X
- 1978
- G
- Universal Pictures
- 2 h 14 m
- 1978
- G
- Universal Pictures
- 2 h 14 m
Summary An adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" that tries to capture the essence of the African-American experience.
Directed By: Sidney Lumet
Written By: L. Frank Baum, William F. Brown, Joel Schumacher
- 1978
- G
- Universal Pictures
- 2 h 14 m
- 1978
- G
- Universal Pictures
- 2 h 14 m
The Wiz
53
6.7
Where to Watch
Summary An adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" that tries to capture the essence of the African-American experience.
Directed By: Sidney Lumet
Written By: L. Frank Baum, William F. Brown, Joel Schumacher
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
53
45% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
36% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
18% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
53
45% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
36% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
18% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Lumet and his inspired collaborators have succeeded in fabricating and navigating one majectic, rabble-rousing Mother Ship of a musical, a sublimely happy moviegoing experience. [27 Oct 1978, p.D1]
The movie has great moments and a lot of life, sensational special effects and costumes, and Ross, Jackson, and Russell. Why doesn't it involve us as deeply as The Wizard of Oz? Maybe because it hedges its bets by wanting to be sophisticated and universal, childlike and knowing, appealing to both a mass audience and to media insiders. The Wizard of Oz went flat-out for the heart of its story; there are times whenThe Wiz has just a touch too much calculation.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 9 User Ratings
6.7
56% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
11% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
33% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 9 User Ratings
6.7
56% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
11% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
33% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Director Sidney Lumet has created what amounts to a love letter to the city of New York, which he equates with Oz.
Whenever I see this film, Pryor's look of what-am-I-doing-here? panic echoes my feelings exactly.
A lot to look at, little to contemplate, and nothing to hum.
This film brings out all the weaknesses of its director, Sidney Lumet, and none of his strengths. The whole production has a stagnant atmosphere, and the big dance numbers are free-form traffic jams.
Whatever fun this funked-up Wizard of Oz had on Broadway is erased by miscasting and a hideous design (Oz as a New York slum).
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 4 Nominations
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA
• 7 Nominations
Image Awards (NAACP)
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
