Saturday, March 13, 2010

Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland



Alice in Wonderland is a fantasy feast that filled my imagination to bursting. At times it was so strange and funny that I laughed out loud in the theater, which I never do! It's more of a sequel to Alice in Wonderland than an adaptation, and I love how they incorporate stuffy Victorian Society and an Alice that is on the verge of growing up.

Johnny Depp's Mad hatter is is mix of Edward Scissorhand's tenderness and wierdness, Jack's rough and mumbly pirate talk, and a bit of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's twisted humor. I loved him! Mia Wasikowska makes a wonderful Alice with an inner strength that grows throughout the film. Helena Bonham Carter was scrumptiously vicious as the big headed Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway twirled around her white castle with elegance and whismy.

The plot galumphs around a bit, and everything moves so fast there's no time to savor the scenery, but overall it was deeper than I thought it would be, providing even a reason for the Red queen's malice (Her big head pressing down on her brain). I loved how there's a strong female heroine and the little snippets of witty remarks that pop in.

The funniest thing that I learned is that you can't hide behind a Cheshire cat! The 3-d movies are more money than the regular ones, but for me this was worth every penny.

13 comments:

Theresa Milstein said...

Perfect timing for the review - I can't wait to see this.

Today, I was going to take my children to see it, but my seven-year-old daughter's friend came over, and the mother said she'd heard it wasn't appropriate for their age. Do you think that's true? I'm pretty relaxed about things like that, but won't just let her see anything.

Aubrie said...

I think it's fine. There's no scary images or bad words. The only thing that might be hard to watch is an exection ceremony...which is thwarted.

sarahjayne smythe said...

I'm glad you liked it. This is the third great review U've seen of it today. I am going to have to go see this. :)

Lisa Rusczyk said...

So jealous! We're going to see this once I'm on my feet again. Great review!

Lindsey Duncan said...

I just saw this - my first 3D movie ever. Definitely an "inspired by" or sequel rather than adaptation, but the way the elements are twisted is entertaining. I was particularly tickled by the way the White Queen glided through everything, but lots of fun moments.

Andrew Hosley said...

With its busy world teeming with sights but somehow as hollow at its core as say, a rabbit hole, the movie is a little like a splendid feast for the eyes, and not intended for devouring. Or rather, a tantalizing travelogue a little heavy on tunnel vision.

Jess of All Trades said...

Sweet. I was planning to post a review of this next week...so I'm not actually going to read yours yet ;D But I'll be back.

Shelley Sly said...

Thanks for posting this review. I can't wait to see Alice in Wonderland, as soon as I get the chance. Looks amazing (and I love Johnny Depp...)

Julie Dao said...

I've been meaning to go see this!! Thanks for the review, Aubrie. I think it looks weird and wonderful.

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see it! Well, I can because I have to, but it looks like such a cute movie!

Carol Kilgore said...

I'm so glad for reading your review. I'm looking forward to seeing this movie. I think Johnny Depp is perfect for the Mad Hatter.

CMZ Art/ Rustic Goth said...

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie..I'm sure the visuals will be fascinating.

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