The Wiz

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
The Wiz Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Jazzy, family-friendly musical remake of classic film.

G 1978 135 minutes
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 7 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this musical retelling of the classic story, The Wizard of Oz, features an all African-American cast and songs with a contemporary (well, 1970s, anyway) flair. The big numbers are catchy, and though some of the villains seem a bit more creepy and threatening than the original film, it's still good, family fun.

Community Reviews

Momofhandi
Momofhandi Adult
January 5, 2013
age 9+

Great old movie to watch with your kids

I loved this movie. My nine year old really liked it and was totally engaged. My 6 almost 7 year old was a little restless toward the end (it's a little over 2 hours long). We discussed the fact that it is an entirely African American cast (my 6 year old finally noticed this toward the end). We also talked about Michael Jackson and that Lena Horne was mixed. Both kid reviews on this site expressed being offended at the part where the dancers were "naked" and "the guys and girls where taking there clothes off". This was around 1:46 into the movie. The dancers took off their huge over costumes in a scene where they were setting themselves free since the witch was dead (sprinkler system, she's allergic). The women ended up wearing what amounted to a bikini, and the men wore slightly more than a jockstrap. The dancing was in no way suggestive or sexy, just a Broadway-style, musical, corps-type dance number. So I let my children watch it, my finger on the fast forward button just in case. They were not disturbed by it in the least (they are very sheltered), neither was I. All in all, a great movie with some historical significance. I highly recommend it.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Rater203
Rater203 Adult
March 19, 2021
age 2+

I'd just skip this one scene if children are under 16

There is a scene where the "poison poppies" seduce the travelers with magical drugging dust making the main character and lion loose consciousness. There also one other scene where Lion is frightened when he meets the Wiz in person and says " I am going to get the H out of here".

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Dorothy (Diana Ross), a shy schoolteacher from Harlem who's never discovered a world beyond her neighborhood, is transported to the land of Oz. There, her only way out is to follow the Yellow Brick Road and meet THE WIZ, who has the power to get her back home. On her way, she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion, who aid her on the quest. They, too, are looking to the Wiz to give each of them what they're missing.

Is It Any Good?

Though the film sometimes feels dated, The Wiz is fun to watch with its almost steampunk-y, New York City-like take on Oz, and the songs are supremely danceable. Its takeaways still resonate after all these years, too, and the cast is unforgettable. How can one resist Michael Jackson as the scarecrow? Nipsey Russell is the Tin Man; Lena Horne is Glinda, and Richard Pryor makes a memorable wizard.

The Wiz is both familiar to anyone who's seen The Wizard of Oz (that's just about everyone) and not, with its revamped look and pop-funk-Broadway style song-and-dance numbers. It's a story that will resonate, but it also goes a bit beyond. The original story is about a girl who just wants to go home; this one's about a girl who grows up and realizes that there's more to the world beyond her front door -- both wonderful lessons.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this film compares to The Wizard of Oz, upon which it's based. The basic storyline is almost the same, but the details are quite different. What are the most interesting changes? Why do you think the filmmakers chose to remake the original?

  • How does this film compare to remakes of other beloved classics? Do you like the idea of making a new version of well-known movies? Do you think some work better than others?

Movie Details

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