Return to Oz

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Teddy B @RT90521672 Sep 29, 2026 It is a tragedy this quiet, offbeat, sweet and intelligent little movie is compared so harshly to MGM's iconic masterwork---it really should be viewed through the lens of a straight adaptation of Baum's classic, inventive and thoroughly charming books (mainly 2 & 3, but on atmosphere as a whole). In that case, 'Return to Oz' succeeds marvellously in crafting Baum's world and charming dialogue for the big screen: led by a wonderful performance from Fairuza Balk, dazzling visuals, sincere characterisations and a cozy, sweetly dark atmosphere. Then again...the film isn't exactly 'dark' in my eyes. I find it odd when Wikipedia labels it outright as 'dark fantasy', as though the Oz books themselves offend as much as those gruesome tales of Grimm as Baum mentions in the intro of 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'. No. I find it very winsome and dreamlike, with a justified air of threat just like any Oz property, and totally appropriate for kids who aren't entirely sheltered from human feeling. See more Lars C @RT85506637 Aug 20, 2026 I really love return to Oz. It is a fun, creepy movie. It is amazing. It’s super creepy and it’s on rotten tomatoes. See more Brenton B @BKB2009 Jul 2, 2026 This is a good and perfect film adaptation for the sequels of the wizard of Oz See more Glen M @RT32794586 May 7, 2026 I Saw this way back when and I recently saw it at the screening in the renovated Castro theater in San Francisco. It is a cult classic, because it is PURE torture to watch. YES, I watched people leave. There's charm at the attempt to make it something special, but if you want special... watch "The Dark Crystal" "The Never Ending Story" or even an old infomercial is more entertaining. The director has done incredible movies and it was embarrassing that the person who hosted this was practically bowing to him with how much he loved this awful film (director has done far better, names removed so it doesn't show up in their searches) I was brought to this movie by a friend for free and afterwards we talked about that it was as bad as we remembered. I would have paid NOT to go. Get high, drunk or be prepared for unapologetically bad. KRULL is better. Although the one star rating seems mean, it's a train wreck that you'd watch anyway. Low expectations mean more enjoyment. Knock yourself out! See more Jonathan H. @JonathanHammaker Mar 3, 2026 I'll try my best to like it, but like my mother says, nothing can't top the 1939's the wizard of oz , but I like it, it kinda grows on me. See more bayard b @PearlyEyes Feb 1, 2026 This is one of the greatest fantasy films of the 80s... Incredible puppetry and character design... and a wonderfully imaginative story. One of the only OZ movies that is incredibly faithful to the OZ books (in story and design).. particularly "Ozma of Oz". It amazing how panned it was by critics at the time, as its acting, puppetry, cinematography, and matte painting are truly unmatched. One of the lost gems that stands alongside Labyrinth, Baron von Munchausen, Dark Crystal, and Never Ending Story. Truly incredible and unmatched. See more Read all reviews

Return to Oz

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