Entertainment

Two nights ago I went and saw the new Alice In Wonderland movie at the IMAX 3D in Sacramento.  While I mostly enjoyed the experience and the movie, I don’t think I’d actually score the movie very well.

In fact, while I’d say it was fun and amusing, I’d also say that that the IMAX was distracting, the acting was only mediocre, and the story was a little dull.

Johnny Depp, who played the mad hatter, was mostly a bore.  His characters of late all remind me of each other, and it would have been much more exciting for me to see Tom Cruise or Morgan Freeman play this role.  At least that would’ve been something new.

Anne Hathaway, who played the White Queen, was by far the worst casting decision in the entire film.  Besides the fact that her makeup looked horrible, her acting was shallow and unbelievable and her character was unlikeable.  Every time she was on screen I cringed.

Helena Bonham Carter, admittedly one of my favorite all-time actresses, did a great job as the queen, though her oversized head was almost too distracting.

The star of the show, Alice (played by Mia Wasikowska), was the single breath of fresh air in the entire film.  Her character, looks, and acting were the main reason I enjoyed this movie.

Overall, I’d say this movie is worth seeing.  Though, if I had it to do over again, I would not have watched it in IMAX 3D.  And if you’d told me I couldn’t see it till it came out on DVD, I don’t think I’d complain.

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Well, if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re one of the few.  Avatar the movie (directed by James Cameron) has already grossed more than any other film in box office history other than Titanic, Cameron’s other most successful movie to date.  At approx 1.7 billion dollars after only 1 month (go here to see current stats), Avatar is on pace to beat Titanic.

I saw it opening night (against my will) and again 2 days later.  I also saw it in IMAX 3D about a week ago.  It is one of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen – despite the fact that the majority of the visual elements in the film were computer generated.  And the creativity involved in this movie (from a visual and world-creation standpoint – characters, creatures, plants, etc.) is spectacular.

Sam Worthington plays the lead male role and performs admirably.  But the star of the show by far (in my opinion) is Zoe Saldana.  Her physical grace and emotional depth come across beautifully even through her CGI blue alien form.  Mention should also be made of the CGI experts that made blue skin not only attractive, but very real.

The only weak point in the film is the story, which follows other similar plots previously explored in Pocahontas and Fern Gully.  In my opinion, the story is told well enough with good enough special effects and acting that the unoriginal plot line doesn’t bother me.  In fact, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

In short, if you haven’t seen this film, I suggest you do.

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