Writer: Linda Woolverton
Director: Tim Burton
Company: Walt Disney Pictures
Alice in Wonderland is a classic story, one that everyone knows, whether from the book or the Disney adaptation (which is one of my childhood favorites). In this semi-sequel, Tim Burton takes the Wonderland crew and throws them into a battle of good versus evil. The evil Queen of Hearts, played by non-other than Mrs. Burton - Helena Bonham Carter - has taken over what is apparently called “Underland” and likes to chop off her subjects’ heads. What we didn’t know was that she usurped her throne from her younger, purely good sister the White Queen (Anne Hathaway.) When Alice lands back in Wonderland as a teenager, the White Rabbit, Tweedles Dee and Dum, and the Mad (Johnny Wonka Sparrow Todd Depp) Hatter inform her that she is fated to slay the Jabberwocky to save the kingdom and return the White Queen to her rightful position.
I definitely went into this movie with my doubts, which were sadly confirmed: this was a vehicle for 3D and Johnny Depp. Yes, the visuals were gorgeous and striking. Yes, Depp played the Mad Hatter appropriately crazy. But I knew that was going to happen. The plot was very much the typical hero story: the hero doubts herself until her mentor (in this case the Alan Rickman-voiced catapiller) makes a speech allowing her to believe in herself. Then she has the power to defeat the Jabberwocky, and the confidence in herself to stand up to her mother. Oh, and some silliness and nonsensical drama ensues in between.
Nothing surprised me about this movie except my pity for the Queen of Hearts. She’s and outcast because of her abnormally large head, and since everyone is so cruel to her, she turns cruel herself. In the end, I kind of rooted for her. She was the sad ugly kid everyone makes fun of in school, and I want to see her get a happy ending! I’m happy the Helena Bonham Carter brings skill to all her roles in Burton’s movies, she really commits to each part. I don’t think the same can be said for Johnny Depp, who seems to do the same thing over and over again, despite his proven abilities.
Overall, I’m disappointed that Tim Burton has become so boring and predictable. Remember how awesome Edward Scissorhands was? It would be easy to forget after seeing Alice in Wonderland. In my second experience with 3D, I am once again convinced that it is a pointless technology, which makes directors think they can make boring movies interesting with cool visuals. Well, this girl who isn’t buying it. Literally.