Director Tim Burton (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) does something that other filmmakers don’t: he makes fairy tales come alive with a childlike sensibility that one can relate to as an adult.
To do the same with “Alice In Wonderland,” Burton has given the story a different spin. The tale is set when Alice is 20 years old instead of 6 and about to receive a marriage proposal from a future lord. But Alice is a daydreamer who is constantly wondering about things, despite being admonished for it by others.
Alice is played by Mia Wasikowska, who looks like a younger version of stunning Gwyneth Paltrow. Mia brings a lot of strength to Alice, especially after she falls down the rabbit hole and the people in Wonderland don’t believe she is the right Alice. She slowly shows them through her actions that she is indeed the right Alice.
The special and visual effects are amazing. Burton knows how to create a world that draws you in and keeps you in. And I didn’t even see the 3-D version, which I am sure would have increased my enjoyment of the film.
In fairy tales, villains are always fun and mean. Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen is very comical with her high-strung attitude and enormous head. Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter shows why he is the most versatile actor in films. He played the Hatter with both extreme wildness and calmness -- a weird combination to pull off.
Crispin Glover as the Red Queen’s personal enforcer was very good at being creepy. The White Queen was played by Anne Hathaway, who was beautiful and very elegant -- a perfect good queen.
A word of advice -- “Alice In Wonderland” is not for all kids. I would say 10 years old and up. But for adults, the film allows us to amuse ourselves in the playground of our minds. Just watch out for rabbit holes!
“Alice In Wonderland” will be on DVD and Blu-Ray June 1.
Edited by Michele Ristich Gatts
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