Almost Wonderful Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Directed by Tim Burton

Tim Burton's latest project sees the now 19-year-old Alice returning to Wonderland to fulfil her dreamy destiny and defeat the Red Queen. In true Burton style, it is weird, wacky and wonderful, full of imaginative treats to satisfy any fan. This film was set to be a hit with its star-studded cast and much-loved director, as well as being one of the many 3D movies now hitting our screens - however, for all it's CGI beauty and wonderful performances, I couldn't help but feel a bit let down by this one.

Based on the books by Lewis Carroll, the plot is simplistic and can be summed up pretty swiftly. Grown up Alice runs from a marriage proposal put to her by a weirdo aristocrat. She follows the White Rabbit (again), falls into Wonderland/Underland (again) and walks around meeting more familiar faces until she takes up her role as 'Champion' to defeat the Jabberwocky. The plot is also what makes the film feel just average - where it captures Carroll's visual imagination, it lacks his wacky story-telling. There's nothing spectacularly unique about Burton's version of the story, we always know where it's going and it seems that this film is just a showcase of talented acting and clever design.

That said, the acting is worth showcasing. Helena Bonham Carter is stunning as the spoilt Red Queen, her digitally bulbous head making her fantastically and weirdly frightening. Anne Hathaway is equally as charming as Bonham Carter's counterpart, the White Queen, bringing a bit of humour to this otherwise 'oh so nice' character. There is obviously the fabulous Johnny Depp to keep us entertained as always, the perfect image of the Mad Hatter (though there are many similarities with Pirates of the Caribbean's Jack Sparrow). The recognisably wise voices of Alan Rickman and Stephen Fry complete the picture and their familiarity and talent alone is enough to make you want to love this film.

But there's just something about it that makes the whole movie feel a bit stop-start. Rather than following Alice, we seem to jump from famous face to famous face and enjoy them each a little bit at a time. The ending is nothing spectacular and everything about the film that is to be commended was inevitably going to be so. Although you can't knock the talent behind such a film (the CGI is seamless and creates some fantastic visuals) perhaps it's time Tim Burton challenged himself by making something a bit more fresh-faced... you know.. with a few fresh faces.

Of course, this Disney picture makes for some good family viewing with a series of goodies and baddies to entertain. Nevertheless, a poor script and often a lack of excitement plague the film as a whole. Three stars makes this movie worth watching, but you could afford to wait for the DVD. Whether 3D or 2D, this film remains the same - and that is simply average. It will satisfy the fans of Burton's unique creativity but it just needs a little bit more story-telling 'umph' to make it a great film.

Please comment if you have anything to add to this review of 'Alice in Wonderland'.