OK, but not great

Rating: 5/10 (6 March 2014)

OK, but not great. Story was very linear and conventional. I was expecting over-the-top zaniness, but it didn't really happen. The first half was good, but once the novelty of 3D wore off, I got bored.
If ever Tim Burton had a licence to make a weird insane movie, it is here, but he seemed to hold back. It's as if he expected that the visual effects would be enough to carry the movie, but they aren't.
Don't get me wrong, the visual effects are good, but CGI should never be the making of a movie (James Cameron, take note). Even then, the CGI and 3D here are not brilliant and contain a few flaws (as an example, look at any moving shot of Stayne / Crispin Glover, especially on a horse).
In keeping with his director, Johnny Depp seemed oddly restrained. His performance was mediocre-to-flat. Mia Wasikowska has the most screen time, obviously, and does OK, especially for someone so young and inexperienced.
Not bad, but definitely not a must-see. Kids should enjoy it a lot though.