Alice in Wonderland

2010 is definitely the year for 3D films, and Alice in Wonderland does not disappoint. Tim Burton’s adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic fantasy adventure was released in the UK on March, 05 2010. Tim Burton is renowned for producing quirky, yet often bizarre films – Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride and Beetlejuice to name just a few. Burton’s twist is still highly apparent, however it has partnered with Disney, so it is definitely not as strange as his former films.

As soon as you don the 3D glasses you are thrown into the film – battling your way through Alice’s vivid and dreamy adventures. The 3D experience is truly remarkable, complemented fantastically by the colourful surroundings and costumes. It is however different to the Avatar experience, it lack the depth. The Jabberwock could have been made much more beastlike, as it has been transformed into a friendlier looking Disney monster; hence the final battle scene is not as gripping as it could be. This is also true with the Cheshire cat – too cartoonlike!

If you have read the book or seen the earlier film, the characters will be familiar, however the plot has deviated from the original and Alice is now about 10 years older. Many critics have said the film is annoying how Burton has produced a sequel to the book. Surely though, if Burton had simply retold the story, then there would be even more criticism?!

The story begins when Alice flees from her own engagement party, when she discovers that she is expected to marry a snooty aristocrat. Her inquisitive nature is aroused when she spots a White Rabbit. Upon following the rabbit, Alice finds herself in an eerily familiar wonderland, full of fascinating literary oddballs. The two queens, especially the red queen, with her grotesquely large head, are brilliant. Even the white queen, with her dark brows and enormous red lips is quite unnerving. Depp’s performance as the mad hatter is brilliant as one would expect it is however surprising. I anticipated a colourful lunatic – after all he is the Mad Hatter, however he wasn’t as mad as I had expected – he is soft and romantic – I don’t know if this is intentional.

Alice in Wonderland is famous for its avant-garde visuals, and highly charismatic characters. Whether you have read the book or not, this film is definitely worth seeing, however you have to bear in mind that it is still a fairytale – albeit a fantastic one! There are a few flaws, but these shouldn’t stop you enjoying the magical journey through Wonderland.

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