Way Better Than I Was Expecting

Rating: 8/10 (12 March 2010)

Going into this movie, I was really not expecting to like it much, as it had been getting pretty poor reviews. Upon seeing it, I found myself to really enjoy it. I don't really understand why this movie had been receiving such mediocre to poor reviews.
Actually, I take that last statement back. I actually DO know why it has been getting rather poor reviews. The reason is because people who grew up knowing the original Alice in Wonderland story were disappointed that this movie was not the same exact rehashing of that classic tale. I do not understand why many people are unsatisfied with an alternative look at an old story. Why would anyone want to see the same movie over, and over again anyways?
The characters in this movie were really well done. I was not expecting to care much for Depp's Mad Hatter going into the film, but I found myself really liking what he did with the character. I also think that Carter did a nice job with all of the obnoxious yelling, a very important characteristic for the Red Queen to posses.
With all of the unique characters (many of which seem to lack common sense), I was a bit worried that the plot would not be there. However I found myself pleasantly surprised that it was a lot better than I thought it would be. The story had a kind of a "Chronicles of Narnia" feel to it. All characters were gearing up for a big battle at the end of Alice's journey.
Needless to say, the look of the film was incredible. There was really almost too much to take in with just one viewing. Even little things, like when I noticed the birds holding up the chandelier in the Red Queen's quarters, really added to the movie.
With unique characters, amazing visuals, and a solid plot, I thought that this movie is a great one to watch.