Curapedi
I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.
Michael Ledo
For over half a century film producers have attempted to make a squeal to the "Wizard of Oz", worthy of the original. I can safely say, "This isn't it." Elizabeth Haskens (Jordan Van Vranken) is in an orphanage and believes she is Dorothy Gale. Never mind the time line that even a two year old might notice.She is visited by The Scarecrow (Jermel Nakia) and Tin Woodman (Orien Richman). At this point the bulk of the movie is a flashback of their journey from Oz to Jersey, to Kansas. The make up and acting were bad. The limited special effects were not as good as those 50 years ago. This film was a pathetic clash of Asylum and Hallmark.This film is designed for the young and not one adults will want to sit through.
Dawn Pannozo Weston
The acting and the costumes are atrocious. I think they were purchased at a Salvation Army Store. A woodsman would need a bigger ax to chop wood. The scene sequencing was odd. Dorothy sees the Tin Man and Scarecrow before they set out on their journey. The Lion is left behind in Oz. The pacing of this movie was pathetic.If this had continued in the same era as the original, it might have been more believable that Elizabeth is in fact Dorothy.The passenger on the train continues with the misconception that Kansas is flat and rife with tornadoes. Kansas has for example the beautiful Flint Hills. Kansas elevation rises from East to West as the state reaches Colorado.There are other states with more tornado activity.
ccarni1
I don't know whose idea it was to make this 'sequel', but it was a very bad one. "After The Wizard" not only has no Wizard in it, but only spends about 10 minutes in Oz! The screenplay is strange and atrocious and the acting is superficial at best, with the exception of Peter Mark Richman as the blind passenger. Dorothy has zero screen presence, while the Tin Man and Scarecrow are laughable as their "costumes" are normal street clothes peppered with spray-painted on accents! Seriously? Community theater does a better job!The director (his first film and it shows it) needs to up his game and write something that makes some sort of sense and lines that don't sound like a six-year-old wrote it. How anyone can say this is a "wholesome film the entire family will love" is seriously misleading you down the yellow brick road...which this film also doesn't have!
minervache
After the Wizard is a cute and quirky film which follows some of the OZ characters after Dorothy's return to Kansas. If you are looking for a sweet heartfelt family-friendly film with nostalgic views of the power of American Midwestern values: compassion, love, hope, perseverance, gratitude, friendship, kindness to strangers and animals, imagination, second chances, self-reliance, the importance of reading, thinking on one's own, this film fits the bill. This film will especially appeal to Oz fans and people who love dogs. If you are looking for a Hollywood big budget, slick, high-speed, violent, action film which highlights special effects, this film is not for you.In his directorial debut, Hugh Gross, who also wrote the screenplay pays tribute to L. Frank Baum and his series of The Wizard of Oz books. Gross testifies to the influence the stories and their derivative films have had on generations of Americans.The film has two threads intertwining throughout the story. One is the story of Elizabeth, a modern day "Dorothy" trying to survive real life adolescent problems. The film hints that Elizabeth, an orphan, has undergone severe hardship, resulting in her belief that she is "Dorothy" of Oz fame. The second thread is the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman, traveling across the United States, searching out "Dorothy" when things go amuck in OZ. This second thread adds comic relief and a series of life lessons, as the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman undertake their journey.Orien Richman and Jermel Nakia, respectively portrayed the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow with sweet innocence. P. David Miller, as the Lion, captured both the fear and courage of his character. Jordan Van Vranken as Elizabeth, Helen Richman as Mrs. Murphy, and Loren Lester, as Dr. Edwards were believable. Peter Mark Richman played a likable and charming Charles Samuel Williams.I smiled throughout Seraiah Carol's short but enjoyable scene as an animal shelter attendant.Dana Rice's photography was striking, particularly the shots of the landscapes of the American Midwest. Stephen Main's music excelled in evoking emotional response throughout the film.This is a film with both a heart and a brain and I highly recommend it.
