Comfortably forgoes being a masterpiece to instead deliver softer and more accessible entertainment

Rating: 8/10 (12 March 2010)

Here in the latest Tim Burton extravaganza, a greatly anticipated event, we see the exciting overlap of two very interesting journeys.
Lewis Carroll's famous novel has been adapted several times in the many years since its first publication. Among these interpretations are the delightfully quirky television adaptation in 1999 – with an all-star cast including Martin Short and Miranda Richardson – and the childishly submissive Disney cartoon version in 1951.
Though Burton's take on the classic tale is notably divergent from the others, and a splendid addition wealth of psychedelic triumphs. His trail of achievements is very often spoken of and highly praised. He has experimented with many genres, and it is a pleasure to see him try his hand at winsome frivolous fantasy-adventure.
However, the reception of this film has been rather dismal, because this is also undoubtedly more commonplace than most of his other works. Rather than simply retelling an already well-known and fully comprehended story, and one that Burton believed to be very disjointed anyway with its unintelligible jumble of isolated episodes, a smoother and later-occurring narrative has been created in its place. This story might undeniably be the typical tale of courage, good and evil, rebellion, and overcoming obstacles against all odds, but it is still such a winner, even if it drags on at times as though its audience is clueless as to its conclusion.
Thankfully though, all is agreed that the technical aspects are genius. Burton favourite Danny Elfman provides yet another commendable musical score, and the big man has fun with the special effects team in designing the mystical world of Underland through stunning scenery created with CGI and digital tweaking of some of the actors' faces.
And indeed, what an impressive selection of stars the cast is.
Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska is most convincing in the title role. In this version Alice is a young lady of nineteen, and she is under enormous pressure to quickly make tough life-changing decisions. This is all depicted in a pleasingly worthwhile first couple of sequences. It is when the stress overwhelms her that she pursues the iconic tardy, smartly-dressed white rabbit (voiced by Michael Sheen) down the hole and into Wonderland. However, the incredible universe from her childhood is hardly a refuge, as once she enters she finds herself in the heavily demanding position of "Chosen One", as proclaimed by the all-knowing caterpillar (voiced by Alan Rickman).
Burton's wife, the wonderful Helena Bonham Carter, is stupendously nasty in the role of the hideous tyrant the Red Queen. This monster has enslaved the land with her vicious pet the Jabberwocky (voiced briefly by horror legend Christopher Lee, also something of a Burton regular), the beast that Alice must slay.
Crispin Glover emits menace and spite as the Red Queen's ruthless Knave of Hearts, her right-hand man and a vile sycophant; and the charming Anne Hathaway has fun playing her sweet and ditsy sister the White Queen, who leads the force of good.
And lastly, Burton's most famous muse, the immensely talented Johnny Depp, shines in the role of the Mad Hatter, performing with great energy and impact. A slight yet distinct Capt. Jack Sparrow flair comes through at times with this wacky yet wise and noble character, and his presence hugely elevates his scenes.
In short, Alice in Wonderland comfortably forgoes being a masterpiece to instead deliver softer and more accessible entertainment.