The story follows Marnie Piper (Sara Paxton) going to college at Witch University in Halloweentown, where dark forces try to control her magic.

Brown as Marnie, although Joey Zimmerman, Debbie Reynolds, Judith Hoag, and Lucas Grabeel reprise their roles.

Much to her mother Gwen's dismay, Marnie decides to forgo her original college plans and instead attends the Halloweentown school.

The university was originally established exclusively for warlocks and witches to learn how to use magic, but when the portal between Halloweentown and the human world was opened permanently instead of just on Halloween, most of them went to college in the mortal realm.

Magic was banned on campus grounds to level the academic playing field, but the Sinister Sisters still use theirs discreetly.

Knowing that only a Cromwell can use the Gift, the Sinister Sisters transform Dylan into a Border Collie to compel Marnie to comply with their demands.

The Dominion attempt an escape, but are apprehended by Periwinkle who is revealed to have been undercover for ten centuries as a detective of the Halloweentown Anti-Dominion League.

[1] In October 2020,[2] Kenneth Burgomaster who composed, orchestrated, and conducted the soundtrack for the film uploaded the full score to his YouTube channel.

Online initially disliked Return to Halloweentown upon its premiere in 2006, particularly due to the recasting of the lead role, but after rewatching the film 15 years later, Ray was pleasantly surprised by its appeal.

Despite the lead actress change, they appreciated the numerous callbacks to the earlier films, including appearances by familiar characters.

Ray highlighted the film's standout features, including the character Scarlett as a memorable millennial antagonist and Marnie's fashion, which accurately reflected mid-2000s trends.

The college setting and updated special effects, including CGI elements and creative time-travel plotlines, were also complimented.

[8] Maya Ogolini of BuzzFeed deemed Return to Halloweentown to be a worthy addition to a Halloween movie marathon, highlighting its blend of mystery and the engaging storyline of Marnie, citing the character battling evil forces and exploring an ancient family prophecy while attending Witch University.

On the negative side, Ogolini expressed disappointment over the reduced presence of Debbie Reynolds and the recasting of Marnie, saying it caused some confusion for fans.

[9] Sierra Filucci of Common Sense Media gave Return to Halloweentown a score of three out of five stars and noted the depiction of positive messages in the film.

[15] Andrew LaSane of Business Insider noted that several reviewers stated they wished to see Brown come back to portray Marnie in the film.

[19][20][21][22] Return to Halloweentown was nominated for Television Movie or Mini-Series at the 2007 ADG Excellence in Production Design Awards.