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2 1/2 Stars

Tim Burton and Johnny Deep team for the seventh time in the strange re-imaging of the Lewis Carroll classic. This version has a teenage Alice not quite ready for an arranged marriage, escaping to the magically frightening world of Underland. The film and Burton excel in these opening moments, creating a visually stunning and exquisitely detailed environment aided by a well chosen color palette. The 3-d deepens the frame instead of being in- your-face distracting. As the narrative moves along (laboriously), these Burton-esque moments become too much of a good thing. The film gets a shot of energy every time Johnny Depp appears, but unfortunately his mad hatter is too creepy and off putting to really care about. All leading up to an extended battle sequence in the climax that is mishandled. This ranks on the middle rungs of the Burton/Depp cannon. It’s nowhere near the perfection of Ed Wood or Scissorhands, but it’s leagues better than Chocolate Factory or Sleepy Hallow. See it in 3-d for best results.

Director: Tim Burton
Stars: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway