I found the advertisements at the beginning fascinating. They were all aimed at kids from 5-15, and heavy on the girl (buying) power. I had heard this was a dark movie. And there were dark moments to be sure, but no real menace. Some of the character performances were strong, if not great (not sure where the writing / directing was really going). I’m a big fan of Crispin Glover, and except for some digital / irl mash-up problems (his physical head didn’t really move with his digital body), I enjoyed his performance a lot.

I guess the main thing is…it wasn’t BIG enough. It was a small story, in a small land (yes, I know Alice shrinks to get there), and I wanted a BIG story in a HUGE land!

I didn’t really get Depp as the hatter, until he really started going bonkers-raving-stark, which wasn’t nearly often enough. (I wasn’t fond of his Willie Wonka, either.)

I liked Hathaway as the White Queen. I felt like she was light enough for the aperitif that was this movie. She moved the digestion along well. What else is a White Queen for, after all?

The Jabberwocky wasn’t scary, and the final battle was silly. And I love Helena – but hate most of her roles.

Bitch, bitch, bitch. I didn’t ask for my money back.

Oooohhhh! The first part of the closing credits was delightful!

Shake the foolish tree,

Ian Carruthers
Filmmaker
www.foolishtreefilms.com
Let’s make a movie!