Return to the world of Wonder, and wonder you'll find...

Rating: 6/10 (28 March 2010)

Ever since the teaser was released, I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tim Burton's new movie, Alice in Wonderland. I was always excited to see new footage, photos, behind the scenes previews and the such presented to the public. And from that, I knew what to expect from what I've been waiting for for months.
Lewis Carroll wrote two amazingly brilliant books in the late 19th century which have captivated many generations, and is considered a classic throughout our cultures.
As for the movie, it was visually stunning. Sometimes it didn't seem as if the environment was CGI. It was dreamlike, to say the most. The detail they put into everything was beautifully rendered. I reckon they did a brilliant job.
It was lovely to see these whimsical characters on the big screen once again. The performances and voice acting was well done. Although Mia Wasikowska's portrayal of Alice may have seemed bland and wooden, I reckon she did a fine performance. Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter was a treat, and a nice and interesting depiction for this hysterical, yet dark character. Helena Bonham Carter, in my opinion, stole the show with her hilariously wicked performance as the Red Queen. She was joyous to watch. And not to forget Anne Hathaway, who played the ethereal White Queen, who was surprisingly alright to say the least. The Knave, played by Crispin Glover, did a great job too. And the wondrously suave Cheshire Cat, played by the amazing Stephen Fry, really was one of the best things about the movie. And not to forget the March Hare, Absolom the Caterpillar, Tweedles, the White Rabbit and many other wondrous characters, who's voice actors did a terrific job.
The music was very Danny Elfman, and did create a wondrous atmosphere throughout the movie.
Likes aside, here are what I found to be not so wonderful: The story was weak, of course. It was rushed and lacked in parts. I wish they gave it more, like an extra half hour or so. Wasn't amazing, nor horrible, but wasn't great. It was okay, at least I was enthralled into the movie. Though, it was predictable and cliché, but I wouldn't let that be a bother. I wished too that they kept the wordplay from the books into the movie, to capture the essence of what made the books remarkable and extraordinary.
Overall, I enjoyed this movie for what it was: an entertaining ride. If there had been more time and a bit of a tidy up, in my opinion, it would've been breathtaking. Though, this is a movie you either love or hate. It is not one of Burton's greatest to date, but still, it is an enjoyable experience.
I give it an 8/10 (though, it would actually be a 7.5).
****/5 stars.