Incredible images matched by incredible performances.

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2010)

The first thing I thought of while watching the movie was, "Boy, this movie is really moving." Before I knew it, Alice was spiraling down the rabbit hole. I don't want to say that the beginning of the movie was rushed...but it moves. And in reality..why should we dwell on the set up for too long? Alice has nightmares...she's 19 now...she's being thrown into an engagement with a jerk...stability is falling apart around her. We get it. So, while I maintain that the films first 20 minutes or so fly by, I don't find it too be too fast that one misses any important information.
The next thing that I want to move onto is...folks...this is a kids movie. It's Alice in Wonderland. So if you're expecting Sleepy Hollow, or Big Fish, or one of Burton's darker more adult themed films...just get it out of your head. With that being said..I understand Burton's ability to make masterful children's movies...aka Nightmare Before Christmas. And for some this Alice may never reach those standards. In closing this part of my review I'd just like to express how envious of the kids today who get to grow up with a version of Alice in Wonderland this creative.
On with my review...this movie rocks. The performances are spot on for each character. Anne Hathaway's White Queen is a spoiled rotten hippie. Through some back story cleverly thrown into the film (not shown through constant flashbacks) we discover she clearly was the favored child growing up, the other sister being the Red Queen. As an adult she still gets everything she wants, but puts a cap on herself by following peaceful guidelines.
Helena's Red Queen is pretty awesome. She's not entirely overwhelming like she could have been. There was a lot of room for her to just be a screaming b**** the whole time..but she uses her fear tactics in a more composed manner with a perfectly delivered, "Off with there heads," scattered throughout. Also, her big head was awesome.
Depp's Mad Hatter is amazing. I had an "argument" with my girlfriend where she stated that he was the same in this as in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I couldn't disagree more. Granted both are zany (yes I used the word zany) characters...Both have differences in mannerisms, voice, and depth. I've read that some people think he phones in his performance, but with roles like these there is no way that could be pulled off. His Hatter is an emotional and mental mess. He's someone who is struggling with his insanity. At times, he can laugh it off with a joke, but other times he is afraid of his madness..unsure of his ability to keep himself in control. I think His performance in this is brilliant...and I don't like to use that word a lot.
Mia's Alice is another one that people are complaining about, but again, I don't agree with. People are saying she's lame or dull. That she comes across as boring and stiff. Have you ever been 19? Throughout time, it is commonly known that kids go through some changes around that age. Not like puberty...but just with becoming an adult, but still being depended on older adults around you. I think her performance was spot on. You can tell she grew throughout the story, not just because the script says so, but you can tell through her wounds, her smile, her glow, as she returns from Underland.
The additional computer created characters were also incredible. They all seemed like they were actually there. Sure they obviously didn't look 100% real, but it was like watching a live action cartoon. The visual effects people did a top notch job creating this beaten world that was once magical, but has been torn apart over the years. I also need to shout out to Glover's Knave of Hearts. His intensity is apparent even while having been on stilts and having his body be computer altered. The IMAX 3D was fun. It added some perspectives and depth to the images...which is extra awesome in a Tim Burton world. But I'd say that the 3D doesn't make or break the film. Everything else in the film can stand on its own without the 3D as a crutch.
Finally, the script. That is the big thing I keep reading is that it's all visual and no substance. I don't even know where that is coming from. To me...a script is bad when my focus is pulled by how terrible the dialogue is. That never happened once during this. Also, the story line is interesting to me. It's no longer Alice going from place to place being like..."Wow! I'm the only normal one here! I wanna go home" She goes home. The End. This time they decided to make an adventure out of her trip and I thought that it was well thought out and executed.
While not being Tim Burton's best work, it is far far from his worst. I was entertained and I am looking forward to seeing it again!