Reviewed by Kate Rodger
Oh
this wondrous coupling of Depp and Burton, a coupling we have to thank
for such nourishing cinematic delights as Edward
Scissorhands and Sleepy Hollow. Now
they’re back, this time entertaining the kids with their very own
version of the classic Alice in Wonderland
tale.
Tim Burton and his writer Linda Woolverton
have woven together the two Alice in Wonderland
books, and then added their own twist on the story.
Now
Alice is older, a 19-year-old on the cusp of a marriage she seems less
than keen on. Before she knows it, she’s once again falling down that
rabbit hole, landing in “Underland”, and to be greeted by all sorts of
the weird and the wonderful, from talking caterpillars and grinning
cats to Mad Hatters and nasty Queens.
While it
doesn’t appear much of a stretch for the actor, Johnny Depp as the Mad
Hatter is a match made in heaven and he doesn’t disappoint. With the
help of some crazy contact lenses, an orange wig and a tonne of green
screen he delivers an engaging oftentimes sad and whimsical Hatter, the
perfect foil for Alice.
The important central
role of Alice goes to relative newcomer Mia Wasikowska
(Defiance/Amelia), a young
Australian actress with the requisite big eyes, blonde tresses and pale
white skin to fit the bill.
As with so many of
these adventures, it’s within the outer reaches of the supporting cast
of creatures where much merriment can be found. Stephen Fry as the
enchanting Chesire Cat, and Little Britain’s Matt
Lucas as both Tweedledum and Tweedledee are excellent.
A
highlight for me too, Burton’s real life partner-in-crime Helena Bonham
Carter (Sweeney Todd/Harry
Potter) delivers one of her more delicious outings yet, as
the big-headed Red Queen with a penchant for pigs belly’s and
be-headings.
Now there is a “but” with this new
Burton in Wonderland. Fans have come to expect a dark somewhat
subversive flavour to whatever story he lays his lenses on, and in this
respect Alice disappoints. She’s more Disney than
Burton, and is the lesser for it.
When it comes
to the 3D, Avatar has certainly set the bar here,
and pity the films in the Na’vi’s wake. Wonderland isn’t quite Pandora,
but the new dimension is still a fresh way to see Alice’s
adventures.
There are a few scary moments for the
younger viewer, especially with the 3D glasses on, but at just the
right length, there is plenty to feast on at this Mad Hatter’s Tea
Party.
Three and a half stars.
Alice in Wonderland
:: Director: Tim Burton
::
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham
Carter, Anne Hathaway, Michael Sheen, Alan Rickman, Christopher Lee,
Stephen Fry, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas
:: Running Time: 109 mins
:: Rating: PG - contains frightening fantasy scenes and violence
:: Release Date: March 4, 2010
::
Trailer: Click
here
