by Ginger Voight

Created on: March 14, 2010   Last Updated: April 27, 2010

”Alice in Wonderland” is the Tim Burton reimagining of a classic children’s book in true, weird, brilliant spectacle.

We meet up with Alice more than a decade after her first trip down the rabbit hole, where she must fight to try and make her life her own despite societal convention that forbids her to do so.

The plot of this particular script is probably more geared toward the young adults (specifically young women) in the audience – but anyone familiar with Tim Burton’s movies would easily recognize it’s not necessarily a kid’s picture.

This probably earned it a PG rating (with help, no doubt, from the hookah smoking caterpillar).

The weird world of Carroll’s fantastical Wonderland seems tailor made for the equally strange sensibilities of Tim Burton, and indeed he toils this fertile ground with glee. The end result is both fantastic and freakish, leaving the movie goer feeling as though they literally did fall down a rabbit hole themselves.

Burton also makes the very shrewd decision to back away from the very obvious temptation to make Johnny Depp’s Hatter the centerpiece of the story – instead he focuses the action (rightfully so) around Alice, played by Mia Wasikowska.

By doing this, he keeps us in the POV of the outsider to this strange and magical world.

He also utilizes the 3D effect less ostentatiously as one might imagine – and this adds to the effect of bringing the audience into the action rather than just watching from the sidelines.  If you're expecting to jump out of your seat, you won't.  It's far more subtle than that, which is probably why "Alice" has been getting mixed reviews on the utilization of the medium.

When Alice is above ground, the scene is quite classic, with muted, pastel colors in regards to dress and to people. The only real splash of vibrant color we get is through the natural surroundings, which draws our attention (much like Alice’s) away from the place she’s supposed to be.

Once she’s below ground, however, the colors are eye popping – but it’s not quite beautiful. Wonderland is tainted by the Red Queen and it shows in the scary dark places that threaten to take over.

Nothing becomes truly beautiful (read: safe) until we finally see the White Queen’s castle and its surroundings.

Some may find this less than lush portrayal a bit dark, especially for younger audience members.

While most people were looking forward

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