“Alice Through The Looking Glass”, a Dark Ride in Wonderland

Mia Wasikowska as Alice

MAD HATTER poster 1

 

Deliciously decadent, this live action sequel to Alice in Wonderland puts a lot of chaotic energy beyond the original abstract film. This adventure called Alice Through the Looking Glass is packed full of surprises and comedy within the world of fantasy. A little more daring a wonderland, this one takes on a darker shade that may be a bit trying for very young tykes.

Alice has grown up and returning from sea after several years as a captain during which she was able to save her father’s vessel from near disaster. In the meantime the board of trustees who own a majority of the ship are about to take the it away from her. Just when thing look the bleakest Absolem (Alan Rickman), the butterfly, shows up and leads her to a magic mirror that transports her back to Wonderland. But things have changed in that strange place she visited so long ago and her best friend The Mad Hatter is dire straits and in need for her to help him or he may die. So begins a wild and wacky adventure that gets spinning out of control.

Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen greets Mia Wasikowska as Alice
Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen greets Mia Wasikowska as Alice

The film’s loaded with excellent computer graphics depicting the Cheshire Cat, Butterfly, Rabbit and a curious world that Alice must navigate to save the Mad Hatter. James Bobbin (Muppets Most Wanted) spins his dark tale with gorgeous costumes, elaborate sets (mostly CGI) and whimsical new characters. His vision of the story is completely fantastic in 3D, spewing colors, wild exciting imagery and a whole lot of twists that keep you guessing to the very last creative bit of moviemaking.

Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter with Mia Wasikowska as Alice
Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter with Mia Wasikowska as Alice

His cast lead by Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, who finds himself “running out of time”, sets the mood and urgency for the fantasy adventure. He must find out what happened to his family and Alice is the only one who can go back in time. Frightened that they may have been doomed because of something he did wrong, he starts to spiral down. Kooky, silly and senseless, from Alice in Wonderland to Alice Through the Looking Glass, he’s perfect.

Both Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter fulfil their roles with excellent performances. Both re-produce unforgettable characters as Alice and the Red Queen. Determined to find what happened to the Mad Hatter’s family, Alice will even put herself in jeopardy to go back to the past, even if it may kill her. And the Red Queen won’t forget what Alice did to her the last time they met.

Mia Wasikowska as Alice
Mia Wasikowska as Alice

But, the show stopper comes from Sacha Baron Cohen as Time, a sinister character that interjects the meaning of “time running out” for the Mad Hatter. I like this dark side of the tale, much more than Bobin’s red queen that is still looking for heads to chop off. Cohen’s “Time” gets very angry at Alice for turning back the calendar and puts her in a position that could lead to the Mad Hatter’s demise.

Alice Through the Looking Glass has been rated PG by the MPAA for fantasy action/peril and some language. It may be a little strong for the very young, but older pre-teens should eat it up. This one’s not your average fairy tale for sure.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good film that entertains the whole family. (B)

Additional Film Information:
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Johnny Depp, Rhys Ifans, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Lindsay Duncan, Leo Bill; voices: Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall
Directed By: James Bobbin
Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: PG for fantasy action/peril and some language
Running Time: 1 hr. 53 min.
Release Date: May 27, 2016
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Released in: 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D

Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com