“Alice in Wonderland” – Film Review

I was flabbergasted by the incredible animation, and I didn’t even watch it on 3D…yet.

First things first, I’ve heard a many things about this Alice adaptation, some say sequel, Tim Burton himself says not, however, since this Alice would be a tad maddening (which apparently isn’t always a bad thing) if you had no inkling whatsoever about the previous Alice story, thus, I will call this Alice an extension. A spin off by a different author, who weaved a classic tale into a different style and culture.

Helena Bonham Carter is an absolute scene stealer, but then again, when isn’t she? She is the heart of the film, pun quite intended. Crispin Glover, creepily affective as always. Jonny Depp delivers, yet again, a performance unlike any other. Anne Hathaway was ever so graceful as the White Queen, and kind of psychotic as well. And as for the lovely Mia Wasikowska, she’s wonderful, pun intended yet again. Although she could have used a little more curiosity, like the Disney Alice. And we can’t forget Matt Lucas as Twiddledum and Twiddledee, I love my fat boys.

The animations were gorgeous. Dark and nightmarishly detailed, everything was: Just. Gorgeous.

I loved the story. It’s not perfect, and some parts I definitely could have done without, the eye thing with the large (feline?) monster was cliched and eye-roll worthy, but I loved it overall nonetheless. I found it fascinating that Alice was more in tune with her muchness once she accepted her delusions. It’s intriguing how impervious some people think they are when they think something is wrong with them.

This is not a film made with rainbows, spice, and everything nice. It’s dreary and disturbing, but with good reason. It’s a phantasmagoric epic that is unlike any other.

All it comes down to is this:

Tim Burton’s films – you either love them or hate them.

I happen to love them. Especially this one.

Alice: Lost my muchness have I?