Mad Hatter Land.

Rating: 7/10 (20 May 2015)

Alice in Wonderland (2010): Dir: Tim Burton / Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover: Enchanting adventure of the imagination. It is a story presented throughout several film version and here now is the 2010 update. Now a teenager being prepared for an arranged marriage, Alice returns to the ominous Wonderland where the Red Queen is gaining power. Another visual triumph by Tim Burton who previously made such visual wonders as Sleepy Hollow and Ed Wood. Mia Wasikowska plays Alice who still remembers the rabbit, cat and the intriguing Mad Hatter who is played with crazed force by Johnny Depp. Wasikowska is one of the best actresses to portray Alice and she pulls it off with complete bewilderment. Depp has long been a prize element of Burton films. Although his Hatter is amusing I am reminded that this character was never given this much screen time. Only Depp could ensue this and it plays like false heroism in the conclusion. Helena Bonham Carter is hilarious as the evil Red Queen despite some standard plotting involving her attempt to take over. Anne Hathaway plays the White Queen whom prepares Alice for her duel with the feared Jabberwocky. Crispin Glover plays the knave of hearts who is the Red Queen's arrogant henchman and follows her every order. The special effects are glorious presenting a gloom yet somewhat inviting Wonderland filled with strange images. By placing it in the future allows it to avoid being labelled as a remake and as a testament to an ongoing imagination. Score: 7 / 10