The greatest tea party that you'll ever attend.

Rating: 8/10 (5 March 2010)

With Tim Burton written all over this imagining of the world of 'Alice in Wonderland' you know what you're in for, and the director doesn't fail to deliver the familiar atmosphere and traits that his fans or even casual movie goers have come to recognise. With a range of quirky characters and curious concepts to incorporate into his cinematic vision, Burton has created a surreal experience that is both brave and bold. In this departure from the original story, Alice (great casting in Mia Wasikowska) returns to Wonderland, where she is recruited to end the Red Queen's reign of terror. With help from old friends such as the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp in a quality turn), Alice gradually begins to rise to the challenge.
Although the title of the film may prove misleading to those expecting a fresh adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic, audiences are likely to benefit from a less familiar and therefore less predictable story. With your anticipation heightened by uncertainty, 'Alice in Wonderland' should prove an immersing experience, from the stunning visual craft to the intriguing encounters with famous Wonderland inhabitants. I found myself comparing it to a video game, as Burton appeared to draw out sequences in which Alice would attempt to find a logical solution to a problem, encouraging viewers to think as the protagonist; while the film is an assault on the senses, it also stimulates them.
If any fault is to be found in the film, in my opinion the blame would lay on the story. The mysterious nature of the primary character and the bizarre nature of those who support her don't provide a sufficient connection with the audience, making it harder than it should be to support them, a weakness emphasised by show-stealing sidekicks and a well-played villain courtesy of Helena Bonham Carter. Alice's meetings with influential characters such as the caterpillar and the cat, along with her attendance at the Mad Hatter's tea party, can initially break the film into segments and leave the feature feeling disjointed before the central plot arc comes into play. The quality of each of these scenes, however - featuring great characterisation and playing on the mythology of Wonderland as it is slowly unveiled to us - make up for any lack of a smooth transition between them.
Overall, slightly older youngsters should get the most out of the comedy involved with the characters and their situations without being unsettled by the more frightening scenes and imagery, whereas those who aren't amused can explore the symbolism, themes and literary features revisited in Alice's latest adventure. If you're in to weird, get in to Wonderland.
8/10