A love letter to Helena and Tim....

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2010)

Let me be clear. I am in love with Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter. I want to live in their house. Perhaps in the hallway that conjoins their bedrooms. I am probably writing this review through rose coloured glasses. But I'm not a weird stalker, in case that is what you were thinking.
I don't really know what to say about plot of 'Alice in Wonderland'I guess 'Return to Wonderland' sums it up. Alice (Mia Watachhowdospellitowski) is now a young adult in repressed Victorian England, under pressure to wed the wonderfully wet Lord Ascot ..But she escapes from an awkward encounter down the rabbit hole, where she reunites with old friends! But unfortunately she doesn't really remember muchand Wonderland is a bit screwed.but Alice is 'THE ONE' who will bring peace! Rah rah rah.
So let me get the bad stuff out the waythe screenplay is not great. It does lack a certain 'something', and the script just doesn't sparkle the way it should. Lewis Carol's focus, and play, with words just isn't present in this, so enthusiasts of the source material may take offence And Mia Watachowski did have some wooden delivery AT TIMESbut she is enigmatic, with a great presence on screen. I can picture her as an artist's muse. She was memorable, and I'm sure will go on to great things.
Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter was nicely Mad. I think there's a general 'getting over' of Depp happening at the moment, so people haven't been too kind in their reviewsbut the Hatter was an interesting character, enhanced by brilliant design. And the interchanging accent was a nice touch. Bonham-Carter is so perfect as the Queen, but I wont begin ranting about her greatness...But the Cheshire Cat almost stole the entire film for me. It was so beautifully animated. I was mesmerised every time it appeared.
'Alice in Wonderland' is really all about the visualsBurton's Wonderland is enchanting. It actually went above what I would expect from Burton, visually, which is saying a lot. And for me, it was enough to lift this film above its major flaws. There was such an energy to the imagery. I saw the film in 3D, but I think no matter what mode it is viewed, the Art Direction is some of the most impressive to behold of late.
But as much as it pains me to bring this up, I do have to draw attention to the 'Mad Hatter' funky dance. This wasperhapsthe low point in the careers of Burton, Depp and Danny Elfman. Cringe, cringe, McCringe cringe. If you have seen the film, and are over the age of 10, you will know what I mean.
Basically, re-working a cult favourite like Carol's Alice, is, and was always going to be, a difficult task. I wish perhaps more time had been spent on developing a strong, unique storyline. The film could have been a masterpiece. Although a straight adaptation would have been a sure thing, I like that they took a risk. I still went quite gaga over thisand I know kids will go nuts too.
And Helena and Tim, if you ever read this, please contact me. I'll be your butler or something. I'll do anything.