Sadly disappointing

Rating: 7/10 (18 December 2010)

Like many other reviewers, I had high hopes for this film. Like many other reviewers, I was disappointed.
It is not that the film is "dark". Tim Burton's dark side is sometimes inspirational, sometimes powerful - indeed, Edward Scissorshand left me in a funk for about a week, an experience that others have had from what I have gathered.
But this film, with the exception of the last few minutes, falls flat. It generally meanders along for some reason.
This is not to say that there are some decent moments in it. Certainly Johnny Depp is fun to watch, although I get the feeling that I am watching Jack Sparrow. Helen Bonham-Carter is interesting as the Red Queen, and Mia Wasikowska as Alice is fun to watch. A high point is Crispin Glover's portrayal as the Knave - I found myself interested in the character. But Anne Hathaway as the White Queen was a disappointment, initially coming across as a being an air head rather than a genuine regal character.
My other complaint is the general setting. Yes, it's CGI - but it feels a lot like World of Warcraft to me.
So, like others - I was disappointed.