'Oz the Great and Powerful' (feat. Kevin the Critic)

We’re heading back down the Yellow Brick Road. But this time, it’s all about how the Wizard became “great and powerful.” On the latest Close Watch, Kevin Thomas aka Kevin the Critic joins us to revisit Sam Raimi’s big, bold, and sometimes bizarre 2013 film Oz the Great and Powerful. We'll discuss James Franco’s polarizing performance, how the film frames the witches of Oz, and whether Raimi’s signature style shines through. From the film’s dazzling visuals to its themes of illusion and redemption, this episode asks how Disney’s second journey into the magical land of Oz compares to 1985's darkly fantastical Return to Oz as well as how it serves as a companion piece of sorts to Wicked . Misunderstood or ill-conceived? From witches and wonders to movie magic and illusions of power, this one’s full of Raimi-fueled nostalgia.

You can listen to 'Oz the Great and Powerful' (feat. Kevin the Critic) online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

'Oz the Great and Powerful' (feat. Kevin the Critic) is an episode from Crooked Table Podcast by OddPods Media.

This episode is 80:23 long.

This episode was published on Dec 24, 2025.

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