Alice in Wonderland

Release Date: Mar 05, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min. 

Director: Tim Burton 

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Carter, Matt Lucas. 

Interpreting the classic tale of "Alice in Wonderland" through the brilliant but atypical mindset of Tim Burton should have been a no brainer. Yet the much anticipated fall into 'Underland' begins and ends with a dull stupor. While the film is visually eye-popping, from floral landscapes to talking animals, the dreariness overtakes the generally vibrant world. What begins as a grown-up version of "Alice" quickly becomes a diluted version of "Narnia." The chosen one. Check. The evil queen. Check. Battle scene. Check and mate. The story was almost too 'normal' for a Burton film, even with the trademark characters. But Johnny Depp does deliver again with his unparalleled take on the Mad Hatter, wide-eyed and charming. I just wish there was more fantasy and unexpectedness over the theme of empowerment. 

Rating: 2½ stars