Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is one cooky, eccentric movie that is fun for the whole family. The film reflects the unique perception of its director, Tim Burton, who has produced such hits as Sleepy Hollow and most notably Nightmare before Christmas.

The story centers on 19-year-old Alice Kingsley, brilliantly portrayed by newcomer Mia Wasikowska. Independent and free thinking, she runs away from a marriage proposal and falls down a rabbit hole, where she enters Wonderland, which she had dreamed of as a little girl.

In this world, it is written that Alice will slay the Red Queen’s Jabberwocky on the Framptious Day. To prevent the uprising of her kingdom as a result of the Jabberwocky's death, Red Queen— an expertly made up Helena Bonham Carter with an oversized head- sends her army after Alice, including Stayne—her knave, played excellently by Crispin Glover.

On the run, and avoiding her destiny, Alice meets a sordid cast of characters, including the Blue Caterpillar played by Alan Rickman, and the Mad Hatter played by the wonderfully wacky Johnny Depp.

The movie features excellent costume design, and visual and makeup effects. If you watch it as its own movie with no association to the books or to the animated film, you will love it. But if you view it thinking it’s a remake of the cartoon, you will be mistaken. But most assuredly, you will enjoy this interesting fantasy, and you won’t be able keep a straight face when watching the Mad Hatter dance.