Review of Return to Oz (1985) by Craig N — 10 Jun 2011
Return to Oz not just a sequel to The Wizard of Oz, but a reimagining (you wouldn't believe how much different the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Tin Man look). It's a visually striking, very well made fantasy that has some genuinely frightening imagery in it.
If The Wizard of Oz is Dorothy's dream, than Return to Oz is her nightmare. This is not a negative attribute, as it contains very imaginative elements such as wheelers (creatures more terrifying than the flying monkeys), a witch that can switch decapitated heads, a slender pumpkin-man, and a giant rock monster known as the Gnome King.
None of these creatures are CG, they are fascinating to watch, and the Jim Henson's studio deserves recognition for them. However, the scary elements will limit its appeal to the audience. The filmmakers know it's hard to duplicate the magic of such a classic film, so why even try? And besides, the films were made decades apart.
Even as a huge fan of the original, I enjoyed Return to Oz for its aesthetics and balance between innocence and horror.
This review of Return to Oz (1985) was written by Craig N on 10 Jun 2011.
Return to Oz has generally received positive reviews.
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