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Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland

I often hesitate to write movie reviews here, as I am not always known for my great movie taste. But I like what I like, and I guess there's nothing wrong with that...

This past weekend, I really liked Alice in Wonderland.

This surprised me, for three reasons:
a) it is a novel adaptation, and I'm usually snobbish about these things. Especially classics.
b) I saw it in 3D. I haven't seen a lot of 3D movies, and maybe I've only seen crappy 3D movies, but I was hesitant.
c) sometimes Tim Burton is a little much for me. But this wasn't.


But I would go see it again. My three favourite things:
a) the adventure. It was a legit adventure starring a girl. For how far we've come in the last century, there is still a lot lacking in girl-adventures.
b) the deeper meaning. I'm still figuring it out (I have been thinking about too many things these days), but I know there are parallels and allegories and lessons to be learned.
c) the costumes. I loved loved loved Alice's dresses. And the set design, and everyone else's dresses. But especially Alice's. (I've never been jealous of armour before.) Another great ensemble:

Now I must admit, there were a couple things that didn't quite thrill me. Three, in fact.
a) Anne Hathaway should never ever ever be blonde. And she should never be told to keep her hands above her waist at all times.
b) I couldn't quite place Johnny Depp's accent. As the Mad Hatter, he had definite Scottish moments, and then some sort of vague upper-class English thing going on. It drove me a little batty.
c) The ending was a bit...too quick? Too predictable? I'm not sure. Maybe they're leaving the door open for further Alice Adventures. Maybe they know how much everyone loves Charlotte Doyle and they're going to capitalize on that for the next movie. Okay, no one knows who Charlotte Doyle is, I bet.

But now that I think about it, it would make a great movie too.

Comments

  1. shellieos9:02 AM

    LOVED Charlotte Doyle, and yes it wouldst make a great movie. If done well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rhianna1:36 PM

    SO being a HUGE Tim Burton fan I would have to say here that the film was lacking a certain Burton-y creepiness, if you don't like Burton you will be okay. If you love Burton I suspect a certain amount of disappointment... Besides that and Anne Hathaway's arms it was definitely entertaining!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nadine10:48 PM

    As you know, I go to a church at a movie theater. On Sunday, a little girl in an Alice costume (the Disney Alice) walked by me. Made my day.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Shannon9:59 AM

    Just thought I'd tell you I like reading your blog. It's always interesting and different. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aimee2:23 PM

    Another Charlotte Doyle fan right here, friend...big time :) Wanted to be her. Wanted a dirk. Wanted to read this book over and over again...

    FYI: It's rumored to be "tied up" right now, but keep an eye out: http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=46941

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beth3:07 PM

    shelly: woooot! (see aimee's comment)

    rhianna: i can understand that. and i think you're bang on about the arms :)

    nadine: apparently disney is making a line of clothing after this movie's costumes...i'd almost buy them.

    shann: thanks!

    aimee: for REALZ!? and with pierce brosnan. um, i'm there. anytime.

    ReplyDelete
  7. shellieos8:49 PM

    since when did Danny Devito direct? And I would DEFINITELY buy the Alice clothes...if made well.

    ReplyDelete

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