Disney has given the reigns over to the master of stop motion darkness Tim Burton for this remake of the classic story Alice in Wonderland. This time, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returns to Wonderland/Underland and finds it a much grimmer place than before. This time she must protect the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) and defeat the evil Queen of Hearts (Helena Bonham Carter) and he monstrous Jabberwocky.
Rather than a remake, this film plays out more like a sequel to the original Alice in Wonderland from 1951, taking place 20 years after Alice went to Wonderland the first time. All the friendly and bizarre characters we remember from the animated motion picture have been given a CGI and Burton twist, making them seem more frightening than before. And the story has been given a twist: instead of the curious Alice trying to find her way, she now has to become a mighty warrior, making her more of an action hero and less of a childhood figure, which a lot of the old Disney stories are doing these days (such as Jack the Giant Killer, and Snow White and the Huntsman set to be released this year).
All in all though, the new story is just as entertaining. Led by Depp and an all star class, the mystery and the fantasy of the whole piece will grip audiences by the throat. Although parents should think twice about taking their kids to see Alice in Wonderland 2010: lets just say Burton creeps out many adults with his unique style and this film reeks of his handiwork.
