Not perfect, but a visual treat

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2010)

I have been waiting for this film for two years ever since it was announced that Tim Burton was directing it. He is my idol and an immense inspiration for my artwork(Yes I'm an artist).
I saw the mid-night premiere with my friends and it was beautiful. Although I got a little hurt from the internet trolls(who are pretty much the same ones who didn't like Burton's Charlie & the chocolate factory) afterward.
Admitedly, the storyline is rather thin and predictable, but the visuals and the wonderland (sorry, Underland) characters make the film worthwhile. Mia Wasikowska was perfect for the role of Alice.Johnny Depp turns in another oddball performance as the mad hatter with a bit more gravity than most interpretations of the character. Helena Bonham Carter as the red queen is another major scene-stealer giving off the personae of a bratty toddler that fits in with the demented feel of Underland. This was the first time I appreciated Anne Hathaway in a role, her performance as the white queen is creepy and freaky. Crispin Glover also turns in an amusing role as Stayne(Knave of Hearts).
The animal characters are given perfect voice talents. The hight lights being Paul Whitehouse's March Hare who is absolutely hilarious and Stephen Fry's Chesire Cat with a seductive creepiness. Barbara Windsor and Timothy Spall also turn in amusing takes as the dormouse(the complete opposite of most interpretations of the character) and as the Bloodhound.
The style of Underland is wonderfully Burton-esquire with a Gothic feel particularly around the second act of the film. Overall, this is not a film for everyone especially those who are purist fans of Lewis Carroll's writings.This is more of a sequel than an actual adaption. younger children will probably be frightened a bit. It is not perfect, but it is a visual treat.
I look forward to what is next for Tim Burton.