Interesting, Intriguing, and Imperfect

Rating: 5/10 (7 March 2010)

When you hear that Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are going to experiment and collaborate in a project based on one of the most mind bending books of all time, you know there are possibilities for this become a feast for the senses, and it's extremely disappointing when the magic is not strong or satisfying enough.
Much of the problematic situation occurs with the dim 3-D experience where colors that were enticing and wild are muted. In complete contrast to some of the beautiful displays in "Avatar", this wild ride doesn't even get to shine or boast a palette that would make the whole event more bewitching.
In addition to the color scheme, Burton's reins are not quite in control. The character of Alice appears befuddled (as it should be), but the myriad of supporting denizens of Wonderland can't seem to go beyond just being "strange". Much of problem originates in the fact that they have very little to work with. The situation is tense in the real world, but not very interesting in Wonderland where rivalries are mostly boring exchanges of plain good old boring remarks to crazy power hungry threats to chop off body parts.
Amazingly enough the younger members of the audience seemed pleased, and that might be the producers' original intent, but thinking parties might be not be satisfied with this bland mix. Pixar seems to pull the trick, I just wonder how crazy the experience would have been in the right hands. Maybe, there is the possibility the sequel might be saved?