Review of Return to Oz (1985) by Pierce B — 13 Apr 2012
Director Walter Murch claims he never intended for this to be a direct sequel to The Wizard of Oz, which sounds to me like a weak excuse for an underachieving film. If I were to release Return to Casablanca, set in an east African nightspot, with Rick Blaine pining over the girl he chased away, I can claim it's unrelated all I like but the comparisons will still be made.
Dorothy's return to the world of her imagination is similar in subject matter, with constant references to the MGM classic and cameos by all of the original characters, but feels much more twisted and sinister in tone.
Not that the first Oz was lacking in terrifying material - the flying monkeys alone must have fueled millions of nightmares - but those moments were balanced by an optimistic, sing-songy spirit and bright outlook on life.
This is more like something from the depths of Tim Burton's catalog, minus the off-kilter conscience. Strange, dark and eerie, it compensates for the lack of a clear purpose by overloading the audience with weirdness.
A real head-scratcher.
This review of Return to Oz (1985) was written by Pierce B on 13 Apr 2012.
Return to Oz has generally received positive reviews.
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