Jeremy Torres – The Corsair
Tim Burton’s new 3-D version of “Alice in Wonderland” is absolutely visually dazzling. This is the sequel to the 1951 Disney film of the same name that featured characters whose purpose was to tease, puzzle, and torment a young girl named Alice.
“What a child’s film,” I thought of the Disney version. However, Burton’s new addition has made me realize that “Alice in Wonderland” has never been a child’s story. Alice’s role, portrayed by Mia Wasikowska, is much more compelling as an adult, which is how Burton presents her. In the new film, Alice must revisit a world that has remained much the same, as most fantasy worlds do.
Unlike the juvenile familiar cartoon images that we all know, Burton does a wonderful job presenting all of the characters as they were meant to be presented. They are grotesque. When we meet Alice again at the beginning of this film, she does not remember much of her original trip to Wonderland. She once again follows the white rabbit in the suit to a small hole, only to slip and fall into that hole.
Once Alice is back in Wonderland, she discovers that the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) is trying to conquer Wonderland and do away with her sister, the White Queen (Anne Hathaway). Now Alice must set out on a long adventure to save Wonderland. She runs into numerous familiar characters along the way.
Wonderland is filled with many different species that range from a caffeine addicted hare to a seemingly mentally insane Mad Hatter. The Mad Hatter, deftly portrayed by Johnny Depp, delivers a silly shtick, breaking into a jig or brogue at the drop of a hat. However, he also displays an emotional side in this film. The Mad Hatter has a few scenes where he takes on the role of a father-like figure for Alice. In the midst of chaos it’s the Mad Hatter who brings life, joy, and heart into the film.
This film is enchanting. Featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest names, dazzling 3-D effects, and Burton’s trademark quirkiness, it’s a must see for everyone.