Return to Oz (1985)
Release Date:
1985
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 53m
Synopsis:
In Return to Oz, young Dorothy Gale finds herself back in the magical land of Oz, but things are not as she left them. The Emerald City is in ruins, and her old friends are nowhere to be found. Dorothy teams up with new companions, including Tik-Tok, a mechanical man, and Jack Pumpkinhead, a creature with a pumpkin for a head. Together, they embark on a quest to save Oz from the evil Nome King and the wicked Princess Mombi, who has a collection of interchangeable heads. As Dorothy navigates this strange and dangerous world, she must use her wits and courage to restore peace to the land of Oz.
Return to Oz, released in 1985, is a fantasy adventure film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie is a darker and more intense sequel to the classic Wizard of Oz, which has led to mixed reactions from parents. While some appreciate its imaginative storytelling and unique take on the Oz universe, others find its tone and some scenes too frightening for younger audiences.
Why Kids Should Watch Return to Oz
Return to Oz offers a unique and imaginative adventure that captivates young audiences.
- Promotes themes of courage and resilience as Dorothy faces challenges in Oz.
- Features a strong, resourceful protagonist in Dorothy, who inspires kids to be brave.
- Visually engaging with creative and fantastical settings that spark imagination.
- Encourages problem-solving and teamwork as Dorothy collaborates with new friends.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Return to Oz
Parents often express concerns about the film's darker and more intense elements.
- Contains scenes that may be frightening or unsettling for younger children.
- Some characters and situations might be too intense, such as the Wheelers and the Nome King.
- The film's tone is darker compared to the original Wizard of Oz, which may confuse or upset some kids.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker tone and intense scenes.
What Parents Should Know About Return to Oz
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Dorothy consistently shows bravery and determination, encouraging kids to face their fears. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The transformation of characters and the menacing presence of the Nome King may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The antagonists face consequences for their actions, reinforcing the idea that good triumphs over evil. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is highlighted as Dorothy and her friends work together to overcome obstacles. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film emphasizes the importance of courage, friendship, and perseverance in overcoming challenges. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Return to Oz is praised for its imaginative storytelling and strong protagonist, offering a fresh take on the Oz universe. However, its darker tone and some intense scenes may not be suitable for all children, making parental guidance important. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking a lighter alternative, the original Wizard of Oz remains a timeless classic.
Official Return to Oz Trailer
Return to Oz, released in 1985, is a fantasy adventure film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie is a darker and more intense sequel to the classic Wizard of Oz, which has led to mixed reactions from parents. While some appreciate its imaginative storytelling and unique take on the Oz universe, others find its tone and some scenes too frightening for younger audiences.
Why Kids Should Watch Return to Oz
Return to Oz offers a unique and imaginative adventure that captivates young audiences.
- Promotes themes of courage and resilience as Dorothy faces challenges in Oz.
- Features a strong, resourceful protagonist in Dorothy, who inspires kids to be brave.
- Visually engaging with creative and fantastical settings that spark imagination.
- Encourages problem-solving and teamwork as Dorothy collaborates with new friends.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Return to Oz
Parents often express concerns about the film's darker and more intense elements.
- Contains scenes that may be frightening or unsettling for younger children.
- Some characters and situations might be too intense, such as the Wheelers and the Nome King.
- The film's tone is darker compared to the original Wizard of Oz, which may confuse or upset some kids.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker tone and intense scenes.
What Parents Should Know About Return to Oz
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Dorothy consistently shows bravery and determination, encouraging kids to face their fears. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The transformation of characters and the menacing presence of the Nome King may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The antagonists face consequences for their actions, reinforcing the idea that good triumphs over evil. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is highlighted as Dorothy and her friends work together to overcome obstacles. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film emphasizes the importance of courage, friendship, and perseverance in overcoming challenges. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Return to Oz is praised for its imaginative storytelling and strong protagonist, offering a fresh take on the Oz universe. However, its darker tone and some intense scenes may not be suitable for all children, making parental guidance important. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking a lighter alternative, the original Wizard of Oz remains a timeless classic.
Official Return to Oz Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Return to Oz
Return to Oz's most common core values include Bravery, Imagination, and Perseverance. Throughout the movie, Dorothy demonstrates bravery as she faces numerous challenges in the unfamiliar and perilous land of Oz. Her Courage is evident when she confronts the intimidating Nome King, showing kids the importance of standing up to fearsome obstacles. Imagination plays a crucial role as Dorothy and her new friends, like Tik-Tok and Jack Pumpkinhead, use their Creativity to devise clever solutions to the problems they encounter. This encourages children to think outside the box and Trust their inventive ideas.
Perseverance is highlighted as Dorothy remains determined to restore Oz, despite the many setbacks she faces. Her unwavering resolve teaches kids the value of persistence in achieving their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
Other Core Values Explored: Courage | Determination | Friendship | Independence | Problem-solving | Resilience | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Trying new things
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Return to Oz
Facing Fears Head-On: In Return to Oz, Dorothy faces numerous frightening challenges, from the menacing Nome King to the eerie Princess Mombi. Kids learn the importance of confronting their fears directly, as Dorothy does, to overcome obstacles and find solutions.
Finding Courage: Dorothy's journey is a testament to bravery. Despite the dangers she encounters, she remains steadfast and courageous. Children see how her bravery helps her navigate the perils of Oz, teaching them that courage can help them face their own challenges.
Building Friendships: Throughout her adventure, Dorothy forms strong bonds with her new companions, like Tik-Tok and Jack Pumpkinhead. This highlights the value of friendship and teamwork, showing kids how working together can help overcome difficulties.
Solving Problems Creatively: Dorothy and her friends use their unique skills and creativity to solve problems, such as escaping from Mombi's castle. This encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to tackle challenges in their own lives.
Never Giving Up: Dorothy's determination to restore peace to Oz demonstrates the importance of perseverance. Kids learn that even when the odds are against them, persistence and hard work can lead to success.
Other Lessons Learned: Believing in Yourself | Embracing Differences | Supporting Your Friends | Valuing Imagination | Holding Onto Hope | Overcoming Failure | Managing Fear | Discovering Hidden Strengths | Staying Loyal | Working as a Team
Why Kids Love Return to Oz
Return to Oz is a captivating journey where kids are transported to a fantastical land filled with magical mentors and talking creatures. Dorothy's adventure is brimming with vibrant, colorful worlds and hidden kingdoms that spark the imagination. The quirky characters like Tik-Tok and Jack Pumpkinhead add humor and charm, making the story both exciting and endearing. Kids will be thrilled by the creepy creatures and scary-but-fun moments that keep them on the edge of their seats. The unexpected friendships and teamwork among Dorothy and her new companions create a sense of camaraderie and excitement.
As they work together to fix problems and face challenges, kids are drawn into a world where being the hero and proving oneself is a thrilling experience. The mix of adventure, humor, and enchanting elements makes Return to Oz a magical escape that keeps kids entertained and eager for more.