The frustration of an earnest, unstinting, aspiring undertaking like "The Wiz" is that its best moments are so fresh and kinetic you sense all the more sharply where it sags and stumbles.

The film is photographed in such grained and murky colour that it is like visiting Wonderland in the off-season.

Tony Walton's huge sets serve mainly as static backdrops, and director Sidney Lumet can't seem to find a place to put the camera.

Unfortunately the flashy excesses and the decision to have an overage big name in the starring role overwhelm the picture. It's sterile.