Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return marks a return to fantastic animated moviemaking

I can still fondly recall the first time I sat down to watch The Wizard of Oz. I was always a restless dreamer as a child and something about that film really captured my imagination. It was more than just a movie to me and countless others worldwide since its initial release. It was like being transported into another world, one full of more color, vivacity and adventure than this world had to offer. I’ve watched most of the animated and non-animated Oz movies made over the years, and I must say, I think the newest one from Summertime Entertainment/Prana Animation Studios, Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return, can compete with the best of them. It holds tight to the established nostalgia of Oz, while attempting to give it a more contemporary feel.

First, let me say the movie begins with some of the best animated opening credits I’ve ever seen. They cleverly use everyday items that represent or capture the essence of each character, with everything swirling around in a twister. I know opening credits are often overlooked and might be an odd thing to focus upon, but I really felt like they set the overall tone and set things in motion in the right direction. They immediately captured my attention and encapsulated the fun, nostalgic spirit of the film. Even the songwriters are given nods with old sheets of music with their song titles and lyrics printed on them blowing in the wind. Brilliant.

The next thing about this movie that makes it so enjoyable is the powerhouse of phenomenal casting. It features many “big name” talents, including Dan Aykroyd as The Scarecrow, James Belushi as The Lion, Kelsey Grammar as The Tin Man, Martin Short as The Jester, Bernadette Peters as Glinda, Oliver Platt as Wiser, Hugh Dancy as Marshal Mallow, Patrick Stewart as Tugg, Megan Hilty as the China Princess and Lea Michele as Dorothy. While I’ve never been a huge fan of Glee, Lea is an amazing vocal talent, and while Dorothy has some incredibly huge ruby red slippers to fill, I thought she comfortably made it happen. Martin Short is superb as always. He makes the ultimate animated villain, and it was really good to see him in action as the maniacal Jester.

The Jester was the Wicked Witch of the West’s brother who always envied her power and magicality. After stealing her broom from the Emerald City, he sets out capturing the leaders of Oz and turning them into marionettes so he can rule Oz all by himself. Naturally, it’s up to Dorothy (she is the Vanquisher of Wicked Witches after all) to thwart his evil ascent to power. She is summoned back to Oz by The Scarecrow in the form of his new invention, the Rainbow Mover. Rainbows seem to be the best method of travel in all worlds. I know I was always envious of Rainbow Brite traveling via rainbows, and I love the Rainbow Bridge in the Thor series.

Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and Dorothy of Oz, which was written by his great-grandson, Roger Stanton Baum. What I enjoyed most was the familiarity of seeing Dorothy reunited with her good friends The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and The Lion, but also the introduction of all-new Oz characters that I didn’t know anything about prior to seeing the film. Eventually, I want to read all of the Oz books. That’s long-been on my bucket list, but there just never seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. The new characters, which your children or inner child are sure to immediately fall in love with, include a China Princess who is a bit spoiled and obsessed with perfection and beauty, a delightfully plump know-it-all owl named Wiser, the noble, elderly tree-turned-tugboat Tugg, the honorable Marshal Mallow (a brave soldier made of marshmallow) and of course the evil, but perhaps slightly misunderstood, Jester. Even the flying monkeys have been given a make-over with outlandish, brightly colored mohawks.

The Kansas sequences at the beginning and ending of the film bring about the humanistic element to the story that tugs at your heartstrings. You get to experience the aftermath of the tornado destruction and observe how Dorothy, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and the rest of their town are dealing with it. As a Midwesterner who has seen the ravages of a tornado firsthand, it gives the film a nice touch of realism and further helps to bring the Oz story full-circle.

The music is first-rate, especially the song “Even Then” sung by Marshal Mallow. I legitimately almost cried in the theater because the lyrics moved me that much. Maybe I’m a bigger softie than a man made entirely of marshmallow. Or maybe it’s because I’m in a new relationship and the tenderness of it all just really hit home for me. Don’t judge me! The final thing I wish to touch upon is the 3D animation itself. From start to finish, Oz comes alive with all the vivid colors and magical qualities of an artist’s paintbrush not limited by anything but one’s imagination – come now, would you expect anything less of Oz? Candy County is especially wonderful to see with all of its candy-coated citizens, including a Jawbreaker Judge, Peeps and chocolate soldiers. I haven’t seen anything look so tantalizing tasty since Wreck-It Ralph.

All in all, I think Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return represents a return to fantastic filmmaking for children that both kids and their parents can enjoy watching together. The story, animation, acting and music all come together to weave a film that is rich in spirit. Kudos to all who were involved — there’s no place like Oz!