Alice Through the Looking Glass

‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ features an award-winning production team and all-star cast, including Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

James Bobin helms the film which revisits Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories with an all new tale that travels back to Underland – and back in time.

Review by Nara

I have got to admit, I wasn't sure just how much I'd enjoy Alice Through the Looking Glass. Mostly because I couldn't remember all that much about the first movie. The things I could remember were relatively good though, in particular the bizarre but awesome costuming that captured the spirit of Alice in Wonderland perfectly.

I feel like Through the Looking Glass could almost be enjoyed without having watched the first film; the plot was basically separate. Alice returns to Wonderland (or Underland as it's known in the film) after having some trouble with her life in London, and finds that The Mad Hatter has become obsessed with reuniting with his family. One problem: his family died in the past, killed by the Jabberwocky. Alice discovers she can go back to the past using the Chronosphere, a device owned by Time himself, and the adventures begin.

I have to say, the plot was on the whole, pretty simplistic, with a relatively linear main storyline and a couple of minor subplots which were interesting enough to support the overarching tale. I think the story makes more sense than what I remember from Alice in Wonderland, although still pretty predictable.

The visuals are where the movie truly shines, and Tim Burton's take on Wonderland is still the twisted, strange world you remember from the first film. Sidenote: the Cheshire cat is so dang cute! Much cuter than in the animated film. And in terms of the characters, Helena Bonham Carter slays with her portrayal of the Red Queen- possibly the only character who actually has a bit of depth to her apart from Alice and the Hatter.

All in all, I'd say that the movie is definitely one you should see if you enjoyed the first movie, and one that you probably would still like if the main problem you had with the first film was the plot.

I'll leave the trailer here for anyone who wants to take a look.
Released in cinemas in Australia May 26.

Really liked it

Ratings
Overall: 8/10
Plot: 3/5
Cinematography: 4/5
Characters: 4/5

Thanks to Natasha Louise Enterprises for the invitation to the advanced screening!