Fans not ‘Mad’ for Alice or Wonderland

Tim Burton’s, “Alice in Wonderland” made record breaking revenue in its opening weekend despite horrendous reviews from critics. It was, in fact, the biggest opening for a Tim Burton film ever. This adaptation of the classic tale, starring Johnny Depp, is not a remake of Disney’s animated version from 1951. Instead it is a continuation of the original plot. There were moments that dragged, and although it didn’t live up to my expectations, I thought it was a good movie overall.

The movie begins with six year-old Alice having constant nightmares of falling down a hole into a strange world with a white rabbit and a talking blue caterpillar. Her father tells her night after night that it’s just a bad dream. The film then fast forwards to nineteen-year-old Alice, played by Mia Wasikowska, on her way to be engaged to the perfectly dreadful Hamish Ascot.

Alice’s sister assures her that marrying Hamish is the proper move since he will one day be Lord Ascot, but Alice isn’t concerned with status. This unattractive and stuffy boy is the worst possible match for the carefree Alice who fancies the saying; “Sometimes I believe six impossible things before breakfast.”

As Alice’s future mother-in-law takes her on a walk through the garden, she sees the familiar white rabbit for the first time. She’s led in front of an uncomfortably large crowd of people who look on as Hamish asks for her hand in marriage. Alice is cornered. Suddenly she sees the curious white rabbit and takes off after him. Ultimately she ends up falling down the rabbit hole and back into Wonderland, or Underland as the Mad Hatter prefers to call it.

Once in Wonderland, Alice meets all the usual suspects yet can’t remember her journey there as a little girl. They’re convinced that she’s the Alice they know and believe she will defeat the Jabberwocky and end the terroristic rule of the Red Queen. Alice thinks she’s dreaming. She can’t possibly be the Alice they’re looking for.

The plot is a combination of Lewis Carroll’s story “Alice in Wonderland” and its sequel “Through the Looking Glass.”  The writer of the script, Linda Woolverton, did an excellent job of weaving the stories together into a unique work of art that remains true to the spirit of the originals.

Still, there were a few instances where weak writing and a lack of energy from the actors led to sections that were sluggish at best. However, Burton’s intriguing visuals quickly drew me back in and I quickly forgot about the moments.    

The contrast of Burton’s dark gothic style to the bright colorful characters of Wonderland was a perfect marriage. The costuming was magnificent as was the makeup. The graphics were impressive without looking fake.

Despite the dull sections, I deem this a film worthy of being seen in the theatre; provided that you go without high expectations or preconceived notions. All of the acting was good. Depp brought his usual depth and originality to the character of the Mad Hatter, and Burton couldn’t have found a more perfectly suited actress for the role of Alice than Mia Wasikowska. She just had the right look and voice for the part.

Helena Bonham Carter, who played the Red Queen, captured the essence of the evil oppressive queen brilliantly. Her huge bulbous head was fun to watch as she gleefully shouted, “Off with their heads!” She managed to show the Red Queen’s vulnerable feminine side while still being an utterly foul tyrant.

I especially enjoyed the performance of Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. The visual contrast of her dark maroon lipstick against the whiteness of her hair and skin was striking; and the subtle and unusual mannerisms she chose to characterize the White Queen with really made the part.  

If you liked Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” or “The Corpse Bride,” then you will probably appreciate this film. The visuals aren’t as dramatic; they’re much more realistic, but “Alice in Wonderland” has the same Burton-esque qualities. Fans of the Disney animated “Alice in Wonderland” should also appreciate this movie, as it stays true to the essence of the 1951 film.      

I give “Alice in Wonderland” three and a half out of five stars. I do admit that I’m a fan of Burton and the original books and movies; if you’re not an “Alice in Wonderland” fan then you may want to subtract half a star.
 

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5 comments

Anonymous

Fri Mar 26 2010 19:28

why would the critc have to "face" anything about good reviews...if they feel a certain way about a film, it's their right as an american writer to express any opinion they choose to...even if the film is a hit, they can still dislike it...

Anonymous

Wed Mar 17 2010 15:59

The movie actually received several solid reviews. I don't think it is fair to say that the reviews in general were bad....Just saying.

brenda

Wed Mar 17 2010 14:57

the movie is number ONE in everywhere,FACE IT CRITIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE JOHNNY;HE IS THE BEST EVER

Anonymous

Wed Mar 17 2010 11:23

I have been an Alice In Wonderland fan for very long, as I am a devoted Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter fan. I saw this movie last night after waiting for it for almost a year, and for the first time I was let down by Burton. I didn't like that it was a totally different storyline. If it were called "Alice's Return to Wonderland", it might've fit a bit better and have avoided confusion of fans. I knew going into the theatre that they had changed it up a little, but I wasn't aware that they'd completely strayed from the original Lewis Carroll novel. The Mad Hatter presented a few character flaws that I noticed, one being his mysterious "english to scottish" accent change in his second scene. However, I did like how Burton kept in a snippet from the Jabberwocky that the Hatter recited in the movie. In all, it was a decent film, but was certainly not up to par with its potential.

Anonymous

Wed Mar 17 2010 10:39

I agree with your assessment of the film- except for Anne Hathaway. She was, by far, out of her league. Putting her opposite of Helena Bonham Carter showcased Hathaway's inferiority as an actress and inability to play a "character" part. Then again, who can act next to such brilliant people and manage to hold their own? Very few, I suppose. Hathaway's make-up did look fantastic, as you stated. Her look was perfect- but her acting was clearly inferior and not up to standards with a Burton film.

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