Director: James Bobin
Release Date: 2016
Running Time: 1hr 48 minutes
Genre: Family
Rating: PG
Synopsis:
Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to help the Mad Hatter.
Based on the book of the same name by Lewis Carroll. Set in 1875. Eccentric ship Captain Alice Kingsleigh, once again finds herself back in Wonderland. This time she must travel back in time through the chronosphere to help save The Mad Hatter and his family from being wiped out by the Red Queen. The Red Queen wants revenge on the Hatter and his family for making a fool out of her on her crowning day. The creatures of Wonderland must team together to help Alice and The Hatter before it's too late. Tim Burton's adaptation of the first book was very dark. Director James Bobin has certainly brought a more family friendly vibe to the film, in his colourful adaptation.
Time is not a thing, but a person. Sacha Cohen Baron will be familiar to most as Ali G, however let me tell you that he is certainly a versatile actor. Helena Bonham-Carter really shines as the Red Queen, a wonderfully versatile actress, she brings the role to life. Although we were introduced to her character in the first film, we are shown more of her backstory in the sequel. Very different to her sister the White Queen, the Red Queen is spoilt and used to getting her own way. I honestly don't know where I stand with actress Mia Wasikowska. Having grown up with the original animation of Alice in Wonderland there is certainly a difference in how Alice is portrayed. In the book it's clear that she's stubborn, headstrong and somewhat eccentric. However, apart from the dialogue that has been written for her Mia Wasikowska doesn't seem to give any enthusiasm or personality to her role.
Johnny Depp brings magnificent characterisation to his role as The Mad Hatter. Unlike the first film, we are shown a lot more of The Mad Hatters backstory. Who his family are and where they came from. Why is he so obsessed with hats? All of those questions get answered in this adaptation. A key element that was prominent in the original animation was the unbirthday scene. It's sad that neither director has made a point of really showing this in both adaptations. Characters are seen having a tea party, however it seems more like a chore to them than excitement. The costume design is fantastic, particularly Alice's. The detail that has gone into each and everyone of her costumes is superb. If you look very closely there are references to The Mad Hatter's character in his costume design.
Although a lot of CGI has been used it does allow for a very magical and colourful adaptation of the story. It really brings the story to life. Danny Elfman returns to perform a score for the film, not as dark as the original but still within his sound, it works with the storyline beautifully. Pink performs "Just like fire" for the end credits. Avril Lavigne wrote "Alice" for the first adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, although that fitted in more with the original storyline, Pink's "Just like fire" is feel good and fun and gives it that extra boost as a family film.
4/5
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