Review of Alice in Wonderland (2010) by Adrian Z — 24 May 2013

Alice in Wonderland is a trademark Tim Burton movie. All the elements are there: wonderful production design and costumes - tick; Johnny Depp playing another deliciously demented character, with equally good supporting cast - tick; Danny Elfman score - tick, twisted sense of humour - tick, and in spades at times. Of course, this time Burton's "darkness" is subdued for this kiddie-safe Disney affair. There is a bit too much CG as well. If this project had been done before CG had become the default standard for SFX, Burton would surely have gone for stop-motion effects. The story itself is told in a fast pace, but is also sometimes confusing, and has it's dull patches. Carroll's subtext and commentary on his society seems a bit dated now, although Burton finds ways to handle these themes with lots of humour. Kudos to Matt Lucas as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and Helena Bonham Carter as the evil queen.

3D version should best be avoided.