Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas
Released: 05/03/2010
Rated: PG
The name Tim Burton has for years been synonymous with the dark, the eccentric and the steadfastly unconventional as he created his trademark innovative fare that pushed the envelope. However, his latest effort threatens to tarnish that good name as it is a disappointing interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s much loved story. The film simply fails to take off as it should, given the top class ingredients of talented British actors (Stephen Fry, Alan Rickman and Michael Sheen are among those that voice the animal characters), an experienced director and the special effects that it so plainly boasts. It suffers from a dull, slow paced storyline and there is no urgency or excitement involved in Alice’s quest to kill the Jabberwocky dragon in order to overthrow the Red Queen. Newcomer Mia Wasikowska is utterly one dimensional as Alice; unfortunately her limited acting ability, and the fact that she resembles a hybrid of Mischa Barton from the TV show The O.C and a vacant runway model, is quite distracting.
Having said that, the portrayal of Wonderland is fantastic and all credit must go to Burton for creating such a vibrant, colourful, yet sinister fantasy world. Every aspect of the scenery, from the intricate castles to the elaborate landscapes and detailed animals has been carefully attended to and the result is an amazing backdrop to the unfolding events.
The film mixes live action sequences with CGI and this is extremely successful for the 3D format, which lends itself to Burton’s imagination. The digitally altered head of Helena Bonham Carter’s Red Queen looms alarmingly out of the screen, and the impact of the Cheshire cat is heightened considerably by this technique.
Carter is clearly having enormous fun with her role, bellowing like a small child for much of the movie, whilst Johnny Depp reprises his now familiar oddball routine which ensures his turn as the Mad Hatter is suitably energetic, although it lacks the necessary comedic elements.
By all means visit the visually stunning Wonderland – just don’t expect to be blown away by the story you discover there.
Susan Mintern
Tags: alice in wonderland, johnny depp, tim burton
