Alice In Wonderland
The second installment of the movie Alice In Wonderland (2010), which is partially animated and partially actors in costume, is directed by Tim Burton, famous for films like Edward Scissorhands (1990) and The Nightmare After Christmas (1993). It is adapted from the books Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (commonly shortened to Alice in Wonderland) and Through the Looking Glass. The novels were written in 1865 by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. The screenplay for this 2010 version was written by Linda Woolverton.
The animated film Alice in Wonderland (1951) was originally made by the Walt Disney Company, directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson and Hamilton Luske. There were several writers who adapted the books to the 1951 screenplay, which is listed at this site. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043274/fullcredits#writers. At that time, the movie was geared more for children and had a light heartedness about it.
Each tells the story of Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world checkered with animals and anthropomorphic creatures. It plays with our sense of logic, makes us think, which gives it an appeal with both adults and children. Although, the 2010 version tells us how Alice returns to wonderland at an older age, trying to escape the trappings adult life has brought her. Therefore, we see wonderland through the eyes of an older and more mature Alice.
The White Rabbit (Michael Sheen) is sent to our reality to find Alice (Mia Wasikowska), so she can return to help them save wonderland from the horrible Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Burton's wife). As Alice is older, she has forgotten her way to wonderland, which brings doubt that she is truly the real Alice who had visited with them as a child.
It has been predicted over time that the real Alice would return to fight against the Red Queen and her evil forces. The problem is Alice can barely remember her old friends and really is not up to be a champion for any one's causes. She is having a hard enough time dealing with growing up and making adult choices.
The movie takes us on a trip through our much beloved world of wonderland. Alice meets up again with the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) and his tea totting friends, the Dormouse (BarbaraWindsor), March Hare (Paul Whitehhouse) and the White Rabbit. The Mad Hatter is overjoyed to see she has returned. He becomes the valiant protector of Alice through her journeys toward her destiny in wonderland. The Cheshire Cat (Stephen Fry) also returns slithering through the air. The Blue Caterpillar (Alan Rickman) continues to predict and prescribe for Alice. All in an attempt to help the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) fight against the evil that is taking over wonderland.
The movie continues the storyline. It brings nuances to the characters that we may never have seen without the great direction of Tim Burton. The cast of skilled actors assembled brings the story to a new level. The Mad Hatter is played gloriously well by Johnny Depp. He brings a sort of softness and sensitivity to the mad man. Maybe the people we think are mad are truly more sane than they let on. Add in Carter's strong depiction of the Red Queen and Hathaway's comical review of the White Queen, and you have a wonderful film!
Although a bit darker than the original animated version, this installment is very entertaining. It will be a joy for any child who enjoyed the first movie. I took my daughter and four little girls, whom were all mesmerized by this movie. Heck, I was mesmerized and enthralled. I recommend this for all ages. This is definitely a can't miss film and you won't regret spending a little more cash to see it. A treat for all!
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This is a wonderful review. You give a good description and compare it to the original animated version which is helpful. I like how you hint at some analysis when mentioning that mad people might be more sane than they let on. Wonderful review
ReplyDeleteCL,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great review. I was thinking about taking my nine year old to see it. Now reading your review I plan on doing that this weekend. I like how you compare the new with the old film. Good compare and contrast.
Thanks in advance.
Respectfully,
Timothy Stewart
Dido to the comments above. One thing that I think could have made this review a little better to this specific movie would be a 3D analysis (if you saw it in 3D) or potentially a short paragraph on the visual elements of the film (what worked what didn't). I would like to hear more on your crazy people thesis as well. Does the movie/story ask that question? Is it implied?
ReplyDeleteAll in all good review
Lane
Good review you had great description. Your review might help me to look at the key points of the film and look at it in a different light.
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