Frank Baum’s magical land of Oz is revisited once more in this animated adventure aimed at younger viewers that is based on a book by Baum’s great-grandson. Dorothy (Glee’s Lea Michele) is summoned back from Kansas to help her friends in Oz, whose land is under threat by the Jester (voiced by Martin Short).
She has to help the Scarecrow (Aykroyd), Cowardly Lion (Belushi) and Tin Man (Grammer), who want to stop the Jester from taking over Emerald City with his flying monkeys. When her pals are captured, Dorothy has to turn to some new characters, including owl Wiser (Oliver Platt) and candy guard Marshal Mallow (Hugh Dancy).
Featuring some sweet songs and colourful animation, this isn’t exactly ground-breaking stuff (though parents may raise their eyebrows at the monkeys with bright pink punkish mohawks) but it’s enjoyable enough for little girls who enjoyed the original 1939 movie but aren’t quite old enough to see the more grown-up Oz The Great And Powerful.
Is Legends Of Oz: Dorothy’s Return suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Under-6s may find the flying monkeys a little scary. There are also a few moments in which the Jester turns characters into puppets that are then locked away that may upset some children.
If you like this, why not try: The Wizard Of Oz, Tinker Bell And The Secret Of The Wings, Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella,