Tim Burton’s 2010
fantasy adventure film ‘Alice in Wonderland’ became a huge success. Based
on the enduring Lewis Carroll tale, it added another fantastical feather to
Burton’s directorial cap. He doesn’t return for the follow-up ‘Alice
through the Looking Glass’ but his visual presence is still seen. With
his frequent collaborator Johnny Depp returning as the Mad Hatter, the stage is
set for more colourfully weird shenanigans. That we certainly receive as
the sense of enchantment crucial to Carroll’s story-telling flavour is keenly
felt.
Returning to the
world of Underland via a looking glass, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) seeks out her
friends. Finding the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) in a bad way, she uncovers
another plot from the evil Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). Wanting to use a
clock creature called Time (Sacha Baron Cohen) to wreak havoc on Underland, the
wicked Queen stops at nothing to get what she wants. Alice and her
friends unite to defeat her shameful scheming amidst the splendour of
Underland’s rainbow-infused landscape.
Baron Cohen and Depp
are often accused of performing in as outrageously over the top way as
possible. ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’ affords them free reign to
infuse dynamic energy into their roles. Their renditions mirror the movie
overall as it is full of the verve and colour it needs. Whilst some
padding is seen and although its message of ‘making time for loved ones’ is a
little preachy, it’s a generally fun film most should enjoy.
Key to its success
is allowing each character to shine. Unlike its predecessor, ‘Alice
through the Looking Glass’ doesn’t turn into the ‘Johnny Depp Show’ and focuses
more on Alice’s mission. This brings a better sense of urgency to the
plot and a logically flowing narrative amongst Underland’s illogical
characters. They are beautifully rendered with some great CGI matching
the imagination which served Carroll so well decades ago.
‘Alice through the
Looking Glass’ is a worthy follow-up filled with the right mix of adventure and
humour. Having a charm many similar works lack, it encompasses what made
Carroll’s words captivating and why it still endures in this so-called cynical
age.
Movie Review Rating
out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the
comment box.
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie
releases in Australia.
TRAILER
SOUNDTRACK
No comments:
Post a Comment