Article written by Rosanna Eden-Ellis

Tim Burton’s 3D IMAX outing ‘Alice in Wonderland’ follows the eponymous Alice (Mia Wasikowska) as she journeys back down the rabbit hole to ‘Underland’ to help her long-forgotten friends The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), The Cheshire Cat (Stephen Fry), Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (Matt Lucas) and a host of other favorites, in their battle against The Red Queen (Helena Bonham-Carter).

This film, in theory, has all the ingredients to make a fantastically rich and absorbing fantasy film, from the magnificent source material and the strong visual identity of Burton’s work, to the stellar cast and 3D technology. In practice however, the whole thing falls rather flat. Burton’s distinctive style feels a perfect match for the original story of Alice in Wonderland, but in writing a more epic sequel he loses his way. Though undoubtedly at times stunning, we see a lot less of the intricate oddities of Underland then we would expect or like. The more human and interesting aspects of the story feel weak at points, although Burton manages to once again skillfully and lovingly craft a sympathetic and enigmatic outsider character in Depp’s Mad Hatter and his relationship with Alice feels touchingly tender. The narrative lacks tension throughout and there are some expositional moments which feel lazy whilst the 3D technology also feels a little rushed and is not manipulated to its full potential, as though it was an after-thought.

The best thing about the film are  the performances, with a particularly exciting break-through turn from Wasikowska, who lights up the screen overshadowing her more established co-star Anne Hathaway. The eclectic choice of British stars voicing the many animated characters also adds brilliantly to the over-all tone and feel.

Whilst there are some nice moments, this film is sadly not the definitive Alice adaptation it promised to be and hasn’t ended Burton’s run of unexceptional films after an exciting and influential early career.