IMDb RATING
5.2/10
4.2K
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This version of The Wizard of Oz is played by the Muppets. A remake of the 1939 film.This version of The Wizard of Oz is played by the Muppets. A remake of the 1939 film.This version of The Wizard of Oz is played by the Muppets. A remake of the 1939 film.
- Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 4 nominations total
Steve Whitmire
- Kermit the Frog
- (voice)
- …
Dave Goelz
- The Great Gonzo
- (voice)
- …
Eric Jacobson
- Miss Piggy
- (voice)
- …
Brian Henson
- Sal Manilla
- (voice)
Kevin Clash
- Clifford
- (voice)
- …
John Kennedy
- Angel Marie
- (voice)
- …
Rickey Boyd
- Scooter
- (voice)
- …
Tyler Bunch
- Janice
- (voice)
- …
Julianne Buescher
- Wizard as Green Lady
- (voice)
- (as Julianne Buscher)
- …
John Henson
- Sweetums
- (voice)
Drew Massey
- Clifford (assistant)
- (voice)
- …
Allan Trautman
- Crow
- (voice)
- …
Featured reviews
This was not very good Muppet Translation, maybe because it was produced by Disney/ABC -- but it was just plain lacking of that Original Muppet Magic.
Most notable is an "unknown" who does the voice for Fozzie Bear/Cowardly Lion; it sounded way too much like Mrs. Piggy. The movie itself was much too fast paced, like they were rushing it for some reason. They had two hours, what was the rush? Of course, I'm of the camp who does not like it when singers become actors. Ashanti was bearable when she was just singing. I do not understand why Frank Oz, Brian Henson, etc didn't do their signature voices...working on Revenge Of The Sith?...contractual obligations? I don't know....but it was too annoying.
This would have been MUCH better if this was produced by the original Henson gang. This was a "cute" attempt...but not true to the original Muppet Magic/Spirit.
Most notable is an "unknown" who does the voice for Fozzie Bear/Cowardly Lion; it sounded way too much like Mrs. Piggy. The movie itself was much too fast paced, like they were rushing it for some reason. They had two hours, what was the rush? Of course, I'm of the camp who does not like it when singers become actors. Ashanti was bearable when she was just singing. I do not understand why Frank Oz, Brian Henson, etc didn't do their signature voices...working on Revenge Of The Sith?...contractual obligations? I don't know....but it was too annoying.
This would have been MUCH better if this was produced by the original Henson gang. This was a "cute" attempt...but not true to the original Muppet Magic/Spirit.
I rented this film because my 7 year old daughter loves Muppets and The Wizard of Oz very much. I wish I had read other users comments first. I didn't feel that it was entertaining at all and I didn't find parts of it appropriate for my daughter. I have to say the whole biker mama bit a little much. And the comment from Gonzo about "you can see my rear end! I must be working out!" to be really over line. I don't have any issues with an African-American playing Dorothy, but I am positive that they could have found someone with a little more skill. I do believe that Dorothy should have been someone a little younger than Ashanti as well. As I remember they thought Judy Garland might have been too old at 16! If this is the path Disney is steering the Muppets then they should sell the franchise to a company who will produce quality films. Now that I think of it, the only movies I can think of that Disney has made in the last few years that are any good have Pixar doing the real work. I am sure there are those that will disagree with me, but these are "my" comments.
The Muppet's Wonderful Wizard of Oz has to be the worst Muppet movie ever to be put on screen. I was heavy with anticipation when the movie started last night only to find the production completely lack of any real energy or elation.
Where the movie fails is simple. The writers and producers are trying too hard to make them funny. If you watch the original three Muppet movies from the 1980's you'll find that the characters are funny to adults and children a like because the stories they were playing through were simple, and original. Adults related to the stories, not because the Muppets were playing adult jokes, but because the Muppets were playing adults.
This movie was touted as being the movie to bring back the adult humor in the Muppet franchise. In the film there is a scene where Pepe the Prawn unknowingly plays with Gonzo's (Tin Man) nipples. The joke was completely distasteful and not funny.
The other problem with the new Television movies are that they rely too much on the main human characters and their 'star appeal'. Why not rely on the Muppets to be Muppets and have the 'star appeal' revolve around them, rather than the other way around?
Overall i was very sad and dissatisfied with the movie and hope that with future endeavors they just write a story for actors and let Muppets play in it, rather than write a story for Muppets that Muppets can play their own jokes. And for someone's sake please stop using already told stories.
Where the movie fails is simple. The writers and producers are trying too hard to make them funny. If you watch the original three Muppet movies from the 1980's you'll find that the characters are funny to adults and children a like because the stories they were playing through were simple, and original. Adults related to the stories, not because the Muppets were playing adult jokes, but because the Muppets were playing adults.
This movie was touted as being the movie to bring back the adult humor in the Muppet franchise. In the film there is a scene where Pepe the Prawn unknowingly plays with Gonzo's (Tin Man) nipples. The joke was completely distasteful and not funny.
The other problem with the new Television movies are that they rely too much on the main human characters and their 'star appeal'. Why not rely on the Muppets to be Muppets and have the 'star appeal' revolve around them, rather than the other way around?
Overall i was very sad and dissatisfied with the movie and hope that with future endeavors they just write a story for actors and let Muppets play in it, rather than write a story for Muppets that Muppets can play their own jokes. And for someone's sake please stop using already told stories.
This is a fun Muppet take on the classic story. In this movie The Muppets take on The Wizard of Oz in a great parody that is both charming and smart. Ashanti plays Dorothy Gale a farm girl who dreams of becoming a singer. One day she is swept away to the magical land of Oz. Toto is here replaced by prawn played by Pepe the King Prawn. Rizzo the Rat plays the Mayor of Munchkinland and all the Munchkins are played by his rat family. Kermit the Frog plays the Scarecrow and he is great as Always (You can't help but like Kermit the Frog). The Great Gonzo is the Tin Man and Fozzie Bear is Cowardly Lion/Bear.
This movie is closer to the book than the 1939 movie including elements like the wizard telling Dorothy to get the wicked witch of the west's magical eye rather than her broom and and there being four witches instead of three. Miss Piggy plays all the witches and she is one of the best parts of the movie.
This is high-quality family entertainment.But what else can you expect from Disney.The film is full of clever jokes and lovable characters. This is a film that both young and old will like and can be rewatched many times. This movie comes highly recommended ! and look out for a surprise cameo.
This movie is closer to the book than the 1939 movie including elements like the wizard telling Dorothy to get the wicked witch of the west's magical eye rather than her broom and and there being four witches instead of three. Miss Piggy plays all the witches and she is one of the best parts of the movie.
This is high-quality family entertainment.But what else can you expect from Disney.The film is full of clever jokes and lovable characters. This is a film that both young and old will like and can be rewatched many times. This movie comes highly recommended ! and look out for a surprise cameo.
I'm a fan of the Muppets from way back - the Muppet Show was campy and entertaining, and the Muppet Movie is a classic. The Muppet "movies" have ranged from the delightful (Muppet Treasure Island) to the bizarre (Muppets From Space). But "The Muppet's Wizard of Oz" is easily the worst of the bunch:
While "The Muppet Movie" had more cameos than my Aunt Tilly's jewelry box, this movie features David Alan Grier, Queen Latifah (in what must have been a contractual necessary role), Jeffrey Tambor, and Quentin Tarentino. It's sad, really.
The humor is, for the most part, forced from the characters, as formulaic as anything I've ever seen. There is just the slightest resemblance to the early work of Jim Henson and Frank Oz. One must wonder why Frank Oz was not a part of the ensemble; the script, perhaps?
The decision to use Pepe the King Prawn as Toto aside (the most redeeming production decision made), the pillars of the Muppet domain - Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo - are relegated to secondary roles that could easily have been any other characters.
The Muppet performers, even the veteran Dave Goelz, seemed to be giving poor imitations of their own creations.
A movie works best when it isn't aware of itself, but this one plays like a tacky road show of a vintage Broadway play. In fact, the whole movie seems to echo Norma Desmond's desperation to be a star again.
If "The Muppet's Wizard of Oz" is any indication, the Muppets are done.
While "The Muppet Movie" had more cameos than my Aunt Tilly's jewelry box, this movie features David Alan Grier, Queen Latifah (in what must have been a contractual necessary role), Jeffrey Tambor, and Quentin Tarentino. It's sad, really.
The humor is, for the most part, forced from the characters, as formulaic as anything I've ever seen. There is just the slightest resemblance to the early work of Jim Henson and Frank Oz. One must wonder why Frank Oz was not a part of the ensemble; the script, perhaps?
The decision to use Pepe the King Prawn as Toto aside (the most redeeming production decision made), the pillars of the Muppet domain - Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo - are relegated to secondary roles that could easily have been any other characters.
The Muppet performers, even the veteran Dave Goelz, seemed to be giving poor imitations of their own creations.
A movie works best when it isn't aware of itself, but this one plays like a tacky road show of a vintage Broadway play. In fact, the whole movie seems to echo Norma Desmond's desperation to be a star again.
If "The Muppet's Wizard of Oz" is any indication, the Muppets are done.
Did you know
- GoofsDorothy's apron appears between shots in the beginning of the movie when Dorothy is trying to convince Aunt Em to let her off work so she can go to her audition.
- Quotes
Kermit the Frog as "Scarecrow": [to Wizard of Oz] Hello there, Mr. Oz. By any chance are you related to Frank Oz?
- Alternate versionsThe movie has been released on DVD and VHS in the United States with over 20 minutes of footage not shown on the TV broadcasting or at the Tribeca Film Festival The opening music sequence, "Kansas" is extended and much longer. It includes a longer "music video." The opening credits and titles are reworked and slightly different in when and where they appear on screen. After Dorothy leaves the diner to go to her audition, the conversation between Aunt Em and Uncle Henry is extended with more dialogue (and some smoke from the kitchen). Shots of Dorothy walking to the audition at the Easy Delta Hall are inserted after she leaves the diner. When she arrives at the hall, the extended scene shows her finding out that the auditions ended at four (and it is 4:05). An overly dramatic Theater Man explains that the Muppets are gone, and no one knows where they are by now. Just then, their tour bus pulls up, and Dorothy rushes to the bus to go talk with them. In the original broadcast version, Dorothy arrives at the bus just in time to meet the Muppets. Miss Piggy makes a comment about Dorothy being "another groupie," which was not in the original version. After the tour bus pulls away, Dorothy is left watching as it drives down the road. The wind is blowing dramatically in her face and she sadly watches the Muppets leave. In the original version, the film cuts away, but in the extended cut, the camera pulls out to see the Theater Man standing next to Dorothy, fanning her with a big wooden paddle. When Dorothy turns to ask "Why are you doing that?" he replies, "I thought it would make the moment more dramatic." Dorothy rolls her eyes and walks back home. After Dorothy and Toto exit the trailer in Munchkinland, there are extra shots of them looking around before the Munchkins greet them. Toto also turns to the camera and says "If you have Dark Side of the Moon, press play now." A shot of Dorothy reacting to the Munchkins is inserted when they do emerge. When Dorothy says that she knows a rat when she sees one, the Munchkins take out a copy of "Oz for Dummies" and read the section on Munchkins. In the original version, the Munchkins immediately introduce themselves and praise Dorothy for killing the witch - the introduction to Munckinland is shorter (and with no Pink Floyd joke, and no "Oz for Dummies" bit). When Dorothy and Toto reach the cornfield, the Scarecrow's argument with the crow is extended to include a "Passion of Christ" joke and other bickering. In the original edit, this first glimpse of the Scarecrow is slightly shorter. When Toto is acting like Dorothy's agent on his cell phone, Dorothy tells him to cut it out. In the extended cut, she takes the phone from him and reveals it is just a candy dispenser. The extended cut on the DVD also expands the scene where Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and Toto meet the Tin Thing. When the Tin Thing reveals he can answer any question, Toto jumps in and asks why women are so confusing. After processing the question, he answers with an enlightening response. The Scene with Bunsen and Beaker in the Emerald City with the Magic Make-Over Machine is extended. Dorothy gets out of the machine and has been given a punk look (featuring a cameo by Kelly Osbourne). The others don't approve, so she goes back into the machine and comes out with the "Ashanti look." In the original broadcast versions, Dorothy enters the machine and it cuts seamlessly to her second exit from the machine, skipping the whole Osbourne experience. As the Wicked Witch of the West watches the group approach the Mountains of Death, a quick scene of Johnny Fiama and Sal filling up her tub with bottled water was inserted before she turns from the balcony and tells them about the "change in plans." After the Wicked Witch explains the plan to the Flying Monkeys, the extended cut on the DVD holds the final shot on the scene longer as they all exit to mount their bikes and fly off to catch Dorothy and the others - in the shot, the characters run off, and a fed-up Johnny kicks Foo-Foo out of his way. The arrival of the Witch and her gang is extended, with more shots of the Flying Monkeys landing and coming out of the fog. When the Witch is ready to do her musical number, "The Witch Is in the House," she exclaims, "Hit it!" the lights go on, but no music plays. Just then, the Electric Mayhem shows up late for the gig. Each member of the band has a quick line as they try to explain (or just complain) about their delay, and unload and set up their instruments. The musical sequence for "The Witch is in the House" is extended with a much longer cut of the song. Before the henchmen attack the group of travelers, the witch has another three verses that were cut from the original version of the film. Toto and Dorothy have a touching moment before being (nearly) killed by the Wicked Witch. In that scene, Toto wishes a woman would say she loves him before he died, so Dorothy says she loves him. In typical Toto (aka Pepe) fashion, he brushes it off with a humorous comment. This conversation was cut from the original version of the film. The cameo cut-away appearance by Quentin Tarantino is extended. After Kermit denies his first proposal, a second idea is inserted where he suggests an anime morphing scene. It is after this that he makes his third, simpler suggestion that Kermit agrees to. In the original cut of the film, his second fight scene pitch is not included. When the enchanted biker hat is given to Dorothy, Angel Marie makes a startling suggestion on how she could use the power of the cap. This one line, and the reaction shots of the group to it, were not included in the original presentation of the movie. Before Dorothy and the Flying Monkeys show up to pick up the Scarecrow and the Tin Thing, there is an extended shot inserted of the two disembodied heroes talking about how they can get out of this mess; just then the flying motorcycles show up. In the original version, it cuts right from the Witch's castle to Dorothy getting of the bike and going to help them. There is a newly inserted scene featuring Dorothy and friends arriving in a limo and walking the red carpet to the Wizard's televised presentations of their wishes. The original cut of the film cuts right from the Wizard asking for two hours to prepare to the Penguins watching on TV and Scooter introducing the Wizard; however, the extended cut has a new humorous scene featuring Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Thing, the Cowardly Lion, Lew Zealand, Scooter, and others outside of the studio arriving at the big event. When Glinda first meets Dorothy and the gang in Munchkinland, there is an inserted flirtation between her and the Scarecrow. After Glinda tells Dorothy the power to go home is in her shoes, the extended cut features a scene in which Dorothy complains to Tattypoo about not telling her about his before, to which Tattypoo explains that "this is how things work in enchanted worlds."
- SoundtracksKansas
Written by Jeannie Lurie and Brandon Christy
Produced by Brandon Christy, Jeannie Lurie and Drew K
Performed by Ashanti
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
- Filming locations
- 5724 176 St, Surrey, BC V3S 4C8, Canada(exterior Aunt Em's Diner)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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Top Gap
By what name was Le magicien d'Oz des Muppets (2005) officially released in Canada in English?
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