By Kevin Russell
Staff Writer
Wonder and lack of imagination is brought to the forefront of the film “Alice Through the
Looking Glass” with unrealistic sets, but colorful characters and bright personalities.
“Alice Through the Looking Glass” is a mediocre movie with CGI that needs
improvement in its vague backstory. Even though the movie contains flaws, its entertaining
plotline is engaging, and the outstanding acting creates lovable characters.
In this film Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returns from a voyage to face the fact that her mother
has mortgaged the house and Alice must end her career as a captain. She goes to a ball to
speak to her previous boss about her voyage; Disappointed with the end of her career, Alice
rediscovers Wonderland through a mirror when she is walking around her boss’s house.
Alice then finds her friends from her childhood adventures only to find out the Mad Hatter
(Johnny Depp) is dying from sadness over his family. Alice must then travel through time and
space to save her friend by saving his family.
This movie features remarkable acting with a star studded cast.The performances are
intriguing and easily render a sense of empathy from the viewer. The acting allows the film to
come to life and immerses the viewer into the world of Wonderland.
The CGI (Computer Generated Images) were mediocre and took away from the colorful
and magnificent world that should be Wonderland. The CGI was slightly amateur, with obvious
cuts between when the actual character is walking through Wonderland to when it’s sloppy
computer generated version is doing so.
While “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is well written, it lacks the necessary backstory
for accessibility to new audiences. Without important details regarding Alice’s association with
the supporting characters and her close relationship with them, new viewers would be confused
at how she is familiar with this strange land and why she is working so hard to save her friend,
the Mad Hatter.
Small details like shoddy makeup and costumes, with the example of the split in the Mad
Hatters teeth, are done incompetently. The Mad Hatter’s teeth are an example of a small detail
that could have brought the costume together if properly executed, but instead it was done lazily
taking away from the otherwise impressive costume since it was so unrealistic.
“Alice Through the Looking Glass” was created with talented acting and an intense
storyline, forming an overall exciting and entertaining movie. While this film has some major
aspects that need improvement, it serves its purpose well by keeping viewers on the edges of
their seats and making for an acceptable ode to the original “Alice in Wonderland”.
“Alice Through The Looking Glass”, rated PG and is playing nationwide.
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