Preview: Phoebe in Wonderland (2009)

Synopsis:

A little girlfriend, frustrated with the rules-driven world seeks a new outlook through her drama teacher whose methods are a bit unusual.

• Poster: C

Review:

As the first "trailer" is merely a clip from the film, there's not relaly much to compare it with. However, since this isn't the first film to use a sunflower a s a key image with a face of some kind blended in with the elements, there is very little original to this poster. And why would they put the little girl who's trying to break out of the rules-obsessed environment as one of the petals of the whole image?

• Trailer: B+; B+

Review:

It's a rather interesting musical production number here, much more creative than I think most grade school productions could be, but it's an effervescent number and better sung than I would have imagine. I would have hopd for the first trailer to be an actual trailer and not a film clip, but as this is the first glimpse of the film, I must say I'm slightly intrigued.

This looks like a magical story that could redeem audiences' faith in family films being inventive, interesting, consequential and not demanding, forceful or overly simplified. Elle Fanning looks less impressive in this trailer, but getting to see more of the cast makes me more interested and not less.

Oscar Prospects:

Although I doubt it will happen, would it not be the bitterest of ironies if Elle Fanning, a more consistently subdued actress than her sister Dakota, managed to secure an Oscar nod before her sis. Like I said, I don't think it would happen, but it would be amusing nonetheless.

Release Date:

• March 6, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

An interesting look at a little girl's struggle to control her disease.

• Full Review: Phoebe in Wonderland

-Wesley Lovell (February 15, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (March 1, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (April 4, 2010) Added Review Link