A 'Wonderland' That's Short on Wonder

The name of Tim Burton has long been synonymous with the capability of creating lush, imaginative worlds for the screen, and pairing them up with strangely mystical stories. These stories can be considered to be in the same realm as the classic Grimm's fairy tales, and are every bit as immersive as they are darkly beautiful. Most people will argue that some of his films like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, and Sweeney Todd fit that criteria all-too perfectly. Burton's latest undertaking, adapting Lewis Carol's timeless children's story Alice in Wonderland, seemed to be another perfect pairing of story and director. Who else but Tim Burton would you expect to bring Carol's fantastically bizarre Wonderland to the screen? Burton creates another enchanting world with colorful visuals a plenty that's hard to divert your eyes from. Alas, that's all this movie has to offer. A film with little story is hardly the case when one thinks of Tim Burton. Sadly, Alice in Wonderland is that type of film.

This latest trip into Wonderland is the first starring-vehicle for Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska, who plays the title-character. Alice grows tired of her mundane life and the expectations put upon her by family and friends. In an attempt to escape an arranged marriage, she chases the White Rabbit (voiced by Michael Sheen), and eventually falls down the rabbit-hole into the dreamlike Wonderland. There, she meets the Mad Hater, played by non other than Burton's other half, Johnny Depp; and is told that she must find what's known as the Vorpal Sword to slay the dragon-like creature known as the Jabberwocky, in order to restore the rule of the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) from the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). You'd figure there would be more story to be offered in-between these main plot points. Don't be fooled. This is just about all there is.

Given the much-beloved source material, it is expected that a movie like this would retain the magical touch that made the original novel a joy. The beauty of the world is surely at play, but it doesn't help make the film any better when it seems like many of the CGI characters have more life than the human characters. The Dormouse has her ongoing spunk and swordmanship, and the Caterpillar, though rather rude, is an insect of knowledge. The standout of all the CGI creatures is the Cheshire Cat, with his devious personality and smooth-talk.

This being Wasikowska's first major role, she plays the part of Alice as we all would like it: adventurous, intelligent, and quizzical of her new surroundings. Unfortunately, since the visuals are the film's only high points, and the make-up effects of other characters are so demanding of attention, it takes away from Alice the opportunity to shine. But the CGI effects aren't all that's to blame. Since the story lacks in content, it also is deprived of any memorable dialogue. A majority of Alice's dialogue is comprised of asking questions such as "What am I doing here?" "Why was I brought here?" "How do I defeat the Jabberwocky?" and so on. As for the Red Queen, let's just say you could make a drinking game based on how many times she screams "Off with their heads!"

Sadly, even Johnny Depp wasn't that much of a standout as the Mad Hatter. When Depp plays characters such as Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and Captain Jack Sparrow, you become swept away by his talent, energy, and by the new heights to which he brings his characters. As the Mad Hatter, he didn't do anything new or exciting; he just wore distracting make-up, mumbled a lot of nonsense, and performed an embarrassing dance to celebrate the end of the final battle.

Tim Burton is certainly a master of his craft, and when he wants to tell a darkly entertaining and striking story, he can surely bring it to life. Every director, however, has at least one movie that can't quite measure up to his or her most treasured works. Too bad for Burton that it had to be his adaptation of a dearly loved classic.

Final grade: C