Tom and Jerry have delighted fans of all ages … for ages. They’ve followed a pattern set out by the likes of Batman, Scooby Doo, and others, teaming up or crossing paths with other historical and fictional characters. Warner Bros.’ collection of Tom and Jerry team-ups includes the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood (both favorites in my house), but in?Back to Oz, they return with Dorothy to the setting of a previous adventure.
The Wicked Witch may be dead, but the Gnome King is rising.
Here, Tom, Jerry, and Dorothy are living simply, but a bit wistfully, in Kansas. No one believes that they’ve really been transported to Oz, and their previous adventure seems so much more special than their current humdrum lives. When Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow show up asking for their help, there’s nothing that can keep the Earth residents from returning to Oz!
While we know that the Gnome King is after Dorothy’s shoes, making her return to Oz a bit problematic, it’s their heroic desire to redeem Oz that makes them the right team for the job. I don’t know how L. Frank Baum would feel about the mashup, but for kids (like mine) who love Tom and Jerry, this one is an absolute hit!
With teamwork, bravery, and, at times, compassion, this 2016 original allows Tom and Jerry to be part of the heroics – and entertain with their typical hijinks as well. It’s colorful update to the previous story, but the sense of old school animation (check out the sepia alternative opening version) allows it to retain its classic display. For Tom and Jerry fans, this one is must-see!
