Review of Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) by Abigail J — 06 Dec 2017

When Alice Through The Looking Glass came out last year, I almost didn't go to see it. Despite having looked forward to it for some time - its prequel being an intriguing work of art that played on my mind for days - the numerous negative reviews put me off.

Thankfully, I still paid to see it after its cinema release, and it quickly became obvious why the reviews had been so dismal. This is a film that requires a strong imagination for it to be appreciated it. The only way for it to be enjoyed rather than scorned is to let go of what SHOULD be and what DOES make sense, and to embrace the tale and the characters and Wonderland - where, I should remind you, anything is possible - and let it take you for the ride.

A seasoned critic, probably very down-to-earth and definitely on-the-job and perhaps annoyed at having to review such a complicated thing as Wonderland, which has been crazy ever since Lewis Carroll breathed it to life - is never going to give you an accurate representation of the movie.

Of course, this film won't be to everyone's taste. Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter might verge on disturbing (but then, he IS mad), Alice is far more strong-willed and sure of herself after years spent at sea (which, in this day and age, will widely make her a hit), and if fantasy isn't your thing, you will be quick to brand the whole creation as "stupid".

But from its incredible CGI to its complicated, well-acted characters and - if you delve beneath what might appear a 'trivial' surface story line - meaningful morals, Alice Through The Looking Glass left quite the impression on me.

Minutes from the end of the production, during Alice's final moments in Wonderland, this movie brought a sudden lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I'm rarely moved by a film to that extent. And thus, I have to recommend it.

Sometimes, seeing for yourself is the way to go. I'm certainly glad I took this route.