Review of Return to Oz (1985) by Kenny K — 02 Feb 2011

Often mistaken for a sequel to the original and now iconic '39 classic, you'll find this film is often dismissed instantly as a flop. It is however in truth its own envisioning of Baums fantastical Oz world. and was NEVER meant to reflect or continue the adventures of the original Dorothy. It is in truth a more faithful adaption to how the characters and events were supposed to be interpreted in the original stories, that not everything in Oz is full of rainbows and little midgets that sing to you when you drop a house on their property.

A beautiful film, Fairuza Balk plays a more conceivable, innocent yet courageous Dorothy, who will face unspeakable challenges and horrors that would've sent the original Dorothy back into her crashed house, and bolting the door behind her. Powerful acting and storytelling intertwine with beautifully designed and created characters and costumes, most of which include but aren't limited to; Jack, Tic Tok, the Gnome King, and the beautiful but dreaded Mombi.

A film that could be seen as unsettling to some younger viewers, but true lovers of Oz should see this if for nothing else then to appreciate a masterful vision of Baums world which has been terribly unappreciated and unfairly compared with the original.