Alice in Wonderland

Released: 2010
MPAA rating: PG
Running time: 1:48

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have become quite the power duo in making weird, spectacular films in the last few years.  Time and again they come together and pretty much hit the mark every time.  After the enormous success of “Avatar” earlier this year, the stage was set for the next 3-D visual extravaganza and “Alice in Wonderland” answers the call.  The film has Alice all grown up and about to be engaged when she chases a rabbit down its hole, ending up in Wonderland, which she visited in her youth and only has a faint memory of.   Johnny Depp plays the Mad Hatter, who becomes her closest friend and somewhat of a guide in Wonderland.  Alice has been brought there to help restore power to the White Queen (Anne Hathaway).  The residents have been suffering under the reign of the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter, another Burton mainstay), who especially loves her signature “Off with their heads!!!” type of punishment.  While being a new adventure, the story follows the elements found in the books, with the addition of a wrap-around story about Alice and her pending engagement.  The movie is stunning visually, although it did seem it would be just as stunning without the 3-D.  The 3-D certainly helped add depth and life to the movie, but it was impressive to watch either way.  The one character that really made the 3-D pop was the Cheshire Cat.   While watching the movie and enjoying it, it did occur to me that the Burton-Depp partnership may be growing a little stale.  How many times can they collaborate on bringing weirdness to the screen.  Having had some time to think about that, I am now thinking I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. 

Grade:  B

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