Review of Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)

Directed by James Bobin and based on Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) serves as a sequel to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010). While the film retains the whimsical charm and vivid visuals of its predecessor, it struggles to capture the heart and depth of Carroll’s literary works. With a focus on time travel and family dynamics, the film offers moments of entertainment but ultimately feels weighed down by its convoluted narrative and inconsistent tone. Here’s a closer look at this colorful yet uneven adventure.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska), now a fearless sea captain, returning to London after a daring voyage. Upon her return, Alice discovers a magical looking glass that transports her back to Underland. She reunites with familiar characters, including the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), the White Queen (Anne Hathaway), and the Cheshire Cat (voiced by Stephen Fry).

The plot centers on the Mad Hatter’s personal crisis, as he believes his long-lost family might still be alive. To help him, Alice embarks on a quest to steal the Chronosphere, a magical device that controls time, from Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen). This journey takes her through various points in Underland’s history, uncovering secrets about her friends and foes while grappling with the consequences of altering the past.

Key Highlights

1. Visual Spectacle

One of the film’s undeniable strengths is its visual design. From the vibrant landscapes of Underland to the intricate details of Time’s clockwork lair, the film is a feast for the eyes. The use of CGI creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of Carroll’s imaginative world. Colleen Atwood’s costume design adds another layer of brilliance, with elaborate outfits that reflect the characters’ eccentric personalities.

2. Sacha Baron Cohen’s Performance

Sacha Baron Cohen’s portrayal of Time is a standout aspect of the film. As a blend of antagonist and comedic relief, Time is both entertaining and intriguing. Cohen’s exaggerated mannerisms and witty dialogue bring a unique energy to the character, making him one of the more memorable additions to the cast.

3. Themes of Family and Forgiveness

At its core, Alice Through the Looking Glass explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the passage of time. The Mad Hatter’s longing for his family adds emotional weight to the story, while Alice’s interactions with Time highlight the importance of cherishing the present. These themes resonate on a universal level, even if their execution sometimes feels heavy-handed.

Areas for Improvement

1. Convoluted Narrative

The film’s reliance on time travel as a central plot device creates a convoluted and occasionally confusing storyline. While the concept of revisiting Underland’s history is intriguing, the execution lacks coherence, with plot holes and inconsistencies that undermine the narrative’s impact.

2. Underdeveloped Characters

Despite its ensemble cast, the film struggles to give its characters meaningful arcs. The White Queen and the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) have a subplot that delves into their sibling rivalry, but it feels rushed and underexplored. Similarly, Alice’s personal growth is overshadowed by the film’s focus on spectacle and action.

3. Overreliance on CGI

While the visuals are stunning, the film’s heavy use of CGI occasionally detracts from its emotional resonance. The artificiality of certain scenes can make it difficult for viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story, highlighting the lack of practical effects and grounded storytelling.

Cinematic Craftsmanship

Danny Elfman’s score is a highlight, capturing the whimsical and fantastical tone of the film. The music complements the visual splendor, enhancing the sense of wonder and adventure. However, the pacing of the film feels uneven, with a rushed third act that leaves little room for emotional resolution.

Themes and Subtext

Beyond its surface-level adventure, the film touches on deeper themes of identity, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s actions. Alice’s journey reflects her struggle to balance her adventurous spirit with societal expectations, while Time’s character serves as a metaphor for the inevitability of change and loss. These themes add depth to the narrative, even if they are not fully realized.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Alice Through the Looking Glass received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some praised its visual effects and performances, others criticized its lack of narrative depth and emotional engagement. With an IMDb rating of 6.2, the film falls short of the acclaim garnered by its predecessor.

Despite its shortcomings, the film’s vibrant visuals and imaginative world have earned it a modest fanbase. It serves as a reminder of the challenges of adapting beloved literary works, particularly those as iconic as Lewis Carroll’s.

Conclusion

Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) is a visually stunning but narratively flawed sequel that struggles to capture the magic of its source material. While it offers moments of charm and entertainment, it ultimately feels weighed down by its convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. For fans of the franchise, it’s a colorful return to Underland, but for others, it may feel like an opportunity missed. As a standalone film, it’s an enjoyable diversion, but as a sequel, it falls short of expectations.