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In this animated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion (Jason Priestley) is a circus animal in Nebraska taken on an after-hours balloon ride by the kindly Oscar (Dom DeLuise). The balloonist puts the souvenir "badge of courage" around the lion's neck before the excursion goes awry in a storm and the pair are separated. They both set down, of course, in the Land of Oz. The Wicked Witch of the East (Lynn Redgrave) finds the lion in short order, confiscates his badge, and forces him on a quest to find the Flower of Oz, a mystical tool that would give her control of the realm. He is joined on his journey by a girl named Wimsik (Jane Horrocks of Little Voices), her doll and soldier toys (Kathy Griffin, Tim Curry), and a springy oddity named Silly (Bobcat Goldthwait).Based on a book written by Roger S. Baum, great-grandson of L. Frank Baum, who authored the classic Oz books, this 71-minute film features professional performances, serviceable songs, and pleasant animation. Devoted fans of the classic film and books may resent this obvious capitalization, but kids will love the fun voices, playful new characters, and easy-to-digest plot--not to mention the chance meeting at the film's end with a certain party traipsing down a yellow brick road. (Ages 3 and older) --Kimberly Heinrichs
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