There’s No Place Like Home

Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return was a massive box-office bomb panned by critics. Despite being released in theaters, I knew there was no place like home. Unlike every other Wizard of Oz continuation that came before, Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return wasn’t based on one of the many sequels by L. Frank Baum. Instead it’s based on Dorothy of Oz by his less known great-grandson Roger S. Baum. The “sequel” isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever seen. But while I do think the movie might have been slammed, Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is still painfully generic. With ear piercing pop infused songs and less than inspired voice acting. This was the last movie credit for Lea Michele and Kelsey Grammer won a shared Razzie for his part as the Tin Man. Also Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi play the Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion respectively. Dorothy and Toto’s traveling companion’s are the worst ones yet. A fat talkative owl, a stoic marshmallow man, and a conceited china doll. The villain isn’t much better. Now the Wicked Witch has an unseen brother that’s a Jester voiced by Martin Short. Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is just a colorful distraction for kids that probably don’t want to see it anyway. Once again the original is the only must watch.

Glinda grants Dorothy her wish

The Bright and Colorful

Oz the Great and Powerful appears to be the last movie directed by Sam Raimi. The unlikely choice of a prequel to the Wizard of Oz story. Since even Disney knows not to remake the original. That being said, Oz the Great and Powerful still pays homage to the 1939 classic. That’s why my brother and I saw the movie with our mom. Since it was our only chance to see an Oz movie in theaters. Of course recent improvements in technology meant a closer resemblance to the book as well. Making Oz and the Emerald City as bright and colorful as possible. And being a prequel meant throwing in a little Wicked too. Like the original, the opening is in black & white before transitioning to color. A change in aspect ratio was added as well. The film follows a young Oscar “Oz” Diggs and his journey to become the titular Wizard of Oz. I know he worked with Raimi on Spider-Man, but James Franco is still an odd choice to play him. Plus they seriously cast the very non-threatening Mila Kunis as the iconic Wicked Witch of the West. Meanwhile the Wicked Witch of the East appears physically. Their sisterly relationship is obviously inspired by Wicked. Oz gains traveling companions in flying monkey servant Finley, a China Girl doll, and Glinda. Just like Return to Oz, Oz the Great and Powerful contains no songs. Kind of weird for the only two Disney Oz movies to not do something that Disney is known for. There’s also a lot more talk about high fantasy concepts such as prophecies. While definitely imaginative enough, Oz the Great and Powerful can only come so close to recreating the magic of the original.

Theodora takes Oz to the Emerald City

(Gotta Get Outta) Kansas

The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz is the second Muppet movie released in the 2000’s and the last television film released before the return to theatrical films. Since the popularity of Jim Henson’s Muppets had waned in the 2000’s, this was the only place to see them. Along with a few celebrity guest appearances. I remember my brother and I just being happy to see a new Muppet movie. The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz is done in the style of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Not the 1939 original like you might expect. It’s surprisingly faithful to the book. Apart from the Muppet cast and a few other flashy changes. Like The Wiz, Dorothy and her family are black. Ashanti can sing, but an actress she is not. Instead of returning home, Dorothy just wants to be a singer. Toto is replaced by a typically funny Pepé the King Prawn. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion are of course played by Kermit the Frog, Gonzo, and Fozzie Bear respectively. With Miss Piggy doing quadruple duty as all four Witches. The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz is an undemanding kids film, but their is an unusual amount of innuendo. The weirdest example being an extended cameo from Quentin Tarantino! The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz is strictly for those who want to see a Muppet version of The Wizard of Oz.

The Muppets in Oz

I Have a Feeling We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Return to Oz is the darkest iteration of the Oz stories ever put to film. Can you believe it was made by Disney? Well I can, since Walt Disney wanted to make a Wizard of Oz movie for decades. I’m not sure this is what he had in mind, but that’s the 80’s for you. Return to Oz continues to unofficially follow the original. Taking cues from L. Frank Baum’s two sequel books The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz. It’s one of the more faithful adaptations. Since Dorothy is actually a child (played by a very young Fairuza Balk) and the tone is closer to the books. I never watched Return to Oz when I was younger, but I imagine it scared many children at the time. After returning home to Kansas, Dorothy’s stories about Oz are enough to get her sent away to receive shock therapy! Don’t worry it gets darker. When she returns to Oz, Dorothy finds that everyone’s been turned to stone with the yellow brick road in ruins. The Nome King is responsible. A creepy stone monster pulled off with impressive stop-motion. Equally disturbing are a band of Wheelers. However, the most unsettling part of Return to Oz is Princess Mombi. A witch who keeps a collection of decapitated heads. Even Dorothy’s traveling companion’s are enough to cause nightmares. Mechanical man Tik-Tok, talking chicken Billina, and flying elk The Gump are fine, but Jack Pumpkinhead may be too much for kids. Not to mention the Scarecrow’s lifeless face (the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion look good though). When their ordeal is over, the rightful ruler of the Emerald City is named. Return to Oz feels like it was made by a more traumatizing Tim Burton.

Dorothy makes new friends

Ease on Down the Road

The Wiz is the most well known all-black version of an existing story. Although released in the 70’s, I wouldn’t exactly call it Blaxploitation. It’s another take on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz that originated as a Broadway musical. Something I really enjoyed when my High School did a production of it. The movie is a different story. I first saw The Wiz in Elementary School alongside The Wizard of Oz. I didn’t enjoy it as much I already enjoyed the original. The problems stem from the differences between the play and movie. The play is essentially the same as the original. Only with black performers, funkier Motown music, and a few other minor changes. The movie was basically made to be more stereotypical. Instead of Kansas, Dorothy lives in Harlem. She and Toto are sucked up by a snow twister that takes them to Oz. The Munchkins are graffiti, Oz is a half run down New York, Taxi’s drive on the yellow brick road, and the Twin Towers are the Emerald City. The most glaring change is replacing the young Stephanie Mills with 33 year old Diana Ross. She was way too old for the part and always looks like she’s on the verge of tears. She practically demanded to play the part in exchange for Michael Jackson’s involvement. He plays a garbage filled Scarecrow. Nipsey Russell for some reason plays the animatronic Tin Man. While Ted Ross reprises his role as the Cowardly Lion. When they remember to include the Wicked Witch, she runs a sweatshop. Followed by Richard Pryor’s Wiz. The Wiz drags on forever with endless song after endless song. Only “Ease on Down the Road” and a few others standout for me. The Wiz is better left on Broadway.

Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Journey Back to Oz is the first of many unofficial sequels to the 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz. Despite 3 decades in between, the original was simply too timeless to even attempt to remake. Even in animation. So Journey Back to Oz was both a continuation and a slightly more faithful book adaptation. It’s the only theatrically released Oz movie I forgot to include in my marathon. Despite my brother’s insistence that we watched it when we were younger, I just didn’t know it existed. Neither do most places, because I could only find it in parts on YouTube. Journey Back to Oz brings Dorothy (and Toto) back to Oz where she discovers a new plot to take over the Emerald City. As in the sequel book, new characters are used. The Wicked Witches unseen cousin Mombi plans to overthrow Oz with green elephants. So Dorothy is joined by Pumpkinhead, Woodenhead Stallion III, and a talking signpost. Actually strike that last companion. The signpost has a song, but serves no purpose to the story. The same can be said for the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Who suddenly don’t want their defining character traits. Although released in the theater, the animation is exactly the same as He-Man. Perhaps that’s why it had more success on TV with a live-action Bill Cosby as the Wizard. Probably the most interesting fact about the movie is that Liza Minnelli voices Dorothy. She lives up to her mother’s legacy. Though inoffensive, Journey Back to Oz however does not live up to its legacy.

Dorothy and company

Somewhere Over the Rainbow ⭐

The Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite fantasy movie. As well as my favorite movie from the Golden Age of Hollywood. If any film was guaranteed to be on my “Top 10 Favorite Movies” list it’s The Wizard of Oz. As high as number four, because The Wizard of Oz is the most universally beloved movie of all time. I doubt there’s anyone alive who doesn’t know this heartwarming children’s tale by heart. Like most great movies that I’ve seen in my life, I have my dear mother to thank for my first of countless viewings of The Wizard of Oz. She’s been watching the movie ever since she was a child. Its been a real treat hearing stories about how in awe she was during her first viewing. So if there was any movie I had to watch with my mom the first time, it was The Wizard of Oz. My brother and I watched it at a very young age and we were just as in awe as our mom was. It may have been released all the way back in 1939, but The Wizard of Oz speaks to every generation young & old. I watch the movie anytime it’s on TV, I owned it on VHS (now DVD), and I watched it once at school. Where I was happy to see my fellow classmates enjoying it as much as I already did. Like everyone else, I now know every moment, character, and song in the movie by heart…

Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion

The Wizard of Oz famously opens in sepia tone. Though some people may refer to it as black & white. Dorothy Gale is a young lady who lives in Kansas with her Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, three farm hands, and Toto too. Dorothy dreams of far off places somewhere over the rainbow. It’s only when cruel land owner Almira Gulch tries to take Toto away on her bike, that Dorothy gets her wish. She runs off to phoney fortune teller Professor Marvel who sends her back home where, what’s that? “It’s a twister! It’s a twister!” Dorothy’s house is sucked into it where she sees a couple of unusual characters flying around. Until her house eventually hits the ground. History was made when Dorothy finally opens the door to reveal the merry old Land of Oz in full Technicolor. It’s then that she realizes she’s not in Kansas anymore. Oz is full of all sorts of colorful inhabitants. Dorothy first meets Glinda the Good Witch of the North. She explains to her and the Munchkin’s that the Wicked Witch of the East was crushed by the falling house. Their celebration is cut short by the fiery arrival of the Wicked Witch of the West. Her sister’s Ruby Slippers magically wind up on Dorothy’s feet and she vows to get her and her little dog too. All Dorothy wants to do is go home. Her only hope is to follow the yellow brick road to see the Wizard of Oz. While on her journey, Dorothy encounters grumpy trees, poppy fields, and three very special traveling companions. The Scarecrow who wants a brain, the Tin Man who wants a heart, and the Cowardly Lion who wants courage. Together they skip merrily to the Emerald City trying to avoid the Wicked Witch and her band of flying monkeys. That is until the ominous Wizard of Oz only promises to grant their wishes in exchange for the Witches defeat. But that’s not the only way Dorothy can go home. The Wizard of Oz is known for its imaginative fantasy, but it’s also very funny and surprisingly tense. Now that you know the story, this is why it’s my all time favorite fantasy movie…

The Emerald City

The Wizard of Oz was originally created by L. Frank Baum. He wrote the children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Despite its many differences the 1939 adaptation took on a life of its own. Becoming more well known than the book it was based on. Though Dorothy was meant to be a child (with Shirley Temple in mind), I just can’t imagine anyone but Judy Garland in the part. Her voice brings the magic to all her musical performances. Even Toto was perfectly cast. Glinda was actually a composite of the Good Witch of the North, the unseen Good Witch of the South, and the Queen of Field Mice. It helps to keep her Dorothy’s primary guardian. Of course in 1939, anything too difficult to pull off (like talking mice) had to be changed. Margaret Hamilton makes the Wicked Witch of the West the most iconic live-action female villain of all time. From her green skin and pointy hat to her cackle and broom stick. She’s the image that comes to mind when we think evil witch. Made better by her flying monkeys and Winkie Guards. Her twist death by water is just as iconic. The Munchkin’s were played by many little performers that I’m happy to hear got Walk of Fame recognition later on. The most well known change from the book are the Silver Slippers. Changed to Ruby Slippers, because they would have simply clashed with her famous blue dress. Ray Bolger delivers a great physical performance as the Scarecrow. Flopping around like anyone made of straw would. Jack Haley brings a warmness to the axe wielding Tin Man. A role promised to Buddy Ebsen before his life threatening exit. But the biggest scene stealer is comedian Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion. His hilarious dialogue makes him my personal favorite character. I actually didn’t realize the same actor played so many Emerald City inhabitants. Including the Wizard himself. What appears to be a threatening figure turns out to be nothing more than a fraud. The Wizard is just an ordinary man, but he’s still good enough to honor all their requests. The Scarecrow receives a diploma, the Cowardly Lion earns a medal, and the Tin Man is gifted a testimonial. It’s only when Dorothy learns a lesson that she discovers she had the power to go home all along. By simply clicking her heels together and saying “There’s no place like home.” The Wizard of Oz is only supported by its wonderful music. Including such classics as “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The latter won for Best Original Song. It also won for Original Score and was nominated for Effects, Art Direction, and even Best Picture. There’s simply no other film like it. The Wizard of Oz taught us the all important lesson that there truly is no place like home.

The Wicked Witch of the West confronts Dorothy and Glinda

Exhibit A

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb takes the living museum concept and does something deeper with it. By exploring the origin behind the magical Egyptian tablet that brings everything to life. What more could they do? Battle of the Smithsonian literally brought all the most famous exhibits to life. After deciding to keep the American Museum of Natural History open over night, everything seems to be going well for Ben Stiller’s Larry Daley. Until the power of the tablet starts to wear off. So Larry takes Ahkmenrah, Theodore Roosevelt, Sacagawea, Attila the Hun, Jedidiah, Octavius, Dexter the monkey, and a caveman version of himself to the British Museum. Where Ahkmenrah’s parents can hopefully fix the problem with the tablet. Larry’s much older son Nick tags along as well. As far as comedians are concerned, Rebel Wilson is the only new one. Larry doesn’t have a love interest this time after being interested in both a fellow museum employee and a waxed version of Amelia Earhart. Instead Stiller’s caveman doppelgänger gets a comical love interest with Wilson’s British night guard. Since there’s less of a focus on the exhibits, the only notable one is Sir Lancelot. He gets most of the funny scenes. Including one with unexpected cameos from Hugh Jackman and Alice Eve. The possible loss of the exhibits is surprisingly emotional. Though not as emotional as the real life loss of both Mickey Rooney and Robin Williams. Both of whom passed away before its release. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb isn’t the most imaginative installment, but it is a satisfying enough conclusion to this fun trip through history.

Larry and company ride the trolly

Preceded by: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Landmark Battle

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian takes the living museum concept and does something bigger with it. By taking all the action to the most famous collection of museums in the United States. The Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C. Since the events of Night at the Museum, Ben Stiller’s Larry Daley has left his night guard position to pursue his dream of being an inventor. All his success distracts him from the fact that all his friends at the American Museum of Natural History are being shipped off to the Smithsonian archives. Specifically Sacagawea, Attila the Hun, Jedadiah, Octavius, and Dexter the monkey. Rexy and Theodore Roosevelt stay behind, but Robin Williams does show up again as a Teddy bust. The Egyptian tablet stays behind as well (or so they thought). Dexter swipes the tablet and it brings the entire Smithsonian to life. So it really helps to know a thing or two about history. And expect even more comedians. Like Bill Hader, Jonah Hill, or Hank Azaria. They’re hilarious, but some of them might have over improvised. Azaria plays Kahmunrah, evil brother of Ahkmenrah. He allies himself with famous historical villains Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Al Capone. Meanwhile Larry first allies himself with General Custard. Then famed pilot Amelia Earhart. Amy Adams is the best new addition to the cast. Along the way they encounter famous exhibits like the Thinker, the Lincoln Memorial, the Air and Space Museum, and even paintings that they can walk into. All of it ends with a massive battle where Larry becomes a jedi night guard equipped with a flashlight saber. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian takes full advantage of its fun concept.

Abraham Lincoln lifts up Larry

Preceded by: Night at the Museum & Followed by: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

History Comes to Life

Night at the Museum brings history to life… literally! As it turns out, Night at the Museum is the first movie I went to see after my longest theater going drought ever. I usually see movies all year round, but 2006 was surprisingly scarce. I remember when Night at the Museum came out. It was part of three trailers that premiered on Nickelodeon. Deck the Halls, Eragon, and of course Night at the Museum. The latter being the only one I wanted to go see. It was also the only movie I ever saw on Christmas Day. I was drawn to the concept because of all the museums I went to and my knowledge of historical figures. Ben Stiller plays newly appointed night guard Larry Daley. An ordinary guy thrust into the extraordinary world of a museum that comes to life every night. He was hired by three elderly guards played by legends Dick Van Dyke, Bill Cobbs, and Mickey Rooney. The American Museum of Natural History contains the skeleton of a T-Rex, stuffed animals (including a particularly rambunctious monkey named Dexter), waxed figures, miniatures, statues, and an Easter Island head. Of course the concept can be played for laughs. Which is why the cast is made up of comedians. Like Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Rickey Gervais, or Robin Williams. Robin Williams is surprisingly perfect for President Theodore Roosevelt. Although Mickey Rooney gets the funniest lines. Other important historical figures include Sacagawea, Attila the Hun, and Christopher Columbus. Night one is pure chaos, night two goes well until something goes wrong, and night three is where the conflict comes in. All because of an ancient egyptian tablet. Night at the Museum is a historical lesson in fun.

Larry runs from Rexy

Followed by: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian