For a family flick, this is a really poorly executed film. The idea is excellent and for the first few minutes, the prospect of a great film gets you. However, this excitement quickly turns into disbelief when you are faced with 10-15 minutes scenes with one dimensional dialogues between two characters. Even my 10 year old daughter, fan of Shakespeare plays (heavy stuff) was bored after a while. We watched all hoping to see a turn of events that made our 80 minutes worth waiting... Nothing was found. The only positive thing was the acting. A great load of the film falls on them and they (in general) deliver. It is not their fault that the director choose substance over entertainment.
19 Reviews
THAT DOG IS NOT TOTO
nogodnomasters19 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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.
This movie really tries....too hard
isaacimages23 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It makes sense that the lion doesn't come to Kansas with the tin woodsman and the scarecrow. The three of them would have been carted off right away. Due to the universal knowledge of the Oz adventures, people they meet in our world are able to accept, and even help the two find Dorothy.
There are some clever points....how they obtain money, train tickets, and their scene at the dog pound.
This movie makes some good solid points about the world, and people in general, but it repeats things over and over. Maybe it is aimed at very young children. Others who have reviewed it say the acting is terrible, but I think the acting plays down for younger children. Young children may not catch the flashback aspect of the story, or maybe the editing could have been better.
Could it have been better? Sure. If it had been shortened 15 minutes, to make it seem faster paced.
There are some clever points....how they obtain money, train tickets, and their scene at the dog pound.
This movie makes some good solid points about the world, and people in general, but it repeats things over and over. Maybe it is aimed at very young children. Others who have reviewed it say the acting is terrible, but I think the acting plays down for younger children. Young children may not catch the flashback aspect of the story, or maybe the editing could have been better.
Could it have been better? Sure. If it had been shortened 15 minutes, to make it seem faster paced.
Monkeys to fly please and stop trying to write movies.
daniel_mong6 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Billed as the 'much awaited sequel'. Should be billed as 'mumbling mannequins walk about a bit and talk about winkies'.
OK I'll try and be positive. The DVD has a great sleeve, which is presumably where the budget went.
Now for the negatives. No Wizard. Oz is a blink and you'll miss it quarry scene. Barely a Lion (did the costume budget not extend to a second day's rental?). Not really Dorothy. Not really Toto. No Munchkins. No witches. No yellow brick road. No songs.
As stories go there is...nothing. My six-year old daughter could have come up with a better premise for a film. Nothing is resolved by the end of the movie, not that there is really any sort of mission or problem to resolve.
The script is laughably mawkish and pretentious. My daughter found it really funny the way everybody talks about winkies and nobody even cracks a grin (For non-brits, winky = phallus). Which in my mind pretty much hits the nail on the head as far a microcosms go, in that how seriously can a movie - a kids' movie at that - as bad as this take itself? The answer is very.
Unfortunately for the rest of us who shelled out 3 quid on a DVD the joke is on us.
OK I'll try and be positive. The DVD has a great sleeve, which is presumably where the budget went.
Now for the negatives. No Wizard. Oz is a blink and you'll miss it quarry scene. Barely a Lion (did the costume budget not extend to a second day's rental?). Not really Dorothy. Not really Toto. No Munchkins. No witches. No yellow brick road. No songs.
As stories go there is...nothing. My six-year old daughter could have come up with a better premise for a film. Nothing is resolved by the end of the movie, not that there is really any sort of mission or problem to resolve.
The script is laughably mawkish and pretentious. My daughter found it really funny the way everybody talks about winkies and nobody even cracks a grin (For non-brits, winky = phallus). Which in my mind pretty much hits the nail on the head as far a microcosms go, in that how seriously can a movie - a kids' movie at that - as bad as this take itself? The answer is very.
Unfortunately for the rest of us who shelled out 3 quid on a DVD the joke is on us.
OK movie for a lazy Sunday afternoon, but you may regret it.
drroller29 August 2012
It kept my kids attention but it was very disconnected and left some unanswered questions.
The acting was not horrible, but could have been better.
The costumes left much to be desired, I think the tin mans snow gloves would have been better as just painted skin.
Who in their right mind portrays Oz by shooting the Oz scene in a quarry? It was like they drove around and said...OK, that looks good, and free lets shoot there!
The Oz lore was way off, whoever wrote the script didn't keep true to the oz books.
Peter Mark Richman portrayed a genuine character with some good morals to the story he told, he was very believable.
The acting was not horrible, but could have been better.
The costumes left much to be desired, I think the tin mans snow gloves would have been better as just painted skin.
Who in their right mind portrays Oz by shooting the Oz scene in a quarry? It was like they drove around and said...OK, that looks good, and free lets shoot there!
The Oz lore was way off, whoever wrote the script didn't keep true to the oz books.
Peter Mark Richman portrayed a genuine character with some good morals to the story he told, he was very believable.
After The Wizard
dukeakasmudge14 February 2016
I've never been a fan of the original Wizard Of Oz & I think I've only liked 1 or 2 of the remakes.I really didn't know what to expect of this version but I was surprised that I truly liked it.It was something different.I enjoyed watching the journey the Scarecrow & Tinman took on their way to find Dorothy & the people they met along the way.I especially liked the Scarecrow & Tin Man's costumes.I thought they looked pretty cool.My only problem with the movie was that the girl thought she was Dorothy & wanted everybody to call her that but her actual name was Elizabeth.It just made it seem like she had.... problems.Why couldn't her name just be Dorothy? I can imagine not everybody will like this movie but I think for a low budget movie, they did a GREAT job
A complete waste of film
ccarni131 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
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!
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!
This movie absolutely stinks
clarkx9 April 2016
I had the misfortune to stumble on this god awful waste of film, electricity and time on cable television.
It's literally unbelievably slow and stupid. There was this scene on a train where a blind man talks to the scarecrow and tin man and tells them simple and obvious stuff about "The Wizard of Oz" that we already know. It might be the single most boring scene ever committed to film.
I sat there with my jaw dropped, wondering how any filmmaker can think anyone would want to watch something like that. And it went on and on and on and on .....................................
It's getting distressing to think that the creators of today are so uncreative that all they can do is rehash old properties that have already been rehashed to death already.
It's literally unbelievably slow and stupid. There was this scene on a train where a blind man talks to the scarecrow and tin man and tells them simple and obvious stuff about "The Wizard of Oz" that we already know. It might be the single most boring scene ever committed to film.
I sat there with my jaw dropped, wondering how any filmmaker can think anyone would want to watch something like that. And it went on and on and on and on .....................................
It's getting distressing to think that the creators of today are so uncreative that all they can do is rehash old properties that have already been rehashed to death already.
Absolutely awful in every way
chriscookuk7 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Pretty much nothing happens in the entire film! Oz is shown briefly and then it's just an old quarry, there are absolutely no sets or special effects. The Tin Man, Scarecrow & Lions costumes are awful.
Dorothy isn't Dorothty (I think, but it's not clear). Toto isn't Toto. My 5 year old was left bored and slightly perplexed. Luckily the DVD was only £3 and that's over priced.
Running out of things to say about it to make up the minimum 10 lines on here it is that bad.
If you buy this film your kids will unfortunately be disappointed.
Expect to see it in poundland soon! It really is a terrible terrible film.
Dorothy isn't Dorothty (I think, but it's not clear). Toto isn't Toto. My 5 year old was left bored and slightly perplexed. Luckily the DVD was only £3 and that's over priced.
Running out of things to say about it to make up the minimum 10 lines on here it is that bad.
If you buy this film your kids will unfortunately be disappointed.
Expect to see it in poundland soon! It really is a terrible terrible film.
Worst Film Ever
abdelgulabkhan10 September 2014
This film is absolutely terrible. Its boring from start to finish really poor acting no imagination Rubbish characters tin man dressed in a suit?? Scare crow dressed in a suit with a bit of straw??? Really come on this movie has no budget No imagination Walking round a modern day Kansas city, this movie is terrible. Nothing from Oz here just awful story line so annoying and worse than watching paint dry. Really this movie has no resemblance to the great wizard of oz film I loved. This film just stinks so bad I had to write this review. Save your life not wasting time watching it there is no magic just boring silly directed film. No wonder it was never in the cinema its so bad
A film with a heart and a brain.
minervache11 September 2012
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.
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.
After all is said and done, this is a noble attempt that doesn't quite satisfy
inkblot1117 November 2014
Elizabeth lives in a Kansas orphanage, run by a lady who has been there thirty years. Even though twelve year old Liz doesn't want to upset folks, she does. That is because she lives in a fantasy world, where the young gal believes she is Dorothy of the Oz books. Everyone is instructed to call her Doro, which they refuse to do, resulting in punishments galore. Meanwhile, the Tin Man and Scarecrow have landed a balloon in New Jersey and are making their way by train to Kansas. The journey many problems as this duo doesn't understand money, state boundaries and more. Fortunately, they do have a pocketful of emeralds from the E city, which do come in handy. Will they be able to locate Dorothy at the time she really needs them? There may be a tornado approaching, too! This sweet film moves so slowly that some children will give up a view, despite the delightful Tin Man and Scarecrow. It is a well conceived tale, that an orphan girl, rejected by many, invents a dream world to cope. Therefore, Oz characters are part of an imaginary world, which may not be clear to kids, either. Nevertheless, if boys and girls are the patient type, this little film may thrill those who adore the original Wizard of Oz movie.
Continues the misconception that Kansas is totally flat and rife with tornadoes
dawnweston-908-88072621 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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.
This is not an Oz story
drewbear196921 October 2022
While this was a very amateur production with a few good performances, as a life-long fan of the Oz literature I could have overlooked that if the story had been any good. My biggest issue is that it's presented as an Oz adventure when it's not, and whatever story it's trying to tell is muddled by two incongruous plots. Elizabeth is an orphan who pretends to be Dorothy in order to cope with vague and undefined problems, while the Scarecrow and a guy in grey makeup travel across the United States to seek her help with vague and undefined problems back in the rock quarry that's supposed to pass for Oz. I've wondered if I might have liked this movie more if I'd seen it as a child.
This is touted as a sequel, yet nothing about it matches the canon or indicates that anyone had actually read the books despite the frequent praise for them from the writer and the characters. There are already at least two other "sequels" anyway that DO incorporate elements of "Land of Oz" and "Ozma of Oz," the books which follow "Wizard:" Filmation's "Journey Back to Oz" from 1972, and Disney's "Return to Oz" from 1985. This was more like an "add a word" forum game that someone cobbled together into a script, and given that a few dozen people received special thinks for the writing, I wouldn't be surprised if that's what happened. It would certainly explain why the overall premise was so disjointed.
Ultimately if you like stories that have a simple plot with minimal conflict that's easily resolved and a pat happy ending all around, you'll find that here, but if you want something more complex, keep looking.
This is touted as a sequel, yet nothing about it matches the canon or indicates that anyone had actually read the books despite the frequent praise for them from the writer and the characters. There are already at least two other "sequels" anyway that DO incorporate elements of "Land of Oz" and "Ozma of Oz," the books which follow "Wizard:" Filmation's "Journey Back to Oz" from 1972, and Disney's "Return to Oz" from 1985. This was more like an "add a word" forum game that someone cobbled together into a script, and given that a few dozen people received special thinks for the writing, I wouldn't be surprised if that's what happened. It would certainly explain why the overall premise was so disjointed.
Ultimately if you like stories that have a simple plot with minimal conflict that's easily resolved and a pat happy ending all around, you'll find that here, but if you want something more complex, keep looking.
A Boring Mess of Forced Dialogue
carterkenney9 May 2023
After the Wizard is one of those movies that you know no one is looking for. I happened to stumble upon it and seeing its 29% audience approval decided to watch, hoping to have found a "so bad it's good" flic. Disappointingly, the movie is poor in its story telling, but not entertaining in its shortcomings. We follow the Tin-man and the Scarecrow who decide they need to leave OZ after the people of OZ have rejected them as leaders. The sets (at one point OZ is set as a hollow cement plant) and character designs (The tin-man is festooned in a gray button down with silver face paint) convince the viewer of the films limited budget. The plot is not redeeming. Most of it is vague exposition, focusing on the duo's journey to Kansas where they clumsily bump into extras as they travel first via, air ballon, train, then bus. The movie is hardly entertaining, even with awkward transitions and odd continuity errors. I fell asleep watching and I'm sure your child will too. The movies summation is an insult to its audience with not even the finest resolution or cause for the scarecrow and tin man's travel. They end up with nothing in the end and so will you.
TERRIBLE film that needs to be forgotten
Jediwarriormike29 November 2023
This was one of the WORST films I've ever seen in my entire life. Horrendous acting, terrible editing, idiotic dialogue, and an interesting concept that was executed poorly. It even has NO budget whatsoever, almost as if the actors were being held hostage. If I were in the studio, I would've had the FBI on speed dial.
And whoever likes this film are unemployed. 😀
Also, I'd like to note that people who milk the original IP are uncreative and should at least think of a BETTER idea for a film and actually put some effort into it.
Watching this movie is a fate worse than death. DO NOT WATCH!!
I have no ill will towards the actors who were involved in the making of this film.
And whoever likes this film are unemployed. 😀
Also, I'd like to note that people who milk the original IP are uncreative and should at least think of a BETTER idea for a film and actually put some effort into it.
Watching this movie is a fate worse than death. DO NOT WATCH!!
I have no ill will towards the actors who were involved in the making of this film.
Extremely Import Film
myspecialparadise27 January 2014
Anyone with a kind heart, as well as a mind that is governed by common sense, needs to watch this film ... because this film speaks in a language that makes it clearly understood that drastic changes must be made in this country ... for that reason alone, you may find other people leaving 10 star ratings because it hits home with super strength! The acting is adequate, the filming is adequate, and the script is absolutely fantastic ... for all its, in your face, messages for a better world than we have now. No, it isn't preachy, by no means, it just states the facts of what America has become. One immediately gets that the writer is describing our world, even though it is suppose to be a description of the condition of Oz since Dorothy left.
Anyhoots ... every family needs to see this film ... as well as every single person in America ... it is that important. It delivers the message of The Love Ministry perfectly!
Anyhoots ... every family needs to see this film ... as well as every single person in America ... it is that important. It delivers the message of The Love Ministry perfectly!
Bizarre and Profound Oz Interpretation
gliptitude25 February 2019
I am a 40 year old man and I watched this movie on one of the streaming services at my mom's apartment last year. I watched very intently while she tuned in and out while doing other things. While I have a hard time calling this movie good, I did thoroughly enjoy it.
There are many awkward and amateurish aspects to the production but these are also part of what make the movie so distinctive and intriguing and what make this what I consider to be a pretty special installment in the Oz universe.
The train scene where Tin Man and Scarecrow have a protracted conversation with another passenger is probably the most successful moment in the movie, in conventional terms. But the movie is full if dissonant performances that create a unique and porous reality which is dynamic and appropriate to the subject matter. .. The location shooting is a big part of this and the bumbling visitors from Oz make for excellent surrogates for anyone who is curious and wandering in a sometimes sad and confusing land.
I was enjoying this movie when it seemed to end prematurely and I would have liked to have seen more happen.
I give After the Wizard 7 stars because it warrants a cinephile viewing. The flaws in this movie are part of what make this movie as dynamic as it is - very dynamic. If you love cinema and you like to wonder about and question what it is while you are witnessing it, you may find this movie a suprising and rewarding viewing like I did.
There are many awkward and amateurish aspects to the production but these are also part of what make the movie so distinctive and intriguing and what make this what I consider to be a pretty special installment in the Oz universe.
The train scene where Tin Man and Scarecrow have a protracted conversation with another passenger is probably the most successful moment in the movie, in conventional terms. But the movie is full if dissonant performances that create a unique and porous reality which is dynamic and appropriate to the subject matter. .. The location shooting is a big part of this and the bumbling visitors from Oz make for excellent surrogates for anyone who is curious and wandering in a sometimes sad and confusing land.
I was enjoying this movie when it seemed to end prematurely and I would have liked to have seen more happen.
I give After the Wizard 7 stars because it warrants a cinephile viewing. The flaws in this movie are part of what make this movie as dynamic as it is - very dynamic. If you love cinema and you like to wonder about and question what it is while you are witnessing it, you may find this movie a suprising and rewarding viewing like I did.
A light hearted film
carringtoncolby26 June 2019
After reading nothing but negative reviews, I went in thinking how bad could it be... Laying in bed watching it on my cellphone, trying to asleep, I want expecting much... I did enjoy it more than I thought I would...
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