Directed by James Bobin, who brings his own unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” the film is written by Linda Woolverton based on characters created by Lewis Carroll and produced by Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd and Tim Burton with John G. Scotti serving as executive producer. “Alice Through the Looking Glass” reunites the all-star cast from the worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. We are also introduced to several new characters: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.
This film is full of life and wonder. You are immediately thrown into Alice’s world of a Captain, and follow her journey back to Wonderland and through time, of course. I was drawn to the multiple themes throughout this movie, from girl power to family is always family to learning to enjoy every second, every minute, every hour.
I loved watching Alice following her heart and pursuing her dreams while living out her late father’s legacy. Alice did not hesitate when she needed to help her dear old friend, the Mad Hatter. It was so neat going deeper into the Hightops family and seeing how the Mad Hatter came to be. Of course Alice learns that while going back in time, you can’t change the past, but you may learn something from it. What a lesson to teach ourselves and our kids! You can’t change the past, but if you think about it and perhaps look at it with a fresh set of eyes, maybe then you can learn the lesson. After all, there is always a lesson to be a learned!
A big bravo to the cast and crew behind this magnificent production. Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter is quite possibly one of my favorite things. Anne Hathaway is elegant and looks as though she is floating on air throughout the film. Last but not least, Sacha Baron Cohen as Time… it was great to see him brought to life on the big screen. Well done Walt Disney Studios, Tim Burton, and cast… well done!
This movie is a family friendly film. It has very minimal “scary” scenes (queens, Mad Hatter, and a fire breathing Jabberwocky). My 4 year-old loved the film and only briefly closed her eyes. As always, you know your kids best – so please advise the PG rating.
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.
