Parents' Guide to Rainbow

The concept of modernizing Oz in a playful and quirky way feels fresh, but this drama seems caught between two minds. Whether playful musical or modern realism, the tone of Rainbow is decidedly both. But there are plenty of moments that seem to contradict these two modern vibes so colorfully and carefully plastered all over the film's presentation. Much about the production is great, bright, and interesting to watch. There are musical interludes, catchy dance sequences, and fun montages that show Dora and her friends making their way down various yellow brick roads. And the modern versions of the Tin Man, the Lion, and the Scarecrow are interesting updates to those characters.

But peering underneath these surfaces of colorful modernity reveals a few problems. Firstly, unlike the original Dorothy of Oz, Dora isn't a fully developed character and doesn't say much at all, and by the time the denouement begins, it's hard to feel connected to Dora because of the lack of development. Similarly, as updates to the original Oz companions, Dora's companions are thin and barely characters. They follow Dora around, and laugh and dance, but not much else. Lastly, the conclusion doesn't satisfy or emotionally resonate, perhaps because after the novelty of a musically modern and almost magical Oz wears off, there's nothing remaining to hold on to.