Episode notes
Critics got it wrong about this family-friendly classic proof that spooky movies can still be wholesome entertainment. Disney's Return to Oz (1985) delivers genuine thrills, practical movie magic, and timeless courage without gore or trauma—perfect for busy parents seeking family-friendly movies that respect kids' intelligence and imagination.
📌 Episode Highlights:
- The "Too Scary" Myth Debunked: Why the Wheelers and Princess Mombi's heads create tension, not nightmares—and how kids actually handle darker storytelling
- Back to Baum's Vision: How Walter Murch stayed faithful to L. Frank Baum's books rather than copying the sanitized 1939 musical
- Practical Magic That Endures: From Tik-Tok's radio-controlled mechanics to Jack Pumpkinhead's puppetry, d ...