Land night David and I were fortunate enough to attend an early screening of the new Tim Burton film Alice In Wonderland at the El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, CA. Needless to say, I was absolutely THRILLED that we were able to get this sneak peek at this highly-anticipated film:
I am also thrilled to pass along the news that I LOVED the film totally and entirely. Because the film doesn’t open until Friday, I’ll keep my marginally spoilery review behind the cut. So, if you want to read my thoughts on the film and see some of the fun pics I snapped last night you can do so after the jump …
The on thing that I think has not been made expressly clear in all the promo materials for the film is that this Alice is a sequel of sorts to the animated Disney film Alice In Wonderland that was released in 1951. This tale is a return to Wonderland where Alice is all grown-up and she must fulfill her destiny to save Underland (the real name of the land she erroneously calls Wonderland the first time she visits as a child … which is true to the original Alice books written by Lewis Carroll). This story is a a more grown-up tale … it’s a bit darker and not quite as whimsical. That being said, the film is a true work of art to see. The 3D animation is superb … I mean, really fantastic. Crisp, clear and absolutely believable … it’s like you are inside a moving storybook. The acting performances were just amazing … I have to give it up to Helena Bonham Carter as Red Queen. She was over-the-top fab in this role and kinda steals the show. I love the way Burton plays with proportion (in terms of character size and setting) in this film … you’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it for yourselves. I am so happy that Alice In Wonderland turned out so well … I had really high hopes the film would be good … I’m really contended it exceeded my expectations. I really think people are going to love this film because I surely did. I cannot wait to see it again :)
Here are some of the pics I snapped last night:
We stopped for an impromptu tea party (er, with floats and shakes, that is) at the Disney Soda Fountain which is right next to the El Capitan Theatre. The whole night was just a lot of fun!
So … yeah … Alice is awesome!! Go see it :) As for me, I’m keepin’ things quiet tonight. I’ve go some boring stuff to take care of around the house. Happy Hump Day, y’all!
Eeeek it comes out here today in NZ and i CANT wait!!
OMG!! cant wait to see it now!!
YES!!!! I am so excited to see it now. How was the white queen?? Did Anne do a good job?? I am happy it isn’t just a remake!
@Mr. Gyllenhaal — Er … I love Anne, I do, but well … her White Queen is a bit silly. It’s ok, tho, she’s not in it very long ;)
oh man..when i say Underland – i thought you were giving it a bad review and i was like ‘NOOOOOO’ and my heart was starting to break lol
@nicole — They really should’ve named the film ‘Alice In Underland’, especially since it is not the same ‘Alice In Wonderland’ story.
I’m glad that you liked it Trent…can’t wait to see it this weekend!
Trent,
Yes, the animated Alice opened more than 30 years ago. WAY MORE. Try 1951! It’s almost SIXTY years old ;)
I’m glad to hear that it was good. I’m glad to hear that this movie is as good as the trailer presents it to be. I just hate having high expectations for a movie and end up being disappointed after I watch it . I will take your word for it :) Can’t wait to see it Friday! I just love how Johnny Depp can pull off pretty much any character. Love him as an actor and he’s good loooking ;)
Ugh..I can’t wait!! I think I’m going to drag my son to see it this weekend..I have plans to see it NEXT weekend with some of my friends but I don’t want to wait that long!!
The one thing that I think has not been made expressly clear in all the promo materials for the film is that this Alice is a sequel of sorts to the animated Disney film Alice In Wonderland that was released in 1951. I did not know that …. thank you!!! I haven’t seen the original since I was a kid so I need to catch up. I’m sure I’ve forgotten a lot.
@KatieFeldmom — Yes, if you can I’d suggest watching the original Disney animated film as a precursor ;)
I thought Alice was supposed to be pretty? Hmpft.
TRENT, how was my Johnny in the film? Was this another Charlie and the Chocolate Factory disaster for his method acting? Or did he pull through and leave a mark of his own on the character? I tried to forget his rendition as Willy Wonka as quickly as possible despite my love for Mr. Depp.
I was just told yesterday that Alice in Wonderland is coming out on DVD in a few weeks which is why several theatres are boycotting it. I guess they are trying something new?
I agree, it should have been promoted as a sequel since Alice is “returning” to wonderland. Will watch this this afternoon! YAY! How did the tea party go?
Trent, my roommate and I won passes to a preview screening in Edmonton tonight and we both loved it too!
I can’t wait to see it!! So glad its getting good reviews so far, I’m making all my friends go see it with me for my 22nd birthday!
My daughter is going to see it this weekend. I’m wondering if it is scary for kids under 10? She is 9 and is really looking forward to it.
@Kristin — I think the movie is OK for 8 year olds and older. She should be fine :)
I am so excited for this movie. My husband and I went and bought tickets for Saturday’s 9:30 showing at The Henry Ford Museum’s IMAX theater.
We’re seeing it Sunday but I’ve heard that the 3D is actually not that good-whats up with that?
I’m so jealous ):
I have to wait awhile to see it because the people I’m going with can’t go for a few weeks and The closest 3D Imax theater is 2 hours away and I refuse to drive. I’m gonna go pout now