 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Return to Halloweentown
- Review Date: August 27, 2007
- NR
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
A cauldron of witchy magic and malice for tweens.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this made-for-TV tween movie contains a few mildly scary scenes including some spooky red fog; a deep, bellowing warlock voice; and a growling creature-monster with glowing eyes. Some strange-looking characters appear throughout the movie, including a friendly skeleton taxi driver, a drooling troll, and some hooded demon-like creatures. On several occasions the main teen character breaks or bends rules, though she's generally well behaved. The primary bad characters are three young women who wear tight clothing and heavy makeup and treat others very badly, including teasing and tricking them.
What's the story?
When a witch graduates from high school, where does she go? To Witch University, of course. That's where Marnie Piper (Sara Paxton) heads in RETURN TO HALLOWEENTOWN, the fourth made-for-TV movie in the Disney Channel's successful Halloweentown franchise. But the path to higher learning won't be smooth for the young witch. And first she must convince her over-protective mother to let her go. Once independent-minded Marnie is off on her own, she finds herself at odds with the Sinister Sisters, a trio of vain, pretentious young women bent on making Marnie's college days miserable.
Is it any good?
This being Disney, Return to Halloweentown has very little for parents to worry about. Marnie is an earnest but relatable teen with good intentions. She has some typical tensions with her mother, but in the end turns to Mom for help. Embedded in the story are lessons about the danger of too much power, the benefits of working together, the value of diversity, and the virtue in selflessness.
Parents interested in the more subtle messages being communicated should be aware that mom Gwen (Judith Hoag) is a caricature of a stay-at-home mom who lives through her children. The conflict between Marnie and the Sinister Sisters treads upon the well-worn path of teen female rivalry, especially for male attention. And the outward sign that the Sisters are evil (aside from their scowls) is their heavy makeup and sexy clothing -- equating sex with sin, perhaps?
What families can talk about
Families can talk about school integration. Do you think it's a good idea to let non-witches into Witch University? Why or why not? How does this issue translate into the real world? Families can also discuss power and politics. Why did the Dominion want to take over Halloweentown? Why didn't Splendora Cromwell want to be queen? If you could have the power to control others, would you take it? Why or why not?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Return to Halloweentown
Amazing movie.I really liked it.
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AGE
I lost six brain cells watching this!
Seriously, I did. I enjoyed the second and third Halloweentown movies to an extent, but the 4th one, "Return to Halloweentown", was even worse than the first. The storyline is completely predictable and cliche, filled with caricatures and plot holes. There is nothing remotely interesting to see here. The only entertaining part was when the mom shouted into the toilet bowl at her daughter while being watched anxiously by the people who had considered buying a house from her, which as you can see is rather juvenile. Younger kids may enjoy this movie, but everyone else should skip it.
Nothing objectionable.
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AGE
This movie is awesome! I love it! There is absolutly nothing wrong with it! common sence just get's stupider and stupider! And so do parents! i mean that thing asking about an 8 year old and millsberry*?!?! Whoever asked that is retarded! Anyway, this movie is really good for all ages!
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AGE
THE BEST SHOW EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS SHOW IS AWESOME! Totally appropriate!
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Kid, 10 years old
November 1, 2010
AGE
Return To Halloweentown
Why Did They Take Off Kimberely J. Brown? I Was Her Biggest Fan.Plus I Looked Online And She Wanted To Quit.So Now Im Not Her Biggest Fan.Good For Ages Seven And Up.
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Kid, 10 years old
February 18, 2012
AGE
Return To Halloweentown
Return To Halloweentown Is Missing the good actors as they have been replaced. The acting is okay,screenplay is okay,settings are good and the concept is also fine. Overall Return To Halloweentown Is A Okay Movie
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| Studio: | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | David Jackson |
| Cast: | Debbie Reynolds, Judith Hoag, Sara Paxton |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 88 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 20, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | August 28, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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