In a sort of prequel to Dorathy from Kansas meets the wicked witch of the west, a mischievous magician gains the wisdom to become a powerful ruler after being swept away to a land of magic and mystery in a further exploration of the genesis of author L. Frank Baum’s enduring tales.

Shady illusionist Oscar Diggs enchants curious audiences at a Kansas circus. When he is inexplicably transported to the wondrous world of Oz, he encounters three witches named Theodora, Evanora and Glinda, who pose him an awesome challenge: root out a ruinous force of evil that threatens to destroy the entire kingdom, and become the great leader that the population has been waiting for. Should Oscar succeed in summoning the necessary sorcery and creativity to deliver the land from darkness, he will forever be known as the Wizard of Oz. Director: Sam Raimi.  Cast: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff. Rated: PG. Time: 2:10.