ZEE'S REVIEWS

26th May 2010
Alice in Wonderland 3D (2010)

This movie is director Tim Burton's take on Lewis Carroll's books, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. It tells the story of Alice grown up, a nineteen year old woman who believes that Wonderland was only a childhood dream, until she finds herself back down the rabbit hole and in a fantastical world. She meets a cast of wild characters, and learns that she is the prophesied champion, who will free the realm from the tyrannous Red Queen by slaying the Jabberwocky.

A great concept, but sadly, it falls down in the execution. Alice spends far too long being a passive protagonist, prodded along by others, refusing her destiny and believing that she is only dreaming. There is nothing she wants strongly enough, and if she can't be bothered caring, why should we?

This movie should have been more like Labyrinth, whose heroine did have purpose and passion and resolve, and who grew during the course of her quest. Instead, this movie feels like it's painting by the numbers - I can see the outline, but I don't feel the emotion.

However, Alice in Wonderland is reasonably diverting if you are not expecting anything more than diversion. The design of the world is vivid and attractive, and the animation smooth and lifelike. The 3D effects add a certain depth and texture to the scenes, but they aren't anything spectacular, and the movie doesn't really need to be in 3D.

The acting is respectable, except for Mia Wasikowska as Alice, who I found rather stiff and awkward, especially when delivering speeches. And although Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter has star billing, it was Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen whose performance I enjoyed most.

Alice in Wonderland could have been a wonderful movie, but somehow, it doesn't get there, like trying to recapture a dream upon awakening.

Read Alaris' review of Alice in Wonderland (2010).