53
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe movie has great moments and a lot of life, sensational special effects and costumes, and Ross, Jackson, and Russell. Why doesn't it involve us as deeply as The Wizard of Oz? Maybe because it hedges its bets by wanting to be sophisticated and universal, childlike and knowing, appealing to both a mass audience and to media insiders. The Wizard of Oz went flat-out for the heart of its story; there are times whenThe Wiz has just a touch too much calculation.
- 75The A.V. ClubNathan RabinThe A.V. ClubNathan RabinThe Wiz is a weird, ugly film that nevertheless attains strange, fleeting moments of grace.
- 70Time OutTime OutOn the plus side are vast, brilliant sets by Tony Walton, a couple of well-staged show-stoppers ('Everybody Rejoice' in the Wicked Witch's sweat-shop, and 'Emerald City Ballet'), Michael Jackson (the Scarecrow), Richard Pryor (The Wiz), and Diana Ross who, as Dorothy, is just gorgeous.
- 50Chicago ReaderDave KehrChicago ReaderDave KehrA lot to look at, little to contemplate, and nothing to hum.
- 50Baltimore SunMichael SragowBaltimore SunMichael SragowWhenever I see this film, Pryor's look of what-am-I-doing-here? panic echoes my feelings exactly.
- 40The New YorkerPauline KaelThe New YorkerPauline KaelThis film brings out all the weaknesses of its director, Sidney Lumet, and none of his strengths. The whole production has a stagnant atmosphere, and the big dance numbers are free-form traffic jams.
- 25TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineSidney Lumet's overblown direction strips the story of its magic, Ross is too old for the part and never quite captures Dorothy's innocence, and Pryor is wasted in a film ill-suited to his talents.
- 16Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment WeeklyWhatever fun this funked-up Wizard of Oz had on Broadway is erased by miscasting and a hideous design (Oz as a New York slum).