Alice in Wonderland

It's not exactly Alice in Wonderland. But it is a wonderland of special effects and familiar characters. But it is not comical. Not for a moment. There is no warm or fanciful charm. And since it is never cartoonish but rather very realistic, it is not really for smaller children. It's the movie you'd wish they'd made in 1970. If you don't like Tim Burton's bizarre visions and interpretive tales, then you will HATE this movie. But if you have a soft spot for Burton and his willingness to twist and turn and darken all he sees, then you will find it a little joy ride. The most peculiar part of this film is the casting of Mia Wasikowska as Alice- she is as bland and engaging as a water cracker. Such effort wasted on so much vagueness. But Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and others are excellent at what they have come to do. The 3D was well done- unlike the headaches many people got in Avatar. There was no visual lag to interfere with the story. If Burton is your cup of tea, then have a seat with the Mad Hatter. And as usual, enjoy Danny Elfman's score.