The highly publicized film Alice in Wonderland turned out to be a pleasant surprise, as far as surprises go.                               

      Going in to see Alice, I wasn't exactly what you would call excited to watch the latest film adaptation of the Disney classic and novel. I had never really cared much for it all. The movie's synopsis goes something like this: The now nineteen-year-old Alice, portrayed by the stunning newcomer Mia Wasikowska, is now engaged to be married. In her despair, she happens upon the Rabbit Hole, which she does not recall from her youth.  From this, the film goes on to reintroduce beloved characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the Red Queen, and of course, the Mad Hatter.

     One thing I wasn't expecting was the all the violence and frightening images. Similarly, I never realized what a big role heads play in Alice in Wonderland. There is the Mad Hatter, who makes hats-for heads. There is the Red Queen who, metaphorically, at least in this version, forever chops peoples' heads off. And then there is Alice, who thinks the whole thing is a dream taking place in, yes, you guessed it, her head.

     As much as the confusing names threw me for a loop, the cast was superb. Alan Rickman, who plays Severus Snape in the Harry Potter franchise stars, as well as popular actress Anne Hathaway. Johnny Depp, always delightful, brilliantly portrays the Mad Hatter with every last hair, scuff, and eyelash perfectly suiting the character.

     However, most of the focus of the film falls on actress Helena Bonham Carter, who portrays the Red Queen, playing up the character’s numerous eccentricities to perfection. Director Tim Burton stays faithful to the book and the whole array of outrageous costumes, make-up, and graphics complete the movie which also succeeds in using live action and animation to its advantage.
     The movie is rated PG but I suggest taking older children, as it is not a follow up of the child friendly original. Audience members have the option of viewing the film in 3D, which might further increase frightening moments for young children.     

      Overall, give Alice a try; I did and truly enjoyed it. Prepare for a delightful, quirky experience and spectacular performances.