But because Tim Burton is still seen as the master of "dark whimsy", even the knowledge that his version of Alice in Wonderland
was a Disney production (they own the trademarks), and not something
from the heart wasn't enough to dampen interest.
The
news that the story wasn't a direct adaptation of either of the
original books, but instead a all-new Hollywood-style sequel,
featuring Alice (Mia Wasikowska) as a young woman might have worried a
few people but hey - it's Tim Burton. Oh yeah, and it's was going to be released in 3D! With Johnny Depp! But
in a result that will disappoint many but surprised no-one, Alice In Wonderland is yet
another film where Burton's vast visual skill is coupled with not much
else to create an experience that looks amazing but is best enjoyed in
the background while conversing with your friends about something else
entirely. The story is pretty much
the result of a Hollywood sausage factory, throwing various "greatest
hits" characters and situations from the original books into a
half-hearted but visually impressive story where various rebels battle
to overthrow the evil rule of the Red Queen (Helena Bonham-Carter with
a massive CGI head). Having a film version of Alice in Wonderland
that ends with a giant battle while Alice - in armour and wielding a
sword - battles the Jabberwokky is pretty much an insult to everything
the original books stood for.
Add to that the fact that the moral of the film makes no sense
whatsoever - and you've got yourself some very confused and angry fan. In the real world it's all
girl-power that Alice avoids her destiny (to marry a Lord), yet in
Wonderland it's presented as a good thing that she can't avoid her
destiny (to battle the Jabberwok). Huh? Meanwhile,
Depp's Mad Hatter gets annoying long before he performs perhaps the
most gratuitous, painful dance number ever seen on film - seriously,
it's literally unwatchable. If
there's one of those big glossy "making-of" books with loads of images
from the film available, read that instead of enduring this.
Blu Ray Special Features
Lots of stuff on offer, and well worth checking out if you are a fan of Tim Burton and his artwork (which you can see at Tim Burton : The Exhibition at ACMI).
Even if you don't like the movie, you are sure to enjoy featurettes
like "The Mad Hatter", "Finding Alice" and "Effecting Wonderland" - and
if you've got the capabilities - get the Blu Ray... it's stunningly
crisp!
Conclusion:
Movie 65% Extras: 70%
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