Alice In Wonderland

Released March 2010

Directed by Tim Burton

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Crispin Glover

 First Viewing: March 5, 2010

Roger – 3.5/5 stars

 For the most part, you go to a movie to be entertained. From beginning to end, you are immersed in another world, in another story. You aren’t fidgeting in your seat, you’re not over thinking the plot, and you’re not wondering to yourself how long this movie is going to continue before the end is finally in sight.

Tim Burton’s interpretation of the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland is movie entertainment. Always one for the weird and wonderful, Mr. Burton is right at home with Lewis Carroll’s amazing story.

His take is a little different. In this version, Alice is a young woman; her previous visit to Wonderland is reduced to a dream as a little girl. She returns to Wonderland, and must re-acquaint herself with both friends and enemies. Tim Burton has managed to reinvigorate a story that has been told many times in a new way; he has also managed to stay true to the spirit and integrity of the original characters and tale. The cast is brilliant, and there are too many scene-stealing moments to count. Mia Wasikowska does a wonderful job as the brave and sweet Alice, and Helena Bonham Carter is deliciously wicked as the Red Queen. Johnny Depp is hugely enjoyable, and although his character has been extended quite a bit to suit a larger role, I would not have it any other way.

This movie isn’t just another vehicle for its stars, however. Everyone does a wonderful job, and the whole movie is a visual treat. The effects are fantastic and many are woven together in scenes so subtly with the acting that you begin to believe the only way they are real is if you ARE in Wonderland.

Literary aficionados and traditionalists will have plenty to revel in, despite this new version. There are nods to Carroll’s masterpiece in every scene, and for the few in the know, certain riddles and inside jokes are evidence of Burton paying homage to Carroll’s genius.

Alice In Wonderland is delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed myself watching this movie. The acting and effects and original take on the story held me spellbound throughout.

I’ve heard some critics say that this movie’s plotting is a bit flat and dull, which is a shame (not to mention untrue.) Some say it’s too “simple.” So you’re telling me that you’re going into Alice in Wonderland expecting it to be the new Pulitzer Prize Winner? Wouldn’t you be more disappointed if it wasn’t the simple, familiar Alice, but some strange and complicated mess? Why mess with a classic too much?

 These days, people are looking for grim and life-changing plotlines in order to make a movie memorable. I went in looking for a little weird and wonderful trip down the inevitable rabbit hole, Burton-style, and was not disappointed in the least. I was very much entertained.