The Wiz (1978)
Release Date:
1978
Movie Rating:
G
Runtime:
2h 14m
Synopsis:
The Wiz is a vibrant reimagining of the classic tale, The Wizard of Oz. It follows Dorothy, a shy Harlem schoolteacher, who is whisked away by a powerful storm to the magical land of Oz. In her quest to return home, she embarks on a journey along the Yellow Brick Road. Along the way, she meets a Scarecrow in need of a brain, a Tin Man longing for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion seeking courage. Together, they face various challenges and encounter the mysterious and powerful Wiz, who they believe can grant their wishes. The film is filled with lively musical numbers and colorful settings, bringing a unique twist to the beloved story.
The Wiz, released in 1978, is a musical fantasy film that reimagines the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz with a vibrant and soulful twist. As a movie for kids, it combines elements of adventure and music, creating an engaging experience that most parents appreciate for its creativity and cultural significance. While some parents are divided on its execution, many find it a delightful and imaginative journey for children.
Why Kids Should Watch The Wiz
The Wiz is celebrated for its vibrant storytelling and positive messages.
- Promotes themes of self-discovery and courage.
- Features a strong performance by Diana Ross as Dorothy, showcasing resilience and growth.
- Offers visually captivating musical numbers that kids enjoy.
- Encourages appreciation of diverse cultural expressions through its unique adaptation.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Wiz
Some parents express concerns about the film's pacing and thematic depth.
- May present emotional challenges with its darker, more intense scenes.
- Includes moments that could be confusing for younger viewers, such as abstract visual sequences.
- The film's length and complex themes might not hold the attention of all children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its pacing and thematic complexity.
What Parents Should Know About The Wiz
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Dorothy's journey emphasizes the importance of self-belief and perseverance. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, scenes involving the Wicked Witch and the dark forest may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the characters learn from their mistakes and grow throughout the story. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the characters work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting teamwork and friendship. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about finding one's inner strength and the value of friendship, delivered through Dorothy's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Wiz is praised for its imaginative retelling and cultural richness, offering children a unique musical experience. While some parents note its complex themes and pacing as potential drawbacks, these can be mitigated with parental involvement to help children understand the story's depth. For families seeking a musical adventure with a positive message, The Wiz remains a cherished classic. Consider pairing it with discussions about its themes or exploring other musical adaptations for a broader perspective.
Official The Wiz Trailer
The Wiz, released in 1978, is a musical fantasy film that reimagines the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz with a vibrant and soulful twist. As a movie for kids, it combines elements of adventure and music, creating an engaging experience that most parents appreciate for its creativity and cultural significance. While some parents are divided on its execution, many find it a delightful and imaginative journey for children.
Why Kids Should Watch The Wiz
The Wiz is celebrated for its vibrant storytelling and positive messages.
- Promotes themes of self-discovery and courage.
- Features a strong performance by Diana Ross as Dorothy, showcasing resilience and growth.
- Offers visually captivating musical numbers that kids enjoy.
- Encourages appreciation of diverse cultural expressions through its unique adaptation.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Wiz
Some parents express concerns about the film's pacing and thematic depth.
- May present emotional challenges with its darker, more intense scenes.
- Includes moments that could be confusing for younger viewers, such as abstract visual sequences.
- The film's length and complex themes might not hold the attention of all children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its pacing and thematic complexity.
What Parents Should Know About The Wiz
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Dorothy's journey emphasizes the importance of self-belief and perseverance. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, scenes involving the Wicked Witch and the dark forest may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the characters learn from their mistakes and grow throughout the story. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the characters work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting teamwork and friendship. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about finding one's inner strength and the value of friendship, delivered through Dorothy's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Wiz is praised for its imaginative retelling and cultural richness, offering children a unique musical experience. While some parents note its complex themes and pacing as potential drawbacks, these can be mitigated with parental involvement to help children understand the story's depth. For families seeking a musical adventure with a positive message, The Wiz remains a cherished classic. Consider pairing it with discussions about its themes or exploring other musical adaptations for a broader perspective.
Official The Wiz Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Wiz
The Wiz's most common core values include Courage, Friendship, and Self-discovery. Throughout the movie, kids see courage in action as Dorothy and her companions face their fears and overcome obstacles on their journey. Friendship is highlighted as the characters support each other, showing children the importance of having and Being a good friend.
Self-discovery is a key theme as Dorothy and her friends learn more about themselves and their true potential, teaching kids the value of understanding who they are and what they can achieve. For example, the Cowardly Lion learns to find bravery within himself, demonstrating that courage often comes from within.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Adaptability | Appreciating what you have | Being brave | Building confidence. | Creativity | Dealing with fear | Determination | Emotional growth | Empathy | Gratitude | Growth mindset | Imagination | Independence | Leadership | Perseverance | Resilience | Self-expression | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Trust | Valuing diversity
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Wiz
Believing in Yourself: In The Wiz, Dorothy's journey through the magical land of Oz teaches kids the importance of self-belief. As she navigates challenges and meets new friends, she learns to trust her instincts and abilities, ultimately realizing that she has the power to find her way home. This lesson encourages children to have confidence in themselves and their decisions.
Finding Courage: The Cowardly Lion's quest for bravery is a key part of the story, showing kids that courage isn't the absence of fear but the ability to face it. As the Lion joins Dorothy and the others on their journey, he discovers that true courage comes from within, inspiring children to confront their own fears and challenges head-on.
Building Friendships: The bond that forms between Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion highlights the value of friendship. As they support each other through various trials, kids learn the importance of teamwork, trust, and the strength that comes from having supportive friends by their side.
Embracing Differences: Each character in The Wiz brings unique qualities to the group, teaching children to appreciate and embrace differences. The Scarecrow's intelligence, the Tin Man's compassion, and the Lion's bravery all contribute to their success, showing kids that diversity is a strength and that everyone has something valuable to offer.
Believing in the Power of Home: Dorothy's ultimate goal is to return home, emphasizing the importance of family and belonging. Her journey reminds kids that home is not just a place but a feeling of love and security, encouraging them to cherish their own homes and the people who make them feel safe and loved.
Other Lessons Learned: Facing Fears Head-On | Discovering Hidden Strengths | Supporting Your Friends | Enjoying the Journey | Valuing Inner Beauty
Why Kids Love The Wiz
The Wiz is a dazzling adventure that sweeps kids into a world bursting with color and music. Dorothy's journey through the magical land of Oz is filled with catchy songs and big dance scenes that make you want to sing and dance along. The vibrant settings and whimsical characters, like the brain-seeking Scarecrow and the heart-longing Tin Man, create a fantastical world where anything is possible. Kids will love the epic quest along the Yellow Brick Road, where making new friends and working together leads to exciting challenges and fun surprises.
The film's lively sing-alongs and bright, colorful worlds captivate young imaginations, while the unique characters and their quirky personalities add humor and charm. With its mix of adventure, music, and magical moments, The Wiz is a thrilling ride that keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.