Preview: Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Synopsis:

Tim Burton brings Alice and her adventures in Wonderland back to the big screen with his unmistakable style and darkness.

• Poster: D+

Review:

This movie is titled Alice in Wonderland, not Johnny Depp Hogs the Spotlight. This poster just highlights one of my many frustrations with Tim Burton of late. Depp must be in everything even if he's wrong for the part.

• Trailer: B-; C

Review:

The only thing holding my interest about this film is that it looks amazing. And I'm not talking about the story, which looks like it's been butchered to give Johnny Depp more screentime. I'm talking about the visuals. The overall look of the film is terrific, which is exactly what I expected as this world seems perfect for a visual stylist like Burton.

Now that I know what the film's about, then Johnny Depp's presence is explained, but that doesn't make for an effective film. I saw this trailer first in 3D, the medium in which it will make most of its money. However, it's hardly impressive in that format as most of the gimmicks and tricks that made something like Monsters vs Aliens so cliche is present here. I'd say it's entirely style with minimal substance.

Oscar Prospects:

I am fairly certain this will earn nods for Art Direction, Costume Design and Makeup. It could also contend for Original Score, Cinematography, Sound, Sound Editing and Visual Effects.

Release Date:

• March 5, 2010

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (July 26, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (December 20, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (March 14, 2010) New Poster