The Wiz (1978)

The Wiz was way ahead of its BLACK time.

By muzeekian22  Jun 2, 2004 | 3 out of 3 found this The Wiz (1978) review helpful

Pros: The music, the dancing, the fun and the magic....

Cons: none

The movie "THE WIZ" is pure MAGIC. When it first came out in the 70's the critics couldn't wait to crucify it because DIANA ROSS had the leading role as DOROTHY. The critics didn't even look at how extraordinary the film was. ...All they took notice of was how DIANA ROSS was supposingly too old for the part. HOW IGNORANT, STUPID and UNFAIR that was. As the movie THE WIZ ages, people are starting to see how wonderful and special this film really is. DIANA ROSS IS THE PERFECT DOROTHY and her performance was easily worth an ACADEMY AWARD nomination. The chemistry between the colorful characters was ABSOLUTE MAGIC! As the years pass and the movie THE WIZ continues to hang around, generation after generation will come to love and adore this film. The movie THE WIZ was way ahead of its time. Where in the world could you find a big budget Hollywood musical film featuring an ALL STAR BLACK CAST in the 70's? NOWHERE, until THE WIZ came along. THE WIZ opened doors for African American films and continues to inspire people with its important messages of hope, believing in one's self, determination and love. Another thing about THE WIZ that was way ahead of its time were the special effects genius director SIDNEY LUMET used in the film. The magic Sidney created in THE WIZ helped pave the way for the big budget fantasy films of today. I personally think that when the WIZ first came out, the white critics were ready to BASH IT because it was an all star black musical, something white Hollywood had never seen before. Also, I think the African American community bashed it because they felt that the role of DOROTHY should have gone to singer/actress STEPHANIE MILLS who originated the part on Broadway. Well with all that said, it's easy to see why THE WIZ flopped at the box office. People simply dogged the film on their own "PERSONAL DISLIKES" instead of excepting the film for the great film it is. It was PURE JEALOUSLY AND RACISM from the HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY and BLACK PEOPLE have always had this LOVE/HATE relationship with Miss. Ross dating back to her days with THE SUPREMES - thanks to ENVIOUS background singer MARY WILSON and OTHERS. Anyway, now that the years have gone by THE WIZ has become a must see perennial film much like the original film "The Wizard of Oz" starring the late Judy Garland. The success THE WIZ is finally getting now only proves that the DIRECTOR, DIANA ROSS and the entire production team DID MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS!! I recommend this film to everyone. It's a must see fantasy extravaganza that will live in your heart forever....MUZEEKIAN22 Read more Less