Disappointing Fantasy Film

Rating: 5/10 (28 August 2010)

Alice in Wonderland was one of my most anticipated of 2010, and I wish I was still waiting. The film, while somewhat solid, never seems to hit its stride. It moves at an extremely plodding pace and the plot is very uneven. Mia Wasikowska does a fine job as the soon-to-be-married Alice, but the screenplay lets her down. Oscar nominees Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway also deliver solid performances. The climactic showdown is sketchily choreographed with uninteresting action. A lazy ending and sinister tone ruins what should be a fun, interesting romp through Wonderland. Tim Burton does prove he can deliver a well-executed backstory and fabulous visuals, but this is one of his weaker efforts.