Alice In Wonderland Review

Why IS a raven like a writing desk…well, who knows – and who’s to say you’re ever going to know – you’re late for tea!

The much anticipated and latest Tim Burton masterpiece hit the big screens last week, and has certainly caused a stir. Though not a crazed fan of Burton’s work myself, I went to Wonderland with an open mind – willing it to do the original book and movie justice…

In this version, Alice is 19 years old and suffering bad dreams from the last time she fell down the rabbit hole. This is her second visit to Wonderland, though neither she, nor the crazy inhabitants of the wondrous world are sure of it.

Unfortunately, I thought Mia Wasikowska’s portrayal of Alice was totally weak. I didn’t find her acting believable, coupled with the fact she wasn’t even wearing an ‘Alice’ band – I mean c’mon it’s an ‘Alice’ band, right?! I know this is more a casting/wardrobe flaw but I’m sorry, I didn’t buy it. Alice is depicted in the original film and novel as a typical English rose – the epitome of elegance and class. This Alice however is far from it…more an obnoxious tomboy with an attitude problem! The dormouse (Barbara Windsor) has the right idea when she says “You’ve got the wrong Alice…” well Burton – I think you do actually.

I’m probably going to get mauled for saying this too, but I am not a Johnny Depp fan at all. Watching the trailer, I wondered if the film should be called ‘Jack Sparrow in Wonderland’ as to me, Depp seems to be typecast into a drunken comedic pirate nowadays. However, after watching his full performance I commend him for his role as the Mad Hatter, giving the character a new dimension – suffering from a split personality and the weight of Wonderland on his shoulders…but one has to wonder – why so?

I sometimes felt as though the plot was very much like Narnia – forced, rigid and only in existence for the final fight scene; which is a shame really as the original was full of fun and madness – barely interested in its end. The movie takes elements from both Alice in Wonderland and its sequel, Through The Looking Glass to create an all new piece, with a sprinkle of typical Burton charm.

Having said that, you’ll LOVE the roles of the Red and White Queens played by Bonham Carter and Hathaway – they do a splendid job! Playing rival sisters, both characters provide humour and fantasy which is much welcomed in a movie like Wonderland…what can I say, I’m a sucker for girl power!

The CGI was also phenomenal – drawing you into the magical world of Wonderland, the entire movie was every bit colourful and beautiful as you’d expect with no corners cut on the digital effects. I watched the whole movie in 3D which was fantastic – particularly when Alice falls down the rabbit hole!

My experience of Wonderland was not a disappointment by any means, but there was certainly room for more ‘wonder’ to be had. The movie was not as bad as I anticipated but I can’t help feeling a little cheated out of a movie that could potentially exceed an all-time classic…