Review: Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland

Before we went to see this film as a family I was curious to see how I would feel about it afterwards. I really didn’t have any expectations. I did know however that the reviews were very mixed.

Leaving the theatre Husband and I were confused as to why anyone would not enjoy it. It was pretty dang good. The acting was great, the storyline was continually exciting and enjoyable, there were plenty of funny moments and the entire film was BEE-utiful. One thing that really surprised me, that is a major plus, was that the film portrayed really strong female characters. I will be glad to have my girls watch this over and over again…and in the end a girl is the one that straps on knights armor and saves the day. It’s really cool. I’m really happy with Disney lately…we re-watched Princess and the Frog yesterday and I’m so grateful to them for making a film with a Black princess. I’ve been hoping for that for a while now. So back to Alice… 

Miss Raine really enjoyed it. As soon as we left the theatre she said “Mama, I LOVED that movie!” She said it was funny and kinda scary (which is good thing according to her because Miss Raine has always liked scary and dark stuff). But don’t get me wrong…I think it has some appropriately dark elements but it was brighter than I expected a Tim Burton film to be.

So I don’t don’t know why people struggled with this movie. I read a lot of reviews just to try and figure it out but I’m more confused than ever. It feels like most of them are really reaching to say negative things. I hate to write it out loud but I’m wondering if unconsciously the strong females characters are leaving some people feeling unsettled?

I’d be really curious to find out what you all thought about the movie. Tia also felt like it was laking something but she was totally unsure of what it was. Let me know in the comments section. I’m kinda obsessed with figuring it out …I’ve been asking around the ER.

BUT you can’t tell me it was horrible. I mean, what else do you want people? It was beautiful, good acting, adult and kid friendly, good story, message was good. Maybe it was too hyped up and people are disappointed?

Oh and another thing, I’m not sure how I feel about how it portrays mental illness. It was kind of sweet. But maybe I should watch it again to carry an opinion.

Some of the reviews I read:

Rotten Tomatoes said that it sacrifices much of the heart of Lewis Carroll’s classic but dubs it a undeniable visual treat.

I stumbled across THISreview which re-iterates my thoughts.

MSN Movies, James Rocchi, gave the most critical review I read…completely reaching and cynical.

Chicago Tribune Critic, Michael Phillips, gave a fair review (B) to the movie.

Another okay review by Roger Ebert at the Suntimes.