Alice Through the Looking Glass – Movie Review

Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is a beautiful new film based on the stories of Lewis Carroll. Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. “Alice Through the Looking Glass”, directed by James Bobin revisits the visually stunning world created in Tim Burton’s 2010 film, “Alice in Wonderland”. You’ll be greeted by many beloved characters played by the returning cast of Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Matt Lucas and Helena Bonham Carter and introduced to a few new characters played by Rhys Ifans and Sasha Baron Cohen. Also back are the talented voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Barbara Windsor and Paul Whitehouse, who are joined by Matt Vogel.

Alice Kingsleigh has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland and her friends the White Rabbit, Absolem, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter, who is not himself. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock which powers all time. Returning to the past, she comes across friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives, and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out.

I had the pleasure of attending a pre-screening of “Alice Through the Looking Glass” a few night ago and it was a delightful film. Funny, stunningly beautiful, heart-warming and stimulating are all words I would use to describe this fun movie. I particularly loved the wonderful morals and positive themes that run through the film. Messages about the merit of how time is spent, the value of relationships, the strength of women and the importance of family. And even though the film hit on some very thought provoking issues the story continued in the typical whimsical fashion you’d expect while traveling through Underland.

Characters like Time and the Mad Hatter were sure to provide a laugh while simultaneously tugging at your heart strings. We get to look further into the relationship between the royal sisters, Mirana and Iracebeth. Alice is charming and thoughtful and strong and confident.

One of the compelling thing about Alice and the Underland from Carroll’s books is how fantastical everything is. Everything is larger than life (or smaller), bright, exciting and deep. If you’re looking for a realistic interpretation of something as magical as Alice you might find yourself disappointed because Alice is meant to be otherworldly. The entire film is vibrant even in the darkest moments. It’s a visual feast for the eyes and the story carries the audience right along side Alice on her magical journey.

Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.

Travel Through The Looking Glass