Return to Oz (2006) Critic Reviews

Metascore®:

46 =
Based upon 5 Critic Reviews
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Los Angeles Times | Sheila BensonAdd Critic to Favorites

Everyone who grew up with the full range of the Oz books is deeply in Murch's debt. However, the framework surrounding Return to Oz is dark and, I suspect, terribly frightening for very young children. [21 Jun 1985, p.1]Read the full review

San Francisco Chronicle | Peter StackAdd Critic to Favorites

Kids probably will enjoy portions of Return to Oz, but at best, it's a mechanical movie that never finds a real heart to engage an audience. [21 Jun 1985, p.79]Read the full review

The New York Times | Janet MaslinAdd Critic to Favorites

The inventiveness that has gone into this, and into turning Oz into a land of lavish special effects, will be lost on anyone with a fondness for the 1939 musical classic. That film will always enchant adults and children alike. This joyless new Return to Oz isn't likely to appeal to the former, and may give many of the latter a good scare. Children are sure to be startled by the new film's bleakness.Read the full review

Boston Globe | Jay CarrAdd Critic to Favorites

The Disney people have taken such obvious care in making Return to Oz that it's a shame it didn't turn out better. It has its moments - mostly visual - but when it isn't a grim downer, it's largely inert. [21 Jun 1985, p.21]Read the full review

Wall Street Journal | Julie SalamonAdd Critic to Favorites

The makers of Return to Oz say that their rather bleak, nonmusical fantasy is more faithful to Mr. Baum's vision than "The Wizard of Oz" was. What's appropriate, however, isn't always what's right. All Ms. Balk can do is look earnest and young; Ms. Garland opened her mouth and out came Dorothy's soul.Read the full review

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