Teddy B
Despite the darkness, 'Return to Oz' retains the folksy fantastical charm of L Frank Baum's original writing in a surprisingly hyper-faithful adaptation of 'Ozma of Oz'. The effects-work and lead child performance echo these praises.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/09/25
Full Review
Abigail F
I love this movie! It might not be everyone’s favorite, but I love a dark whimsical movie with just enough creepiness to keep you engaged but enough wonder to reach your inner child. This sequel is more in line with the books, and I find it really fun and imaginative. If you like anything Oz, you’ll like this movie.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/31/25
Full Review
SkyRo P
Return to Oz offers a rather eerie take on the classic story, yet it remains entertaining in its own right. However, I have to admit that I'm not a fan of the casting choice for Dorothy. Fairuza Balk has a rather unsettling presence, which makes it hard for me to see her as the beloved character of Dorothy. But putting that aside, let’s delve into a discussion about the film itself.
The movie takes a unique and imaginative approach, engaging viewers in various elements of the story and expanding upon the world of Oz. It attempts to provide a fresh narrative that builds on the original Wizard of Oz, but unfortunately, it received a lot of criticism for various reasons. While I personally don’t gravitate towards it, I can appreciate its creativity in certain aspects.
One of the standout elements for me was the character of the pumpkin, which I found to be quite inventive. However, I wasn't fond of Toto being replaced by a chicken, and I thought the moose character was a poor addition, as he often felt like a hindrance to the progression of the plot. The sidekicks felt quite lackluster compared to the original trio of the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow. Instead, we were introduced to characters who seemed irrelevant and awkwardly placed within the story.
In all honesty, I could see myself revisiting this film every decade or so, but it’s not something I’d watch regularly. It feels like it hit the pause button on the original Wizard of Oz and ventured into uncharted territory, which, unfortunately, didn’t quite resonate in all aspects.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/11/25
Full Review
Seth F
Having read nearly all of the original Oz books, I can assure you that Baum's land of twee and whimsy had plenty of darkness, too (check out the Tin Man's origin story, for example). Return to Oz, when compared with the MGM classic, will never measure up, but it did stay truer to the source material, which is a plus. The special effects are dated, but Jack Pumpkinhead and Tik Tok are charming characters, and Princess Mombi's closet of disembodied heads is nothing short of terrifying.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
12/19/24
Full Review
matthias s
"Return to Oz" is such a strange follow-up to the magical 1939 classic. It’s a huge step down for me—gone is the charm, the songs, and the sense of wonder that made the original so unforgettable. Instead, this movie feels more eerie and creepy than magical, and honestly, it’s just bland when compared to its predecessor. I get that it’s more faithful to the books, and fans of those might really enjoy it, but I couldn’t stop comparing it to the original. The characters aren’t as likeable, and the whole vibe feels off. That said, I did love the designs of Tik-Tok and the Nome King—those were really cool and creative. But my love for the 1939 film is just too strong for me to fully appreciate this darker, stranger take. It’s not for me, but maybe it’ll work for others. 2.5/5.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
11/26/24
Full Review
Julian S
There’s something distinctly punk about RETURN TO OZ, with its lack of songs, muted colors, and unsettling characters. It’s an unexpected sequel in nearly every way—and it works.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
11/18/24
Full Review
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