The Wiz

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The Wiz

G

Released Oct 24, 1978

2h 13m

Kids & Family

Musical

Adventure

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

47%

Tomatometer

36 Reviews

65%

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25,000+ Ratings

When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross).

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Critics Consensus

This workmanlike movie musical lacks the electricity of the stage version (and its cinematic inspiration), but it's bolstered by strong performances by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

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John Skow

TIME Magazine

So much wit and talent and energy crowd the screen in this lavishly filmed variant of the Oz story that it is depressing to realize that the production never had a chance.

Mar 26, 2019

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Variety Staff

Variety

Director Sidney Lumet has created what amounts to a love letter to the city of New York, which he equates with Oz.

Mar 26, 2019

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

It's good that the Scarecrow is the first traveling companion she meets; Michael Jackson fills the role with humor and warmth.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 16, 2018

Full Review

KT Mahe

For Your Reference Podcast

The reimagining of The Wiz positions itself as a classic in its own right. Emotion holds through memorable set pieces and legendary performances.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 27, 2024

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…it’s the dirty-glitter staging, not the show that’s the problem, not helped by Lumet shooting all the musical sequences from such an extreme distance that we can rarely see the cast’s faces…

Rated: 3/5

Apr 7, 2024

Full Review

Richard Schertzer

ScreenAnarchy

Whether you love or hate this movie, there is no denying how memorable it truly is and how impactful it has been on the culture of Oz enthusiasts and Black cinema, alike.

Jul 31, 2023

Full Review

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Ace D

Though it does have a strong cast, it's background/shooting and plot just felt off-putting. Though I won't be watching this film on repeat.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

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David F

This update to the Wizard of Oz doesn’t quite have the magic of the original but does have some Motown cool lacking in the first one.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/14/24

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Dawn R

It was boring & made no sense

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/13/24

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ODDITY K M

Amazing movie worth the time and meaning to every song and scene! Great actors and actresses. It’s a Learning movie don’t compare it to anything else.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/30/24

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matthias s

I finally got around to watching *The Wiz*, and I have to say, it didn’t live up to my sky-high expectations. The cast is stacked and super talented, and I loved how African-American music and culture were woven into the classic *Wizard of Oz* story. The performances were solid, and "A Brand New Day" was a standout moment, but honestly, nothing else really stuck with me. It just doesn’t hold a candle to the 1939 film. The biggest issue? The pacing. It drags so much that the long runtime felt exhausting. I did like how Oz was basically a magical version of New York City, but the Wicked Witch was a huge letdown—at least make her look scarier, like in the original! Overall, *The Wiz* had all the ingredients to be great, but it just didn’t click. Decent, but a disappointment. 2.5 stars.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

Full Review

Seth F

Syrupy thick with power ballads, The Wiz is visually stunning at times with an apt cast and an overall hummable score. Unfortunately, it's weighed down by a lumbering pace and a tired, earnest message that had me yelling "we get it already" before Dorothy stumbled her erratic way out of Munchkinland. A heavier hand in the editing room might have saved it. We'll never know.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/25

Full Review

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Sidney Lumet

Director

Diana Ross

Dorothy

Michael Jackson

Scarecrow

Richard Pryor

The Wiz

Nipsey Russell

Tinman

Ted Ross

Lion

The Wiz: Official Clip - Home

3:16

The Wiz: Official Clip - Everybody Rejoice

2:47

The Wiz: Official Clip - If You Believe

2:19

The Wiz: Official Clip - No Bad News

3:59

The Wiz: Official Clip - The Crow Anthem

3:49

The Wiz: Official Clip - Scarecrow Joins Dorothy

2:03

The Wiz: Official Clip - I'm a Mean Old Lion

2:49

The Wiz: Official Clip - Ease on Down the Road

2:40

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Synopsis

When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross).

Director: Sidney Lumet
Producer: Rob Cohen
Screenwriter: Joel Schumacher
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Motown Productions
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Musical, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 1978, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Runtime: 2h 13m
Sound Mix: Surround

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