The Wizard of Oz (1939)

We're off to see the Wizard? But what about the lions and tigers and bears, oh my?

Is this a cultural icon? Hell yes.

Is it immensely quotable? Definitely.

Does it have ridiculously catchy songs and memorable characters? Well, yes.

Honestly, I could stop right there, but that would make this review enormously short and, truth be told, rather pointless. And I have never been pointless, except maybe in puns that don't go anywhere or make people scratch their head, but flees will dance and that made no sense whatsoever.

A little like this film, but you will not care because it's done so beautifully.

If I still have to explain the story to you, surely you have been living under a rock somewhere for the past century or your parents really hate culture. I'm sorry, but there are no two ways about that. Furthermore, I presume it is physically impossible to dislike this one. Not care about it, maybe, but genuinely dislike? Never!

The story is silly, of course: Dorothy gets transported to the bizarre land of Oz via tornado, meets quirky characters, defeats a wicked witch and goes home, where everyone thinks she's either nuts or had delusions because of a nasty bump on the head. But the story of this one is not the point. The visuals and songs are. Sure, Judy Garland occasionally comes across as an annoying, angsty teen, but that's because in the Thirties, strong female characters weren't really a thing. But check out the dancemoves of the Scarecrow! Heck, grin as the Cowardly Lion does his shtick.

As a child, the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys scared the heebiejeebies out of me. Nowadays, even though I do feel the story is nonexistant, I can still marvel at the wonderful colourschemes, the intricate design, the fun characters and the imagination that went into this big budget picture. Just gaze at the colourpalette and tell me it's off. I dare you.

Also, I never found 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' the most memorable song, even though it is the most referred to. I always had a soft spot for the Scarecrow's. Or the one where the Lion proclaims himself to be the king of the jungle.

But if there is one character that I grew to adore over the years, it has to be the Witch. They did a wonderful job of casting character actress Margaret Hamilton in the role, and if you know she was even set on fire at one point and kept going, that just earns a shitload of points.

Honestly, I shouldn't even be writing about this masterpiece. If you haven't seen it yet, you have to. If you have, rewatch it. And sing along with everything. You will, trust me.

"We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz..."