“Alice Through the Looking Glass” Film Review (by Guest Reviewer Jeanie Gallo)
Hi everyone!
We sent Jeanie Gallo to the Alice Through the Looking Glass film preview. The movie opens today, and features Johnny Depp returning as the Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter back as the Red Queen. I look forward to seeing this myself! You can find other articles by Jeanie on her website, The Princess Papers. Now on to the review!
Curious?
Photo Copyright Walt Disney Pictures
From Walt Disney Pictures, the latest reincarnation of Lewis Carroll’s characters and stories in “Alice Through the Looking Glass” will appeal to even the most curious.
Photo Copyright Walt Disney Pictures
After three years away from her friends in Underland and becoming a ship captain like her father, Alice’s (Mia Wasikowska) rebellious spirit and love for her dear friend Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) lead her to “borrow” the Chronosphere and run off on a fast-paced race through time to the potential detriment of Underland and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen).
Although this is very much Alice’s adventure, many curiosities are satisfied by the expanded storylines in this film that show the life-defining childhood moments of Hatter, The Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), and The White Queen (Anne Hathaway). Great creativity is used to delve into their personal stories. In the spirit of Disney’s live-action film, Maleficent, this look at the characters in a new way may even bring up a feeling of compassion for the villain.
Photo Copyright Walt Disney Pictures
Once again, Johnny Depp pulls us in, like few other actors can, as a now more sad than mad Hatter who has lost his Muchness and needs “his Alice.” In this story, Hatter is joined by a cast of characters who may actually be more eccentric than him. Time steals the spotlight with a rather powerful storyline emphasizing the fragility of both time and life with intermittent comedic side-comments. Additionally, the quirky supporting characters add balance to the tense action moments and make the film appropriate for a younger audience as well as appealing to adults. Even The Red Queen has a surprising number of laugh-worthy scenes. However, one moment to note is hearing the distinct voice of the late Alan Rickman as Absolem the Blue Caterpillar. Be prepared, as it may illicit an instant emotional response.
Photo Copyright Walt Disney Pictures
Similar to Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” director James Bobin’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is flawless in visual beauty and its ability to pull the audience into a world of fantasy. Every scene is full of seemingly endless visual details that create the desire to explore it all. Underland appears absolutely ethereal. It’s so overwhelmingly beautiful that it perfectly enhances the fairy tale story.
Overall, “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is both visually stunning and heart-warming. There are moments of action, suspense, laughter, and possibly tears.
It may leave you wanting to, “do six impossible things before breakfast.”
Alice Through the Looking Glass opens in theaters nationwide on May 27th.
Written by Linda Woolverton with characters created by Lewis Carroll.
Directed by James Bobin
Executive Producer John G. Scotti
Producers Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd, Jennifer Todd, and Tim Burton
Soundtrack Music by Danny Elfman
Featured Song “Just Like Fire” by PINK