Oz the Great and Powerful: there are no sacred cows, but when one sets up, as Sam Raimi did, to use extensively an universe so well-known and beloved as that of The Wizard of Oz, comparisons have to be made. And while the film is fun and does not succumb completely to the weight of the original work, it falls into the usual traps: the story becomes a fight against tyranny, complete with its Agincourt moment. Nevertheless, in less broad strokes than some other recent examples, the original film can be recognized, visually and thematically. The three witches are convincing, James Franco less so.