Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is wonderfully visual. There was no mistaking that is was directed by Tim Burton.
Oozing with his signature dark, lighthearted, and quirky style. It was an Unexpected treat to see that this film was not another book based film but more of a mix and match story based on the original Alice and Wonderland masterpieces. It is my feeling that Tim and his team have created a amazingly creative story using Lewis Carroll's imaginative nonsensical characters and wondrous world of under-land. Please don't be discouraged if you have read the books and the film does not maintain an accurate account, this seems to be the normal in Hollywood.
Fully loaded cast of all stars such as: Mia Wasikowska (Alice), Helena Bonham Carter(Red Queen), Anne Hathaway (White Queen), and of course Johnny Depp (Mad Hatter), Johnny and Helena have worked together in other Burton films such as Sweeney Todd. This dynamic pair have amazing on screen chemistry and blend well with Burton's bizarre style. Depp's performance at moments had the feel of Captain Jack Sparrow, which I found rather amusing. Helena has quite a knack for the evil wicked woman role, you may remember her from the Harry Potter movies. Speaking of which, I believe the voice of the blue caterpillar was done by Alan Rickman AKA Severus Snape.
Alice is an older now and plagued by madding dreams of wacky land of nonsense. While attending her own surprise engagement party Alice discovers a white rabbit in a dress coat of course. The rabbit has been sent out in search of Alice in hopes that she will save wonderland as the prophecy states she will. Alice is to become savior of the white queen and slay the wicked Red Queen's jabberwocky and end her treacherous rule. Alice is unsure of her abilities and if she truly is the Alice in the prophecy. She continues to convince herself that it is all her own dream. Alice reacquaints with all her old wonderland friends including the positively insane mad hatter and march hare. Alice is also consulted to become the champion the prediction requires by Absolem, a blue caterpillar. Alice soon learns what she has what it takes to be the champion needed to end the Red Queen's wicked rule over Wonderland. After returning home she tells those pressuring her to be wed that she will be pursuing her own path in life from now on. Yes, the caterpillar is smoking from a hookah, but there is no reference to marijuana or other drug use, if this bothers you as a parent then by all means preview the film before exposing it to your children.
Was it a dream? I believe Burton has chosen to suggest that what Alice has just experienced was in fact reality. I say this because while in wonderland Alice is injured by the Bandersnatch, this wound is predominately displayed in one of the final scenes after she has returned from wonderland. Will there be a sequel? I certainly hopes so, Burton/Depp duo has always entertained this movie goer.
See the film, watch the old Disney classic, and read the original Alice books, They are all wonderful in their own way.
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