Well – I think I can say without much argument that Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is a theatrical force to be reckoned with.
The record smashing interpretation of the classic children’s tale was filled with color, drama, action, fun and fear is a trip to be made by adults and children alike.
Biggest opening weekend for a non-sequel, biggest opening weekend for a 3-d movie, 6th biggest opening weekend in history - all of these honors go to Alice, and the movie is far from finished with its run.
The only thing about the whole scenario that ruffles my feathers is the “non-sequel” comment.
I have been watching Disney and fairy tale movies since I could sit still on the couch – and in my opinion, Tim Burton’s Alice is indeed a sequel – or something of that sort.
Alice is full grown, the characters keep making reference to her having been around before, the caterpillar talks to her about her last experience in what she referred to as “Wonderland”, she keeps having a reoccurring dream about a rabbit, the official synopsis of the film is reviewed on the Internet Movie Database as Alice's RETURN to Wonderland. (There are lots of other interesting facts about Alice in the database HERE). All of the evidence points to a seqeulesque performance. Am I alone in these observations? Is it being mistaken as what the movie industry call a "Re-Imagining"? Whatever it is, Joe Average watching this film that is aware of the original film would certainly feel as though this is a follow up to the original story.
Now - moving on.
Johnny Depp is an excellent Mad Hatter. He is mad as they come yet completely endearing and sweet.
Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen with her gigantic head was repulsive, interesting, and maybe madder than the Hatter. She works well with her long term fiance, Tim Burton, and brings interest and untraditional beauty with every performance she casts.
The Cheshire Cat was my favorite character that was non-human - that may have been a bit of nostalgia on my behalf. The rest of the cast, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry, Alan Rickman, and many others came together to create a masterpeice.
Go see it and enjoy being a kid again!
No love for Crispin Glover? What gives?
ReplyDeleteYou are right in your 'sequelesque' assesment. Is it not based on 'Through the Looking Galss'? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Through_the_Looking-Glass
That being said, I think 'they mean' that it is a reboot that doesn't build off a pre existing franchise. Sort of like Batman Begins was an entirely seperate franchise from the one Tim Burton created.
I did have one beef with this version of Alice though. The dance sequence seemed entirely out of place, possibly because they used house music for it. Other than that, a pretty enjoyable night out at the talkies!