Alice In Wonderland (2010): Full Story

Imagine a wonderful world full of mystery and wonders. Where the impossible is suddenly possible, and nothing was ever as it seems. Where fantasy and reality collide, and the fate of such a magical world lies in the hands of a young girl named Alice (Mia Wasikowska). For those who expect this movie to based off the classic children story, then I'm afraid you'll be wrong. No, this movie isn't based on the original story, "Alice In Wonderland" written by Lewis Carroll, but it's actually a sequel to the original tale using the same name. Confused? Allow me to explain then. Taking place eleven years after Alice had her misadventures wandering down the rabbit hole, into Wonderland. Alice, at nineteen years of age, finds herself dancing at a ball with an arranged suitor, Lord Ascot (Tim Pigott-Smith), who plans on proposing to Alice that same day. The only problem is the guy is a bit of a snob and a obnoxious creep. Needless to say, Alice isn't exactly warm to idea of marrying such a man nor is she fond of all her friends and family pressuring her to, due to his status in society as a Lord. As luck would have it, Alice sees the white rabbit again as she follows him back down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland. Take in mind, she has no recollection of her adventures in Wonderland, as she's convinced herself it was nothing more than a childish dream over the years. However, everyone in Wonderland remembers her; especially the White (Anne Hathaway) and Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). For you see, in Wonderland, there is a prophecy where Alice is destined to return to end the Red Queen's cruel tyranny once and for all.

Before I get into analyzing this film's story content, I would just like to say that the visuals were very impressive. When I talk about the visuals, I'm not just limiting this to the special effect either. As I thought "Alice In Wonderland (2010)" had some of the most amazing set designs ever conceived, as it was straight out of the fairy tale. Allowing for the CGI and 3-D cinematography to make it that much more of a visual treat for any audience to foresee. Even the makeup on characters like the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), White Queen, and Red Queen seemed to fit in perfectly with Tim Burton's surrealistic style for this movie.

Sadly, the film isn't that long (about hundred minutes), and the pacing of the movie moves along a bit too rapidly. Often feeling rushed in certain parts of the story, and the film is cliched and predictable at times as well. Plus, it never fully fleshes out Alice's relationship with her father, as one would hope, since he seems to play a very influential role in her summoning up the courage she needs to take on the Red Queen. However, that's not to say the story line is bad in any way. No, the story is surprisingly more light hearted than one would expect given the nature of the story, and Tim Burton's gothic surrealistic style of directing.  No, it seems like Tim Burton offers up a more child friendly version, than the trailers would have you believe.  Sure, there's a couple of scenes that are questionable for younger viewers, but it's nothing that will give any child nightmares over. 

I thought the performances in this film were pretty solid as well.  As I felt each actor was able to bring justice to each of their perspective characters.

Although the movie does fall short on the story line at times, it's still a very entertaining film.  One that will tickle the imagination, and bring out the child in anyone with it's spectacular visuals.  A must see film for the entire family to enjoy.