Alice in Wonderland

Tim Burton is definitely one of the first names you would have considered when hearing a live action version of Alice in Wonderland was being made, bearing in mind previous classics like BeetleJuice and Edward Scissorhands. Johnny Depp would probably also be on the short-list for the Mad Hatter following his Willy Wonka role.

So, while these two were not a shock, using a virtual unknown as Alice certainly was. However, the three of them, along with the supporting cast of other famous names, manage to deliver an enjoyable adaptation, if not a classic.
The story is based on a 19 year old Alice falling down the rabbit hole a second time, just before she gets engaged. Now the Red Queen (Helena Bonham-Carter) is at war with her prettier sister the White Queen (Anne Hathaway). Whilst this story is a unique take on the Lewis Carroll original, and has the potential to go anywhere, it seems to lack ambition and comes across as quite routine and conventional without taking any risks along the way. The character of Alice is not allowed to develop, but perhaps that is to do with Burton’s desire to create visual spectaculars (originally in 3D) over Oscar winning performances. The visuals, as always are a joy to watch; I didn’t see this in the cinema but can imagine 3D would add a whole lot more.

It’s good to see British actors taking a number of roles in the film; I guess that’s right though as it is a British institution!! The Blue Caterpillar is voiced by Alan Rickman and Cheshire Cat by Stephen Fry. Matt Lucas, with the aid of some clever CGI plays both TweedleDee and TweedleDum; both quite creepy characters. Also, Johhny Depp plays the Mad Hatter as eccentrically as you’d expect.

The end result is a very enjoyable visual (and audio) feast. It doesn’t go too far emotionally or by storyline, but the journey is pleasurable enough all the same.