Classics: A Review of Return to Oz By Lauren Ennis

 In 1939 MGM Studios took viewers on an unforgettable journey to the merry old land of Oz. It was not for another forty-six years, however, that Hollywood returned to the Emerald City. 1985's cult classic Return to Oz transports viewers back to Oz for a whole new adventure. At once a celebration of L. Frank Baum's beloved series and a dark fantasy the likes of which only the 1980's could deliver, Return to Oz remains one of the most terrifying and thrilling adventures in family filmmaking. 

Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows you're name...

The story begins six months after Dorothy's return from Oz. Despite returning to Kansas she is haunted by her experiences and develops insomnia. Concerned for her health Aunt Em and Uncle Henry opt to seek psychiatric help for her and bring her to a nearby mental institution. After recounting her adventures in Oz the hospital staff diagnose her as suffering from mental illness and determine that the best course of treatment is electro-convulsive therapy. Before the treatment can begin, however, a storm arrives and the hospital is struck by lighting. In the ensuing chaos Dorothy escapes with another young patient. While being pursued by the hospital staff the girls are separated and Dorothy is knocked unconscious after she nearly drowns. When she regains consciousness she finds herself in Oz with her one of the chickens from her family's farm, Belina, at her side. While she is initially overjoyed she soon realizes that this is a very different Oz that she has returned to. In the months since her first adventure the land has fallen under the control of the wicked Gnome King who, along with his henchmen Princess Mombie and the Wheelers, rules Oz with an iron grip. It's up to Dorothy, Belina, and the friends that they meet along the way to stop the Gnome King and free the people of Oz.

In the lead-up to the film's release critics and audiences eagerly anticipated what they were sure would be a continuation of the 1939 classic. Unfortunately for them, the film derived its inspiration not from its iconic predecessor, but instead from the arguably darker, more mature, series of books upon which it is based. As a result, audiences and critics alike were dismayed by what they saw on screen. In the years since the film's release, however, it has gained a cult following with generations of children falling under its dark spell. While no film can compare with the 1939 juggernaut, the 1985 sequel makes for an engrossing and enchanting work of its own. Unlike its musical counterpart, Return to Oz relates a mature tale of the dangers of escapism, the oppression of conformity, and abuse of power through the lens of a fantastic adventure. As a result, the film aptly captures the eerie combination of wonder, imagination, and anxiety that define childhood. In this way, the film challenges young viewers by introducing them to weighty themes within the context of family friendly entertainment. Through this approach the film grows with its audience by offering an entertaining adventure to keep younger viewers engaged while raising vital questions about the world around us that they can grapple with as they grow older. For a film that will appeal to the minds as well as hearts of the whole family book a trip to Return to Oz.

I'm looking at the man in the mirror....

The film transports viewers to the wonder and magic of Oz thanks to the performances of its cast. Piper Laurie captures the world-weariness of overworked Aunt Em. Matt Clark aptly portrays the inner conflict of Uncle Henry. Emma Ridley perfectly captures the regal majesty of Empress Ozma in a performance that belies her young years. Lyle Conway imbues the Gump with warmth and humor. Brian Henson personifies childlike innocence in his charming turn as Jack Pumpkinhead. Sean Barret personifies courage as mechanical soldier Tik Tok. Pons Maar is nothing short of terrifying as both the sadistic nameless hospital assistant and the vicious leader of the wheelers. Jean Marsh steals each scene in which she appears as both the merciless witch Mombie and the hospital's callous head nurse. Denise Bryer lends gruff humor worthy of Thelma Ritter as Billina. Nicol Williamson aptly blends manipulative charm and menace as both the Gnome King and Doctor Worley. Fairuza Balk performs the Herculean task of stepping into Judy Garland's ruby slippers with a winning combination of innocence, sincerity, wonder, and infectious charm. 

At once a celebration of the classic Oz books and a contemporary fantasy Return to Oz is a tribute to the power of imagination. The script blends history, whimsy, and wonder to relate a dark fantasy that viewers will be hard pressed to forget. The superb work of the cast brings the classic world of Oz to vibrant life with a dark, modern edge. Join Dorothy and Belina for the journey of a lifetime and Return to Oz.

Only the 80's could come up with this one

Classics: A Review of A Gentleman in Moscow By Lauren Ennis

 "A man must master his circumstances or otherwise be mastered by them" is a lesson that Count Alexander Rostov lives by. Based upon the 2016 bestselling novel of the same name Showtime's miniseries A Gentleman in Moscow follows the count as he finds this lesson put to the ultimate test. Placed under house arrest by the Bolsheviks the count finds himself in the most unusual of circumstances as he experiences three decades of Russian history from his gilded cage. Perhaps most unusual of these circumstances are the ones that see him grow from gentleman of leisure to friend, unlikely ally, and even father to the hotel's staff and guests. This Father's Day join the count for a trip that you'll be hard pressed to return from in A Gentleman in Moscow.

The story begins in 1922 with the Romanov Dynasty having finally given way to the rise of the Soviet Union. In the midst of this upheaval the aristocratic count finds himself caught in the crosshairs of the new regime who designate him a 'social parasite'. Through a twist of fate and friendship his life is spared and instead of execution he is sentenced to spend the rest of his days in the servant's quarters of the Metropol Hotel. Separated from his home, his family, and his way of life he sets out to defy the regime by mastering his circumstances. Along the way he encounters old friends, unlikely allies, and new loves, forming a new family and life for himself. His existence is upended once again, however, when a young orphaned girl arrives at the hotel, changing the course of both of their lives forever.

At various points in the novel Alexander considers what it means to be a 'man of purpose'. The series similarly captures the way in which he loses any sense of purpose and meaning in his life upon his arrest. Cut off from everything that he had ever known and loved he finds himself faced with the prospect of a lifetime of empty, directionless, days ahead of him. Rather than succumb to despair he instead opts to create a life of purpose through the bonds he forms with the people around him. Even as he forms deep and meaningful relationships with various guests and staff at the hotel it is the parental bonds he forms with young guest Nina, and later her orphaned daughter, Sofia, that ultimately change his life. Through his friendship and mentorship of Nina he learns to see his predicament through the eyes of a child and find freedom and a sense of adventure within the hotel's walls. Similarly, he offers her wisdom and tries to show her a world beyond the oppression of the USSR. He is ultimately unable to protect Nina from the horrors of Stalin's purges, and finds himself at a crossroads when he is entrusted with the care of her orphaned daughter, Sofia. Although he is initially overwhelmed by this unexpected responsibility, when the state threatens to send Sofia to an orphanage he risks his own safety to ensure that they remain together. As the years pass he becomes the father she lost and she eases the pain of the loss of his younger sister. He consistently risks his own life to ensure her safety and places her happiness above his own, even if it means that he will have to let her go. Throughout the series Count Alexander Rostov is a nobleman and gentleman, but it is only through his role as a father that he becomes truly noble. This Father's Day enjoy the amenities of the Metropol courtesy of A Gentleman in Moscow.

                    

The series transports viewers to Soviet Russia thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Johnny Harris lends depth and surprising humanity to his portrayal of Alexander's jailer turned ally, Osip. Alexa Goodall and Leah Balmforth aptly capture Nina's journey from precocious child to disillusioned woman. Fehinti Balogun personifies idealism betrayed as Bolshevik turned dissident Mishka. Real life sisters Beau Gadsdon and Billie Gadsdon convey Sofia's growth from lost child to promising prodigy warmth and charm. Mary Elizabeth Winstead steals each scene in which she appears in her magnetic turn as Alexander's equal parts sultry and savvy love interest, screen siren Anna. Even in the midst of enthralling performances the series belongs to Ewan MacGregor as Alexander Rostov. Blending old world charm, wit, and warmth he brings the count to life with an earnest optimism that is nothing short of infectious.

Upon its 2016 release the bestselling novel A Gentleman in Moscow was hailed by critics as 'charming', 'inspiring', and 'life-affirming'. Showtime's adaptation manages what readers feared was almost impossible as it not only does justice to but in some ways even improves upon its source material. The script captures the novel's blend of history, social commentary, political intrigue, romance, and optimism while still adhering to the limits of the screen. The cast transport viewers to the tumult of the early twentieth century through nuanced performances that bring the world of the Metropol to vibrant life. Take the trip of a lifetime with the count in A Gentleman in Moscow.