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The fourth installment in Disney’s Halloweentown film series continues the adventures of Marnie Cromwell, daughter of a mortal man and a witch. Now eighteen and eager to get away from her boring hometown, Marnie accepts a scholarship to Witch University in the magical world of Halloweentown. Marnie clashes with the cheating, manipulative Sinister Sisters, who use their magical powers to break the rules and bully other students. Marnie learns that she is heir to The Gift, a magical amulet that can force everyone to obey her. Marnie’s teachers, members of the evil Dominion, try to force Marnie to use her powers to enslave all the magical creatures in Halloweentown.
Sex and bad language are totally absent in Return to Halloweentown, though the Sinister Sisters do some mild name-calling, using words like “toad” and “snot boy.” The Sisters also magically bully the other students, making one fly through the air and another slip and dump pudding on himself. There are consequences for their bad acts and the Sisters are suitably punished at the end of the movie. Most “violence” consists of “magical” fantasy light effects and firework-style explosions. There are a number of non-human “monster” characters, but they are not frightening or gory. The movie features a benign treatment of such fantasy creatures as witches, magic and monsters, similar to the Harry Potter book series.
Return to Halloweentown demonstrates many positive lessons about acting responsibly, accepting others as they are and learning to discern between right and wrong. Marnie resists the temptation to use her magic to control others, even when urged to do so by her teachers, thus showing the importance of following rules and respecting the free will of others. Although wanting to make it on her own, Marnie eventually comes to understand and respect her mother’s love and wise advice, teaching respect for one’s parents. Marnie befriends the many non-human creatures in Halloweentown, while the racist Dominion members want to turn them into slaves. Marnie also shows a willingness to forgive others when she overcomes her distrust of Ethan Dalloway, the son of an old enemy.
Return to Halloweentown is an excellent family-friendly way for children and adults alike to celebrate Halloween. The DVD release also contains a short “Making of” featurette and multiple trailers for other Disney programs.
Because of its mild violence and high-school-age themes, the PTC does not recommend Return to Halloweentown for viewers under 8.
Family Television Reviews The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org |
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