Yet another modern adaptation of Wizard of Oz found its ground in Netflix’s Rainbow. The building question is whether it holds its own or not, the answer is not a favourable one for the fans of the classic children’s novel. With a runtime of nearly 2 hours, the movie runs low on fuel and sucks the fun out of you as well. It’s an unfortunate revival of the original story which barely breathes life into its characters.
Starring the singer DORA, Carmen Maura, Carmen Machi, and more, the film revolves around the teenager Dora (Dorothy’s failed modern resurrection), who is accompanied by a set of unlikely companions on a road trip to find her mother. They happen to be her dog, Toto, and three other men who seemingly resemble the personalities of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion.
The official synopsis on Netflix reads:
In search of her mother, a free-spirited teen and her eccentric companions set out on a whimsical journey while avoiding the clutches of a wicked woman.
-Rainbow Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers-
Paco Leon uses too many negatives to describe his latest product – “This is not a movie” or “this is not a musical” – which ultimately picture a wholly negative image and becomes the ultimate cause of its fall. Due to these denials, the movie is not able to prioritize any of its aspects, resulting in a slow-paced and dull atmosphere.
Also Read: Plan A Plan B Review: Here the Opposites Attract But Have Zero Chemistry
With the aesthetical vibrant colour themes defining each character, the main plot of the road trip gets pushed to the back. The visuals resemble fantastical visions by bringing in magic realism of sorts, coalescing with musical treats here and there. The dream sequences and the musical moments translate well on the screen and are probably the only uplifting constituent of the film.
The whole output feels like a blur once it’s over. Visual distractions and music are under-utilized and even otherwise, the urgency of the paramount motive is delayed. Although the plot itself mentions that it’s triggered by Dora’s need to find her mother, the goal eventually gets lost during the road trip.
Her desire to reunite with her mother lacks emotional gravitas. Even her ‘coming-of-age’ chapter in life plays no significant role in establishing her as an intriguing character.
The mistakes made therein have to do with the unnecessary excessive focus on the witch’s story. She is neither threatening nor a whole character. Every time the road trip elements could’ve played their part well, the story was pulled away from Dora to her, marking a drastic shift in the movie’s tone. Her inclusion in the movie is a tokenistic attempt to satisfy the Wizard of Oz arc, barely tapping into her grandeur, and rather turning her into a caricature.
Rainbow: Worth the Watch?
It seems like there was an attempt to actualize the storyline in the image of the original Wizard of Oz while catering to modern audiences. However, it all turns out to be a drag ultimately, with the viewer sitting there at the end, without feeling an ounce of emotion. The film appears longer than it actually, as you sit there wondering when the big turn will lead to better development, but to no avail.
Rainbow could’ve easily been cut-short and paid more focus to the musical aspect if it wanted to put up a better show. Neither of the elements holds their ground, even the factor of nostalgia doesn’t play out and is unable to save the ship from sinking. The movie is a forgettable flick that is neither able to hold up its colourful bargain, nor is able to justify any of the characters and their motives.
Not once do you feel an emotional connection to Dorothy’s 21st-century animation in Dora. Her ‘magical’ vocals can’t save the story alone. Nevertheless, at least her subplot of being encouraged by her unconvincing Oz-ian counterparts is tolerable as opposed to whatever was the witch’s deal.
Rainbow is streaming on Netflix. Are you a big fan of the Wizard of Oz film adaptations? What are your thoughts on this one? Let us know in the comments section.
Also Read: Vampire Academy Episode 6 Review: The Struggle of Facing Reality
A very good movie kinda, i love LOVE her and how she meet those funny guys while traveling, its funny until you must watch that OLD HAG EVERY 5 MINUTES OF THE MOVIE, and a very close at the face in a sink at the end thank you i wil have nightmare for a year to come, do you self a fevor and drop those old lady scenes and the movie will be fine/ok, now the last 20 minutes of the movie you should drop that too as much as you can, what a weird and creeping stuff at the ending, the hot redhead girl turn into a piccaso painting EEEWW, weirdest party EVER seen on netflix,
AND ITS A BAD ENDING, her goal is NOT met at all, not like i and hopfully other wanted it,
SCORE: 1.0, because i liked the girl she was/is natural and good looking like 70% of the movie.