Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland

Alice In Wonderland

Director: Tim Burton

Producers: Joe Roth, Richard D. Zanuck, Jennifer Todd

Actors: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway

Rated: PG

Plot: Alice, now 19, once again falls through a rabbit hole into the whimsical and dark wonderland from her childhood. This is not the 1951 Disney VHS you may remember, but don't fret, all of the familiar characters are there in strikingly real animation. The visual graphics and special effects are wonderful and convincing. The storyline is surprisingly grown-up. Of course, there is a happy ending, but it's not cheesy; Burton wouldn't allow that. Depp naturally impresses as the Mad Hatter and would have stolen the show if it hadn't been for Wasikowska's refreshing take on Alice. She is not the typical beauty queen Hollywood loves but a strong heroine on a journey to self-discovery. It's just as good as you thought it would be, and maybe even better. My recommendation: See it on the big screen right away in 3D.

Rating: ✪✪✪✪✪

In theaters: Today

This reviewer also enjoyed: "Across the Universe," "Sliding Doors," "Donnie Darko," "Up"