beautiful creatures while the “bad” are ugly but cute. When Princess Marianne, voiced by two–time Golden Globe nominee, Evan Rachel Wood (Mildred Pierce, Thirteen) is two-timed by her vain fiancé, she finds herself falling in love with the ugly Bog King, voiced by the multi–talented actor, Alan Cumming (Spy Kids, X-Men 2). Cumming recently received a Golden Globe nomination for the role of Eli Gold in the hit television series The Good Wife. The message of “don’t judge anyone based on looks” is delivered loud and clear, which is a positive message for everyone attending the movie.

The musical score will have you tapping your feet with familiar songs from San Francisco native Michael Franti and The Temptations. Strange Magic is rated PG with a total running time (TRT) of 99 minutes.

Strange Magic © & TM 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.) Photo Credit: Lucasfilm/Disney

Posted or revised on: 2/15/2015

Maleficent stars Angelina Jolie – two-time Oscar recipient for the film, Girl, Interrupted and a Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award she received at the 2014 Academy Awards. She stars as the evil villain Maleficent who was first introduced in the 1959 Disney classic Sleeping Beauty. The movie tells the story – in the style of the Broadway play “Wicked” – of how Maleficent became the person she is now. Maleficent was once a good, kind horned fairy who was loved and admired in the fairy kingdom where she lived. Everything changed when Maleficent experienced how cruel humans can be as a result of greed. She must learn unconditional love in order to return to happier days. Ellen Fanning (Super 8, We Bought a Zoo) plays Aurora, the Sleeping Beauty.

Maleficent is a spectacular, visual piece of art that should be experienced in the theatre and not on an iPhone. The film is directed by two-time Oscar winner, Robert Stromberg, who won his Oscars for Art Direction in Alice in Wonderland and Avatar. This is Robert’s directorial debut. His illustration of the beauty of filmmaking is visible in each scene as his strong direction comes through in the performances of both Angelina and Ellen.

Seven time Oscar recipient and twelve time Oscar nominee, Rick Baker (Ed Wood, An American Werewolf in London, Men in Black) is the special makeup effects artist on the film. Baker is the master of his craft and I predict another Oscar nomination for his work in Maleficent. The makeup in the movie is astonishing.

For all you trivia buffs – Maleficent will go down in history as the first movie role for Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, daughter of Angelina and Brad Pitt, as she plays Aurora at age five.
Maleficent is rated PG with a total running time (TRT) of 97 minutes. The film’s battle scenes, green smoke and the dark forest trees maybe too scary for the little ones.

Posted or revised on: 6/10/2014

2014 thus far looks like the year for kid’s films, Lego, which broke box office numbers, then Mr. Sherman & Peabody and now Hollywood has released Muppets Most Wanted.

The previous Muppets movie, The Muppets released in 2011, grossed over $86 million at the U.S. box office and was made on a $45 million dollar budget. What does that mean? Sequel! Muppets Most Wanted revolves around the Muppets themselves instead of the humans as was the case in in The Muppets – Jason Segel and Amy Adams do not return in this sequel. In Muppets Most Wanted the tone is set quickly in the opening musical number, as theypoke fun at themselves with the music line “Everyone knows that the sequel’s never quite as good” – classic Jim Henson humor. The line probably refers to the 1999 Muppet flop, Muppets From Space. From that musical number on, I knew I was in for an enjoyable one hour and 52 minutes.

The Muppets are on a world tour and get caught up in an international jewelry heist as they deal with a Kermit the Frog look-a-like, the impostor, Constantine. The forty plusyear olds in the audience will appreciate the return of a more classic Jim Henson style dialogue and screenplay. Some of the children will not get the humor but neitherdid we as kids, which is okay. They will love the vibrantcolors and the loveable puppet characters they see on the BIG screen that were created over 40 years ago on PBS.

The human supporting roles in the film include, Ty Burrell (Modern Family), as a very funny Clouseau-like Interpol agent; Ricky Gervais (The Office (UK), Extras) as DominicBadguy, Constantine’s criminal sidekick; and Tina Fey (3rd Rock) as a Russian prison guard. Also, as with the classicMuppets shows, the movies have several cameoappearances e.g., Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Salma Hayek, and Usher just to name a few.

Some may say they miss the humans as the leads, but I say it’s the Muppets movie and glad the focus has returnedto be on them. Muppets Most Wanted is rated PG.

Posted or revised on: 3/12/2014

Mr. Peabody & Sherman is an enjoyable film for the young and the young at heart.
Many of you will remember this television cartoon from the late 1950s and early 60s, about a genius Nobel Peaceprize-winning dog and his adopted son, Sherman. Mr. Peabody is voiced by Emmy Recipient, Ty Burrell (Modern Family) and the young, talented actor, Max Charles, voices Sherman. You may remember Max from the 2012 movies The Three Stooges and The Amazing Spider-Man or the television series The Neighbors. He is one to watch as his career continues to rise.
In this film version of Mr. Peabody, he has built the ultimate time travel machine – the WABAC and all is going well until the day Sherman takes the controls to impress his crush, Penny. Things go haywire and Sherman rips a hole in the universe. Now it’s up to Mr. Peabody to save the day! Mr. Peabody must face his biggest challenge in life – being a parent.
Rob Minkoff, who also directed several family films including The Lion King, Stuart Little, Stuart Little 2 and The Haunted Mansion, directs Mr. Peabody & Sherman. The movie is rated PG with a TRT (total running time) of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It is great to see high-quality children’s films being released so early in the year playing in theatres; first the Lego movie and now Mr. Peabody & Sherman. In past years, children’s movies were not released until late May, usually around Memorial Day weekend. So take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy Mr. Peabody & Sherman with the family.

Posted or revised on: 3/12/2014

Pixar’s 13th film, entitled Brave, is their first film with a female as the lead heroine – a big step in the motion picture industry. Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald (No Country for Old Men) is the voice of the feisty Medira, Princess of Scotland, who is being forced by her mother the Queen, two time Oscar winner Emma Thompson, to choose a husband. Needless to say, Medira is against this plan for her marriage. The three guys vying for her love are as humbling as the Three Stooges. Medira is more skilled in archery, horseback riding and mountain climbing. What is a princess to do? Well life takes a turn when a spell is cast on the Queen and Medira must save her mother by breaking the spell.

Brave opens with the breathtaking animation of the Scottish landscape – a feature that has made Pixar Studios unique and you know immediately that you are watching a Pixar movie. The problem with Brave is the story. It is not like the sophisticated screenplay past films such as Wall E and Up. Brave quickly moves into the “Disney” safe zone. Do not get me wrong – Brave is not a bad movie, it is just not what we have come to expect from the high standards that Pixar has created in their previous13 films. The voice talent in Brave is superior to most animated films including King Fergus (Billy Connolly).

Brave opened #1 in the country this past weekend grossing $66.7 million, which keeps their streak going at 13 movies opening #1 at the box office since Toy Story in 1995.

Posted or revised on: 03-03-2013

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey centers around the adventures of Shire-loving Bilbo Baggins who joins the quest to recover the erstwhile thriving Dwarf kingdom of Erebor. Convinced/Coerced by Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo becomes part of a motley crew of dwarves led by warrior Thorin Oakenshield to take back their domain seized by the dragon Smaug some years back. In their travels, they encounter orcs, goblins, elves, and stone giants. In this first installment is when Bilbo meets Gollum and gains possession of his “precious.”

Truthfully, in spite of the headline, the Hobbit is not a bad movie at all. In fact, it is actually quite entertaining. This first installment is an engaging story that even non-Tolkien fans can easily follow. Martin Freeman brings an endearing and charming portrayal of the courageous hobbit. Sir Ian McKellen gives his usual impeccable performance as Gandalf the Grey. Director Peter Jackson’s decision to offer a 48 frames-per-second (fps) version is a technical achievement, akin to Avatar’s CGI technology. It solves the blur action scenes can ail from at the regular 24 fps.

Unfortunately for the movie, its predecessors, the Rings trilogy, are a very tough act to follow. Although the film’s strength lies in its exposition, it ultimately suffers from too much of it. Its length, 2 hours and 46 minutes, may be overkill for middling moviegoers. Because the book on which The Hobbit is based was made for kids, the film is ultimately light fare. Not necessarily negative, but middle earth fans may be a bit disappointed if expecting a darker/heavier storyline.

Worth watching? Of course. Remember, it’s been nine years since the Return of the King. And we need our fix. But the movie going journey may not be as unexpected.

Posted or revised on: 03-13-2013

Tim Burton has delivered great works of film including Ed Wood, Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. When I had the opportunity to interview Oscar winner, Martin Landau (Ed Wood) he stated "This is Tim's (Burton) best work". I would have to agree. Classic Tim Burton is back! Mr. Landau lends his voice talent to one of the lead characters, Mr. Rzykruski. As always Mr. Landau is outstanding with a "Vincent Price" type portrayal.

Frankenweenie is a project that Tim Burton started as a short film when he was studying animation at California Institute of Art, 30 years ago. Burton's stop-motion animation, done in black-and-white, pays homage to the classic Universal Pictures such as Frankenstein and Dracula. This story is about a boy and his dog that touches the heart as it explores their relationship with a tie in to the classic horror film Frankenstein. John August wrote the screenplay, and has teamed up with Tim Burton several times for: Big Fish, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride and Dark Shadows. The detailed, beautifully produced stop-motion animation gives the entire film great depth. This is an award winning and breathtaking venture. The 3D element did not add anything to the movie, as the beauty of the artwork stands alone in 2D. When Oscar nominations come around in January, I am sure you will see Frankenweenie at the top of the list for best animation. I would agree with Mr. Landau that Frankenweenie is one of Tim Burton's greatest projects; not only for its story but also the visual masterpiece he created with strong attention to detail in both the picture and the voices. In addition to Martin Landau, the voice talent includes: Catherine O'Hara (Beetlejuice, Home Alone), who does three voices in the movie, Martin Short (Saturday Night Live), two-time Oscar nominee Winona Ryder (Little Women, The Age of Innocence) and Charlie Tahan (Charlie St. Cloud).

Do not miss Frankenweenie on the big screen. Some movies should be seen in theaters and Frankenweenie is one of them! Also, an added treat for you will be your children exploring the history of classic horror cinema.

Posted or revised on: 03-13-2013

Posted or revised on: 10/13/2013

First of all let’s get one thing straight – OZ the Great and Powerful is not a remake of the 1939 classic The Wizard of OZ, but it could be referred to as a prequel. It is an original screenplay by co-writers Mitchell Kapner (Romeo Must Die) and David Lindsay-Abaire (Robots, Rise of the Guardians) that uses L. Frank Baum’s nine books about the land of OZ as a character base for who the wizard is and how he became the Wizard of Oz.

Is OZ the Great and Powerful a classic like the 1939 movie? NO! Are the witches as memorable as Billie Burke (Glinda) and Margaret Hamilton (The Wicked Witch of the West)? NO! Is OZ the Great and Powerful an entertaining family film? YES!

The movie opens (in black and white on half a screen) at a travelling carnival in Kansas where the audience is introduced to Oscar Diggs, a womanizing con artist portrayed by Palo Alto native and Oscar nominee, James Franco (127 Hours). We quickly learn that he will become the great wizard of OZ, as he is chased out of the carnival and swished away in a hot air balloon that lands in OZ. Upon his arrival the screen changes to color and goes to wide screen, which is a nice cinematic touch. Along Oscar’s journey through Oz he meets several characters including three witches portrayed by three time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn, Blue Valentine, Brokeback Mountain), Oscar winner, Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) and Golden Globe nominee, Mila Kunis (Black Swan), all of whom do a fine job. But it is the monkey Finley (Zach Braff, Scrubs) who steals the scenes with his comedic timing. Everyone will fall in love with Finley, who is forever indebted to the wizard. The other new character that will steal your heart is China Girl ­ – played by Joey King (Ramona and Beezus). All the characters in OZ play a role in transforming Oscar Diggs into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz.

Posted or revised on: 5/13/2013