Film Review: Alice Through the Looking Glass

 

When googling this new Tim Burton production, the word ‘flop’ is found a lot, which may give you a sense of scepticism when deciding to spend money on seeing this film. If I’m honest, I’m not entirely sure why. Of course the film isn’t as good as the first, but that’s very often the case, but it certainly isn’t in the same cinema disaster category as Batman & Robin.

The success of Alice in Wonderland not only came from the wonderful directing of Tim Burton and great acting from an impressive cast, but also because it was the most modern and fantastical version of the well-known novel.  Alice Through the Looking Glass is a much less popular book, meaning you don’t already have a connection to the story; in fact many people will be watching the story unfold with completely fresh eyes, having no clue about the original plot.

Although the film wasn’t directed by Tim Burton – he still produced it – James Bobin did a superb job at keeping the Burton-esque feel around the movie, with the same beautiful, colourful and fun world that you just want to jump into. We are also introduced to new worlds that are just as bright and magical as Wonderland in the first of the Burton/Alice franchise.

Unlike most sequels, we are only introduced to one new main character, Time himself, played by Sacha Baron Cohen. It takes a little while to warm to the character, mainly due to his villainess comedy being a little predictable in the first half of the film. However, when the vulnerability of the character is unleashed, we see how Cohen very much made the character his own, and one whose story you surprisingly become invested in.

 

However, the star of the show has to once again be Mad Hatter. In the midst of the fairly questionable roles Johnny Depp has chosen to portray over the last few years, it’s a relief to see him reprise such a loved and infectious character. We learn more about his past and are introduced to his family, which brings a more human side to him. We also see a slightly darker side to Hatter, making the character less fantasy-based and a little more realistic.

Alice surprisingly comes across a little more like the Alice we have all grown up to learn about, she’s a bit more brash, independent and a generally stronger character in this film. This was certainly helped by the improved acting by Mia Wasikowska. She seems a little more grown up in this film – understandably, as she’s older – but still holds that wonderful child-like joy for life that makes her such a loveable character. Her relationship with her mother is also stronger, and creates a much more likeable personality in her mum that we didn’t necessarily see in Alice in Wonderland.

It goes without saying that the CGI was incredible, and going to see it in 3D would be advised, although 2D is just as spectacular to watch. The clock-like mansion in which Time lives is a much darker and more mechanical setting, which works in perfect contrast with the fun and happy theme that surrounds Wonderland. We are also introduced to the Red Queen’s new digs, which is simply just a tree house, but in this small area, none of her personality has been lost. Plenty of red, plenty of funny hair, plenty of big-headedness, plenty of all that stuff that makes us secretly love her.

All in all, this second instalment may not be quite on the same level as the first, but that’s not to say this film is a write-off. It’s one for everyone, with a storyline and characters to grip the adults, as well as enough fun and humour to keep the kids entertained.

If you are an Alan Rickman fan, stay for a bit of the credits. It was one of his last films that he was involved in before his tragic death, even if he only lent his voice for a short part of the movie.

Alice Through the Looking Glass is on general release.

Alice Through the Looking Glass Trailer