Ah, what marvelous times these are--when all our favorite films and cultural references from way-back-when become major motion pictures. Walt Disney Studios brings forth, at the helm of acclaimed director, Tim Burton, a tale so readily known by a multitude of people. There's something refreshing, however, behind Disney's and, to a much larger creative extent, Burton's scope. Hardly borrowing cues from its 1951 predecessor, Burton's tale takes on a more sinister flavor.
Burton isn't known to be the most cheerful of visionary directors, but he certainly adds a level of charisma to the projects he takes on. Although the stage production of Sweeney Todd outdoes its cellophane cousin, it certainly brings about the morbid tale to life in ways that no other director could have possibly done justice to. The same can be said about Burton's latest endeavor, Alice in Wonderland which grasps the attention of audiences and takes them down the rabbit hole with an air of familiarity all the while surprising even the most loyal Burton-ites.
Burton returns to the screen with his staple troupe: Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and the illustrious and equally dark Danny Elfman as composer. Relative newcomer Mia Wasikowska brings to life a now-19-year-old Alice Kingsley as she returns to Wonder(Under)Land to do battle with the Jabberwocky in accordance to the Frath-something-or-other Day. The creative direction that the Burton/Depp combo wanted to go with the film is quite clear: create a seamless story. The return of Alice to Wonderland is meant to have a reason, and a plot to back it up. Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter is a combination of Willy Wonka and an aloof Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp is quickly becoming victim to a cult of personality that, more often than not, affects celebrity A-List actors. It now feels that Depp is playing himself more than he is playing a character in a film. His acting is defined by this hallmark of achievement: the zany, outcast, seemingly delusional yet grounded character. The looks into the distance have riddled his career as each character he portrays (more recently, at least) echoes some aspect of his life, public or not. I don't fault him for this creative decision, but at times it feels over-done and a wash when it comes to judging the acting capabilities of a high profile individual such as Johnny Depp.
Similarly, however, I must admit that Carter's depiction of the Red Queen (of Hearts) is refreshingly welcome. It's almost contradictory for me to criticize Depp for becoming too embellished in his own method and at the same time praise Carter for what is seemingly the same thing. Flat acting seems to command a good part of the film but the few lines that the Red Queen actually speaks are catty, funny, and posess the low-key humor that often allows films like these some semblance of acceptability. They're not overtly funny, nor are they made to be incredibly witty. It takes some open-mindedness to really appreciate the comic prowess that Carter delivers to a character that is, quite literally, over the top.
The clip below is a short (and to its detriment, cuts out the funnier part of the scene) example of the low-key, manneristic portrayal that makes Carter a good choice for the role.
I love the way she uses a lisp in a way that is not offensive, yet conveys much of the dim-wittedness of the Red Queen.
Likewise, this second clip, when Alice is in the Red Queen's croquet field the Red Queen finds her, quite large, and is oblivious to the fact that it is her sworn enemy, Alice.
Acting inconsistencies aside, the film is enjoyable. It transports viewers to a familiar setting that still offers some surprises for the veteran story-goer. The 3D isn't gimmicky and actually offers a level of depth that is encompassing. The film is projected onto what transforms from a screen to a window, a window that allows viewers to experience the magic of the fantastical world of Wonderland, rather than just view it. I know that's a romantic view of something that isn't necessary to truly enjoy the film, but it certainly adds an element of depth that, to some extent, makes the film (to me at least) more enjoyable. Burton, however, falls victim to the use of generic and cliché CGI battle sequences. In the climax of the film, the battle between the Queen Sisters (Red and White) with their respective champions, the Jabberwocky and Alice, the film becomes awash with what is hopefully an obvious outcome. I'll refrain from any comment on the matter for fear of 'ruining' it for someone who can't think beyond the scope of obvious scenarios.
Similarly, the 'dance' (and that's all I'm going to say about that) was such a ridiculous waste of time. Why Tim Burton decided to include that baffles me. Likewise, this review is absent any comment on Anne Hathaway's performance or even of Alan Rickman's tried and true revival of Absolon (The Hookah-smoking Blue Caterpillar). Their performances were supplementary, at best. The film (despite arc continuity) would have neither benefited nor suffered from their absence or stellar performance.
To be short, this is a fun film that takes viewers on a new adventure with familiar faces. It's a fresh look at the C.S. Lewis tale and gives it substance. The CGI is decent but borders on Narnia-like standards.
Luis's Rating: 7.0/10 Go See It (preferably in 3D).
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