Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz

Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz is a 2016 American animated direct-to-video film and a follow-up to the 2011 film Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz, uniting the iconic duo of Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse with the beloved characters from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The movie is a seamless mix of the classic animation styles of the Tom and Jerry cartoons with the magic and nostalgia of the Wizard of Oz film. It uses its source materials to bring out both slapstick humor and engaging storytelling.

In this sequel to Tom and Jerry’s original adventure in Oz, we find our beloved cat and mouse duo trying to lead a normal life back in Kansas after their magical escapade with Dorothy and her friends. They are reunited with Grey Griffin providing the voice of Dorothy, along with a talented voice cast including Jason Alexander, Amy Louise Pemberton, and Joe Alaskey.Their attempt to revert to their old ways of constant chasing and playful banter is disrupted when suddenly they find that wicked magic is at play once again.

Suddenly, their peaceful existence is disrupted when magic from the Land of Oz begins to interfere with their life. Their peaceful Kansas farm is in danger from a new villain, The Gnome King, who has taken control of the Emerald City. The wicked king and his henchmen have captured Dorothy’s friends the Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin Man, intending to take over both Oz and Kansas. This dangerous new addition from Oz seeks to rule both lands, and he's just as sneaky and powerful as his predecessors.

Dorothy, the little girl from Kansas with the power to defeat wickedness, suddenly goes missing, causing concern among her friends, human and animal alike. Our favorite duo, Tom and Jerry, decides to return to Oz to aid their friends in their time of need. With the help of Glenn the dog and some of the magical characters left in the Land of Oz, they take it upon themselves to rescue the kidnapped friends and face the menace threatening their homes.

The film brings back beloved characters from the first film and introduces new ones from the unique world of Oz. It's filled with color, spectacle, charming songs, and the usual flurry of frenetic cartoon action we love from Tom and Jerry, paired with the eloquent artistry and classic storytelling of the Wizard of Oz. The film creates a sense of nostalgia while also providing fresh source material, reviving the age-old rivalry between the mischievous mouse and the quick-tempered cat in a new, magical setting.

Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz serves as a fitting sequel, carrying forward the adventure and pulling on the familiar threads and themes of friendship, bravery, and the concept of home that we fondly remember from the original Wizard of Oz story. It underscores the significance of resilience, grit, and the power of friendship and community when dealing with threats and overcoming hurdles. It’s a magical adventure that caters to all ages, providing a wonderfully whimsical adventure for children and a sense of nostalgia for adults.

With its classic animation style, colorful characters, timeless humor and heart, and an engaging story that seamlessly blends two familiar narratives together, Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz is an exciting and entertaining addition to the worlds of both Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz. Whether you're a fan of these classic stories, or new to their worlds, you’re sure to enjoy this delightful adventure.