The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz | |
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Based on | The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum |
Screenplay by |
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Story by |
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Directed by | Kirk R. Thatcher |
Starring | |
Music by | Michael Giacchino |
Country of origin |
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Original language | English |
Production | |
Executive producers | |
Producer | Bill Barretta |
Cinematography | Tony Westman |
Editor | Gregg Featherman |
Running time |
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Production companies | |
Original release | |
Network | ABC |
Release | April 27, 2005 |
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz is a 2005
Following
It is the first Muppets film without the involvement of veteran performer Jerry Nelson following his 2004 retirement from physical performing. His characters of Lew Zealand and Floyd Pepper were respectively performed by Bill Barretta and John Kennedy. Barretta also debuts as the new permanent performer of Dr. Teeth, a character originally performed by Jim Henson. The production also marked the feature film debut of Eric Jacobson as the performer of Sam Eagle, a character originally performed by Frank Oz.
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz premiered on April 27, 2005, at the
Plot
The Munchkins inform Dorothy that the land's ruler the Wizard, has the power to grant her wish of becoming a famous singer. She meets the Good Witch of the North and receives a pair of magic silver slippers from the Wicked Witch of the East, who was killed when Dorothy's trailer fell on her. Dorothy and Toto embark on a journey on the yellow brick road to meet the Wizard of Oz.
On her journey, she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Thing, and a Cowardly Lion. They are also seeking the Wizard of Oz to give them a brain, heart, and courage, respectively. The group meets various obstacles before arriving at the Emerald City and meeting the Wizard. Before he grants their wishes, the Wizard sends Dorothy and her friends to retrieve the Wicked Witch of the West's magic eye, a tool she uses to see anything she desires in the Land of Oz.
The Wicked Witch of the West sees them coming and sends the Flying Monkeys to deal with them. The Witch and the Flying Monkeys capture Dorothy, Toto and Lion while Scarecrow and Tin Thing are dismantled. Toto calls the Munchkins, who set him and Dorothy free and hold up the witch. Dorothy kicks the witch into her own "bottled water bath," which contains tap water (to which she is severely allergic). This causes the Wicked Witch of the West to melt. Dorothy finds the magic eye floating in the tub unharmed and grabs it.
Dorothy gains control of the Flying Monkeys and has them rebuild Scarecrow and Tin Thing. Then she and her friends travel back to the Emerald City to have their wishes granted. When they all storm into the Wizard's room, they discover it is merely a Hollywood effects stage and that the Wizard is just an ordinary man. He asked for the witch's eye so that she could not see him for who he really was. Even so, he still proceeds to grant their wishes. Dorothy finally becomes a singer in the Land of Oz, but realizes that all she ever really wanted was to go back home and be with her family. After traveling back to Munchkinland, she meets
Cast
- Ashanti as Dorothy Gale: A Kansas teen dreaming of leaving her home and becoming a singer.
- Queen Latifah as Aunt Em: Dorothy's aunt and co-owner of the family diner in Kansas.
- Uncle Henry: Dorothy's uncle and co-owner of the family diner.
- Jeffrey Tambor as Francis Cornfine / The Wizard of Oz: The legendary Wizard of Oz. This is Tambor's second appearance in a Muppet film, the first being Muppets from Space.
- Quentin Tarantino as himself: In a short appearance with Kermit the Frog, Tarantino discusses violent ideas on how to stop the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Extended version
- Kelly Osbourne as post-makeover Dorothy Gale: Appears in a brief cameo as Dorothy when she first comes out of the Magic Makeover Machine in Emerald City.
Muppets performers
- Steve Whitmire as:
- Kermit the Frog as Himself/Scarecrow: A scarecrow in search of a brain. Scarecrow is constantly mocked by the crows in Oz, as he is defenseless and cannot do anything to stop them. Prior to Dorothy's journey, Kermit organizes a talent scout for a star for a new show. After her return, he hires her.
- Beaker: He appears as an Emerald City Technician. Beaker also appears at the end in the Muppets' show.
- Bean Bunnyin loading equipment into the Muppets' bus. He returns for the Muppets' show in the climax.
- Bean Bunny: Prior to Dorothy's journey, Bean Bunny is seen assisting Rizzo the Ratin loading equipment into the Muppets' bus.
- Statler as Kalidah Critic #1. He heckles Dorothy and her friends as they try to cross a log.
- Foo-Foo: Foo-Foo appears as the pet dog of the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Dave Goelz as:
- Camilla the Chicken. He also appears at the end of the film in the Muppets' show.
- Dr. Bunsen Honeydew: He appears as an Emerald City Technician. He also appears at the end of the film in the Muppets' show.
- Waldorf as Kalidah Critic #2. He and the other Kalidah Critic heckle Dorothy and her friends as they try to cross a log.
- Zoot: He performs backup for the songs "Naptime", and for "The Witch is in the House", and appears at the end of the film in the Muppets' new show.
- Bill Barretta as:
- Pepe the King Prawn as Toto: Dorothy's pet prawn and first companion on her journey. In Kansas, Toto was a prawn that lived in a fish bowl in Dorothy's room.
- Dr. Teeth: He performs "Naptime", and also performs in "The Witch is in the House". He appears again at the end of the film in the Muppets' show.
- Johnny Fiama: He appears as one of the henchmen of the Wicked Witch of the West, and is supposedly her love interest.
- Lew Zealand: He briefly appears in Emerald City at the red carpet event, asking Dorothy to sign his boomerang fish.
- Bran Flakesfor the Wizard.
- Bubba the Rat: He assists the Mayor of Munchkin Land in getting Dorothy and the Lion out of Poppyfields.
- Eric Jacobson as:
- Miss Piggy as herself: She appears early on with Kermit, and tries to get rid of Dorothy. She returns at the end of the film for the Muppets' show. She also appears as:
- The Wicked Witch of the West: The Wicked Witch that terrifies all that meet her.
- Tattypoo the Good Witch of the North: The Good Witch that gives Dorothy the silver slippers.
- Glinda the Good Witch of the South: The other Good Witch that shows Dorothy how to get home.
- The Wicked Witch of the East: The original owner of the magic slippers who was killed by Dorothy's falling mobile home.
- Fozzie Bear as Himself/Cowardly Bear: A nervous and frightened lion stand-up comic that accompanies Dorothy and the others on their journey. Fozzie shows up at the end of the film in the Muppets' show.
- Animal: He performs in the songs "Naptime" and "The Witch is in the House", and appears at the end of the film in the Muppets' new show.
- Sam Eagle: He appears as the Guardian of the Gates.
- Miss Piggy as herself: She appears early on with Kermit, and tries to get rid of Dorothy. She returns at the end of the film for the Muppets' show. She also appears as:
- Brian Henson as:
- Sal Manilla as Sal, a Flying Monkey: He accompanies Johnny for much of the film.
- Kevin Clash as:
- Clifford: He appears as the manager of the Poppy Field Club.
- Mulch: He appears briefly in Poppyfields.
- Black Dog as a Flying Monkey
- John Kennedy as:
- Angel Marie as a Flying Monkey: A servant of the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Floyd Pepper: He performs in "Naptime" and "The Witch is in the House", and appears at the end of the film in the Muppets' new show.
- Rickey Boyd as:
- Scooter: He appears as the Wizard's Assistant.
- Crazy Harry as a Flying Monkey
- Tyler Bunch as:
- Janice: She performs in "Naptime" and "The Witch is in the House", and appears at the end of the film in the Muppets' new show.
- Aretha as a Flying Monkey
- Julianne Buescher as
- Wizard's Green Lady and Chicken Forms
- John Henson as
- Sweetums as a Flying Monkey: He provides the keys for the Cowardly Lion's escape from his cage.
- Mike Quinn as
- Calico as a Flying Monkey
- Allan Trautman as
- Crow: He bothers the Scarecrow.
- Old Tom as a Flying Monkey
- Drew Massey as
- Spotted Dick as a Flying Monkey
- Alice Dinnean as:
- Camilla the Chicken: The Tin Thing's girlfriend. The two are reunited later on in the film.
In addition, Whitmire and Goelz make on-screen cameos as audience members at Aunt Em's Diner during the finale.
Production
When
Filming took place throughout September 2004 in
Music
"When I'm with You" was nominated for a
Soundtrack
Best of the Muppets featuring The Muppets' Wizard of Oz | ||||
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Soundtrack album | ||||
Released | May 17, 2005 | |||
Studio | Walt Disney Studios, Burbank | |||
Genre | Pop rock, soundtrack[10] | |||
Length | 29:52[8] | |||
Label | Walt Disney | |||
Producer | Sam Pottle | |||
The Muppets chronology | ||||
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The Muppets' Wizard of Oz official soundtrack was released on May 17, 2005.[10] The album was an enhanced soundtrack titled Best of Muppets featuring The Muppets' Wizard of Oz as it was not a film-specific soundtrack, but a compilation album featuring the Muppets' best songs from The Muppet Show as well as songs from the film.[10]
Track listing[10]
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
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1. | "Kansas" | Jeannie Lurie | Brandon Christy | Ashanti | 2:15 |
2. | "When I'm With You" | Jeannie Lurie, Debra Frank, Steve L. Hayes | Robin the Frog | 2:26 | |
13. | "What Now My Love?" | Carl Sigman | Gilbert Bécaud | Miss Piggy | 1:45 |
14. | "Tenderly" | Jack Lawrence | Walter Gross | Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem | 2:00 |
15. | "Happy Feet" | Jack Yellen | Milton Ager | Kermit the Frog and Frog Chorus | 1:30 |
Total length: | 29:52 |
Release
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz premiered on April 27, 2005, at the
Critical reception
7.75 million viewers watched The Muppets' Wizard of Oz on its television premiere night in the United States; it ranked as the forty-second most-watched television program of the week.[21] Michael Schneider of Variety wrote that it "performed solidly ... particularly with adults 18–34, teens and kids."[22] The film received negative reviews from critics. At Rotten Tomatoes, the movie currently holds a 38% rating, based on 8 reviews.[23]
For the film's positive response, Kevin Carr stated that "When you dig down and actually find (and watch) the new Muppet material, some of the magic is still there."[24] MaryAnn Johanson of Flick Filosopher said that, "It's not on a par with the Muppet movie madness of old, but it's darn close."[25] According to the Bums Corner's review the film was a "treat for all ages, and that it was a colorful, musical, humorous romp."[26] Keith Allen of Movie Rapture gave the film 2.5 stars out of 3, explaining that the film's humor was surprisingly clever, and that the film would frequently make you laugh.[27] Mutant Reviewers commented that although the Muppet deal with Walt Disney was "disappointing", the film managed to be funny and witty.[28]
In contrast, David Nusair of Reel Film Reviews warned that the film was "strictly for kids."[29] Nusair stated that although Ashanti can sing, she cannot act.[29] Joshua Tyler of Cinema Blend explained that Dorothy visiting the Wizard of Oz to become a star instead of going back home was a big mistake,[30] and that it showed how shallow society has become.[30] R.J. Carter of The Trades gave the film a B−, also stating that Dorothy's wish to become a star was a selfish one.[31] Ultimate Disney's review found that the extended DVD version of the film did more harm than good;[18] Andy Dursin of The Aisle Seat said that the original film was "dull" and that the extended version was an improvement.[32] Cold Fusion Video felt that although the film was entertaining, it lacked the heart and wit of Jim Henson's Muppet films.[33] Bryan Pope of DVD Verdict said that the film drained the Muppets of their spirit and was slightly gratuitous.[34] Techtite TV reviews felt that the film was done poorly on all levels, and that the film was on the higher end of TV-PG.[35]
Other reviewers felt that the film's attempt to appeal to an older, more mature audience was ultimately a bad idea. Kerry Bennett of Parent Previews warned that it sometimes steered "dangerously off course" due to an excess of sexual content and violence.[36] Referential humor to the marriage of Jennifer Lopez, Manolo Blahnik style silver shoes, and properties such as Girls Gone Wild, The Passion of the Christ, Apocalypse Now and Kill Bill: Volume 1 were seen as too mature.[29][37] Cold Fusion Video judged the Kelly Osbourne cameo in the extended edition as "pointless".[33] Dursin contrasted the two guest appearances and found that the Tarantino cameo dragged the film down.[32] Critics were split on the merits of ABC's modernized adaptation to rely on plot elements from the original novel instead of the iconic 1939 film.[4][38]
See also
References
- ^ "The Muppets at the Jim Henson Company." Archived 2008-05-10 at the Wayback Machine The Jim Henson Company. Retrieved: April 26, 2008.
- ^ a b c d "Tarantino to star in Muppets film," BBC News, August 27, 2004, Retrieved: April 26, 2008.
- ^ Gates, Anita. "Muppets as Munchkins: We're Not in Kansas Anymore." The New York Times, May 20, 2005, p. E26. Retrieved: March 11, 2008.
- ^ a b Adalian, Josef. "The Muppets ready to take Oz." Variety, March 15, 2004. Retrieved: April 26, 2008.
- ^ Norment, Lynn. "Ashanti: Answers critics & doubters." Archived 2012-06-01 at the Wayback Machine Ebony, March 2005. Retrieved: April 26, 2008.
- ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Ashanti, Usher, Phil Spector, Taking Back Sunday, Kanye West, Jay-Z & More." MTV, August 25, 2004. Retrieved: April 26, 2008.
- ^ a b Fonseca, Nicholas. "Wizard of Frog." Archived 2012-08-19 at the Wayback Machine Entertainment Weekly, Issue 820, p. 66, May 20, 2005. Retrieved: April 26, 2008.
- ^ a b c d The Best of the Muppets featuring The Muppets' Wizard of Oz. Walt Disney Records, 2005.
- ^ a b "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz nominated for Primetime Emmy." Emmy Awards. Retrieved: March 27, 2008.
- ^ Amazon.com, 2005. Retrieved: March 4, 2008.
- ^ "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz to premiere on April 27th, 2005 at the Tribeca Film Festival." The Futon Critic, March 29, 2005. Retrieved: March 8, 2008.
- ^ Disney Videos. Retrieved: April 8, 2008.
- ^ Amazon.com. Retrieved: March 4, 2008.
- ^ Amazon.com. Retrieved: March 4, 2008.
- BBFC. Retrieved: March 7, 2008.
- ^ "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz rated "3" by the FBFC (VET)." Archived 2008-02-24 at the Wayback Machine VET. Retrieved: March 7, 2008.
- ^ a b "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz – Anniversary Edition." Archived 2008-03-14 at the Wayback Machine EzyDVD. Retrieved: March 7, 2008.
- ^ Ultimate Disney, August 9, 2005. Retrieved: April 26, 2008.
- Buy.com. Retrieved: March 4, 2008.
- ^ "Muppet Wizardry at Macy's." License, Vol. 8, Issue 4, p. 11, May 2005. Retrieved: January 17, 2012.
- ^ "Weekly Program Rankings." Archived 2009-05-16 at the Wayback Machine ABC Medianet, May 24, 2005. Retrieved: October 22, 2008.
- ^ Schneider, Michael. "The Muppets pull strings at ABC." Variety, October 24, 2005. Retrieved: April 5, 2008.
- ^ "The Muppets: Wizard of Oz at Rotten Tomatoes." Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved: November 23, 2008.
- ^ Carr, Kevin. "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz Kevin Carr review." Archived 2008-10-09 at the Wayback Machine 7Mpictures. Retrieved: March 5, 2008.
- ^ Johanson, MaryAnn. "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz Maryann Johanson review." Flick Filosopher. Retrieved: March 4, 2008.
- ^ "Bums Corner review." Archived 2008-10-05 at the Wayback Machine Bums Corner, May 21, 2005. Retrieved: March 4, 2008.
- ^ Allen, Keith. "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005)." Movie Rapture. Retrieved: March 4, 2008.
- ^ "Mutant Reviewers from Hell do The Muppets' Wizard of Oz." Archived 2008-03-07 at the Wayback Machine Mutant Reviewers. Retrieved: March 4, 2008.
- ^ a b c Nusair, David. "Five Muppet Movies from Disney." Archived 2008-01-13 at the Wayback Machine Reel Film Reviews. Retrieved: March 5, 2008.
- ^ a b Tyler, Joshua. "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz - DVD." Archived 2018-07-16 at the Wayback Machine Cinema Blend, July 31, 2005. Retrieved: March 7, 2008.
- ^ Carter, R.J. "DVD Review: The Muppets' Wizard of Oz." Archived 2006-05-23 at the Wayback Machine The Trades, August 7, 2005. Retrieved: April 4, 2008.
- ^ a b "Kung Fu Craziness: Andy Reviews Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle Plus: Winn-Dixie and The Muppets Visit Oz!" The Aisle Seat, August 10, 2005. Retrieved: April 4, 2008.
- ^ a b "Muppets’ Wizard of Oz, The (2005)." Cold Fusion Video, August 31, 2005. Retrieved: April 4, 2008.
- ^ "Bryan Pope review." Archived 2008-03-25 at the Wayback Machine DVD Verdict. Retrieved: April 4, 2008.
- ^ "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz: A Review by Techtite." Archived 2008-05-13 at the Wayback Machine Techtite TV Reviews. Retrieved: April 4, 2008.
- ^ Bennett, Kerry. "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz." Parent Previews. Retrieved: April 4, 2008.
- ^ Kelleher, Terry. "The Muppets' Wizard Of Oz." People, Volume 63, Issue 20, May 23, 2005, p. 39.
- ^ "Richard Scheib film review." Archived 2008-04-23 at the Wayback Machine Moria.co.nz, 2007. Retrieved: April 4, 2008.
External links
- Official website
- The Muppets' Wizard of Oz at IMDb
- The Muppets' Wizard of Oz at Rotten Tomatoes
- The Muppets' Wizard of Oz at AllMovie
- The Muppets' Wizard of Oz on Muppet Wiki