Guardians of Oz

"Guardians of Oz" is a winning family adventure animated film that will amuse children, while offering a fresh and innovative take on a well-known tale for adult viewers. With its intelligent storytelling, eye-catching visuals and excellent voice performances by Jordan Ancel, Dino Andrade, and Raymundo Armijo, the movie fills every moment with wholesome entertainment. Its release in 2015 introduced the viewers to a newly reimagined land of Oz, packed with magic, surprise, and excitement.

The storyline revolves around the magical and beloved world of Oz, which we all have come to know through the iconic story of "The Wizard of Oz". However, this time we are introduced to a new hero – a mechanical tinkerer named Ozzy – who finds himself in a predicament when he accidentally awakens an old threat to the peaceful land of Oz.

The movie opens with the land of Oz relishing its time of peace post-Dorothy's heroic deed of overthrowing the cruel witch Eviline. With the wicked witch out of the picture, the Winged Monkeys left leaderless are now harmless. However, the industrious become Ozzy, by a touch of fate, triggers Eviline's broomstick and reanimates the old threat to the wonderful world of Oz. The awakening of the broomstick brings into force the witch's menacing spells again, transforming the once benign Winged Monkeys back into menacing minions.

Voiced by Jordan Ancel, Ozzy, our quick-witted yet quirky protagonist, realizes that he is responsible for the recurring challenge that the land of Oz faces. Filled with regret but also a spirit to rectify his mistake, Ozzy embarks on a daunting journey full of magic and risks, to stop Eviline and her troops of Winged Monkeys from regaining her tyrannical power. This journey gives us a deeper glimpse into the unseen territories of the land of Oz, enchanted paths, and mystic inhabitants.

In his quest to save the land, Ozzy is accompanied by a peculiar group of traditional magical creatures such as a giant industrious robot, a magical bird and an age-old tree transformed into a unique creature due to one of Eviline's lingering spells. Dino Andrade and Raymundo Armijo lend their voices to these lovable characters – bringing them to life with a touch of humor, bravery, and mystery. Together with Ozzy, they form a courageous team - or as the title signifies 'Guardians of Oz'.

The film does a splendid job of making each of its characters relatable and unique. From the slight stutter of Ozzy expressing his constant nervousness to the olden language of the tree creature depicting its age-old wisdom, every character is infused with quirks making them leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

The stunning animation work in "Guardians of Oz" makes the movie even more enchanting. The diversified landscape of the land of Oz is drawn with great detail, and vivid use of colors add an exaggerated yet appealing charm to all the scenes. Whether it’s the towering castles or remote woods, each scene is beautifully depicted making the viewers feel like they are in the land of Oz themselves.

Apart from the adventure and visuals, the movie explores human elements like friendship, bravery, and responsibility. It teaches the viewers that anyone can make a mistake, but rectifying it is what truly defines a hero. It showcases that trusting in one's own ability and stepping up to face the mistake brings out true courage. Moreover, the depiction of friendship and teamwork stresses the importance of standing united in the face of adversity.

Directed by Alberto Mar, "Guardians of Oz" is an adventurous journey that will be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. This timeless animation refreshes the well-loved world of Oz with a fresh story, while maintaining the essence of the previous narratives that continue to fascinate the audiences to this day. The vibrant scenery, sophisticated animation techniques, and compelling plot make "Guardians of Oz" a charming addition to the animated realm of storytelling.