Dorothy returns to conquer Oz in 1985...
This week we’ve got a fun FAMILY picture! Return to Oz is that special variety of 80s big-budget fantasy film that leans more than a little into what you might describe as DARK FANTASY. Now, some viewers have been quick to accuse this one of being too dark for kids. Granted, stuff like this varies child-to-child, but I don’t think this is anymore dark than other big 80s fantasy films like Labyrinth or The NeverEnding Story.
Also, Return to Oz has better companions! Yes, we encounter Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion in the film as well, but the core companions on Dorothy’s adventure are Billina, Tik-Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead, the Gump. They're all great! And of course we have not one but TWO great villain roles from Nicol WIlliamson and Jean Marsh -- and of course Fairuza Balk is a great Dorothy.
It's just a wonderfully fun picture with weirdness for the entire family.
What's up next on Weirdhouse Cinema? We're still working that out. In the meantime, be sure to check out the merch store and follow us on Letterboxd! All the movies we've covered are listed there in our list and you can click "read notes" to get links to the individual episodes posted here.
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