Alice in Wonderland: movie review

This is a review for the movie adaptation. It has no spoilers. If you're interested, my review for the book can be found over here.

If you know me, and have noticed my previous posts, you would know I have been so excited for this movie to come out. Sadly though, I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed.
For this film, Tim Burton creates an eerie and imaginative version of a timeless classic. It's an odd take on it, but that is the beauty of a Burton movie. You can't help but be hooked. It simply demands your full attention.

Really though, the best thing about the film are actually the actors. Not surprisingly, it is Johnny Depp that makes the movie. The Mad Hatter seemed to be no longer just a supportive character in Alice in Wonderland. At least to me, Johnny Depp was the saving grace of this film. I did think there were other actors that played their characters extremely well. One of them is Helena Bonham Carter, who played the Queen of Hearts. She played the character as if it was her own; from her mannerisms, expression, to the delivery of her dialogues. It seemed effortless. Ann Hathaway did a great job too, for the part she was given. However, I thought the Depp-Carter team up (Sweeney Todd, anyone?) overshadowed her performance just a bit.

The other characters -- the blue catterpillar, Cheshire cat (my favorite!), Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum -- were done just right. They were amusing and awesome, just as they should be.

The main downfall, and this is kind of unfortunate, was the main character, Alice. She is played by the lovely Mia Wasikowski. She was indeed lovely. It's too bad though because that was it. She was lovely, but I didn't think she played her character that well. Her expressions were one-sided. At times, she just looked extremely bored to death. She lacks charisma, and should I say, that "pizazz." There was nothing new, unique, and special about her that was brought to the table.

On an entirely different note, I have to comment real quick about the costumes, as they were amazing! People tend to overlook this part, thinking it's not important. But I disagree, because I feel as if costumes, along with set designs, adds a much needed factor to any film. The power of costume design definitely worked for this one. Be on the look out for Alice's different dresses -- I actually kind of want them all! :P

Finally, I want to clear it out that I did not think it was a bad movie. I was entertained, and it did not bore me in any way whatsoever. There were parts that were witty, smart, and even funny. Unfortunately, I just didn't think it was that good. There were a couple of painful-to-watch moments, and the dialogue -- a bit cliche and juvenile. I'm actually kind of bummed writing this review. I really am one of those big fans of Alice. I was super excited about this one, and have been since I first saw the teaser poster in early 2009. I really, really, really wanted to love this movie! I didn't. I probably wouldn't even buy the DVD when it comes out. However, I still recommend you to watch it though.

Visually, it is as stunning as Tim Burton's aesthetic, but as a whole, the film lacked a bit of substance. To put it simply, it just was just not as effective, and as good, as it was hyped up (and as I had hoped) it to be.

Note: I did not see this on 3d, as I get easily dizzy. I heard it was amazing though, and if I weren't the type to get light-headed easily, I would've watched it in that version. If you saw it on 3d, what did you think?