Great Style but Lack in Story

Rating: 7/10 (5 March 2010)

Alice in Wonderland is a movie that takes you on a trip through a world of colorful imagination. It does not follow exactly the Disney animated version but all the same characters are present. The costume and set design sets this film apart and gives it a unique artistic style. But what makes the movie is Johnny Depp, as the Mad Hatter.
Johnny Depp does a brilliant job creating a character that brings life to the film. His ability to use all aspects of acting from verbal lines to body language and gestures is fantastic. The Mad Hatters great lines, giving credit to Linda Woolverton for writing, brought a comedic touch to the film, while not distracting from the story line. The design of his costume is so intricate down to the eye color that it just brings his character to life.
As the film progresses we are taken into a true wonderland of color and design that is much different than other films. From the costumes of each character, to the set, each had a story to tell. The use of color did not give it a cartoon feel, yet you still got the feel of being in another world.
Mia Wasikowska, who plays Alice, was not the best choice of actresses for the part. She performs well but in the beginning her performance is not as believable as it could have been. There is supposed to be a change in attitude in the character though the film. She shows that through her acting, but it was nothing spectacular by any means. She has the new age acting, where the acting is very life like, and almost purposely mistake like. The storyline is not anything superb but it flows and keeps the viewer involved, the design and feel of the movie is what sets it apart from most other films.