I was surprised too and wanted to write one later today *no spoilers* - Edit 1
Before modification by ironclad at 07/03/2010 12:44:27 PM
This was a wonderful movie. The visuals were stunning. Definitely had a Tim Burton feel. While watching it, I kind of felt like the art direction was cross between Disney and Beetlejuice. The colors were vivid when needed, subdued when appropriate. Wonderland was impressive in it majesty and minutiae.
Yep, the trees looked like from Sleepy Hollow, the bushes like from Scissorhands, it definitely felt Burton.
The acting, for the most part, was really good. Unfortunately, I think Depp was the weak point. He did a decent job with the Madhatter, but I was reminded too much of both Jack Sparrow and Willy Wonka. It was like the Hatter was a blend of the two and not his own enitity. Helena Bonham Carter was fabulous as the Red Queen, but she always does insanity good. Anne Hathaway ruled with grace and elegance as the White Queen. And Mia Wasikowska was positively enchanting as Alice.
Agreed on all accounts. I felt Carter stole each scene she was in, she took the role so wonderfully seriously, it was a pleasure to watch.
And Wasikowska looks like the young Gwyneth Paltrow, she was a great Alice.
The story follows Alice, now twenty and has dreams about blue caterpillars and rabbits in waistcoats. While at a party, she falls down a rabbit hole and sees just how far it goes (she took the red pill 
) I won't go into any more detail as I don't want to spoil it.
) I won't go into any more detail as I don't want to spoil it. I find fans of the book or the Disney version should be warned, though. This is not Alice in Wonderland. It's Alice returns to Wonderland. I'd even say it's a fun fantasy film using characters and motifs of AIW, but people should not expect an adaption of the book.
There were a few minor things that felt a little off (Madhatter's dance, Stayne's limbs), but the movie was flowing so well, there was so much to see and it all looked so pretty. And the showdown was really awesome.
7 out of 10 Cheshire cats.