Summary
Overview
Paul Scheer hosts a Last Looks episode diving into listener reactions to Return to Oz, which sparked intense debate among fans who loved the film as children. The episode features extensive corrections about the movie's production, including George Lucas's involvement, technical details about Tik-Tok, and clarifications about how the film differs from L. Frank Baum's books. Jason Mantzoukas joins to discuss his Broadway run in 'All In,' performing at Taskmaster Live in NYC, and shares anime recommendations including Frieren and The Apothecary Diaries.
Return to Oz Fan Backlash and Opening
Paul addresses the overwhelming response from listeners who were upset about the hosts criticizing Return to Oz. He acknowledges that fans have strong nostalgic connections to the film from childhood, but maintains his stance that it's a bad movie when viewed through adult eyes. The episode sets up an exploration of why childhood favorites don't always hold up, with Paul comparing it to similar reactions the show has received for movies like Space Jam and Goonies.
- Listeners lost their minds over the hosts criticizing Return to Oz
- Paul maintains his position that it's a bad movie despite fan love
- The Discord user DrGuts1003 suggested the tagline 'Deus Egg Machina'
- Similar fan backlash happened with Space Jam and Goonies episodes
" Hold on one second. Let me tell you, we have been doing this show for a very long time and you all lost your freaking minds over us shitting on this, and I will say it again, bad movie. "
George Lucas's Secret Involvement
Listeners reveal that George Lucas played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in Return to Oz's production. When Disney fired director Walter Murch five weeks into filming, Lucas flew from Japan to London to vouch for him, along with Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola. Lucas stayed for weeks to advise Murch, and Paul speculates that many of the film's crazier creative choices may have been Lucas's influence, though Lucas distanced himself from the final product.
- Disney fired Walter Murch five weeks into filming
- George Lucas, Spielberg, and Coppola flew to support Murch's reinstatement
- Lucas stayed in London for weeks to advise on the production
- Paul believes Lucas contributed the crazier ideas then distanced himself
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