Opened: March 5, 2010

Directed by: Tim Burton

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas, Frances de la Tour, Leo Bill, Michael Sheen, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Barbara Windsor, Timothy Spall, Paul Whitehouse, Michael Gough, Christopher Lee, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Frank Welker, Marton Csokas, Lindsay Duncan, Tim Pigott-Smith, Geraldine James, Eleanor Tomlinson, Eleanor Gecks, Jemma Powell & John Hopkins

A live-action version of Alice in Wonderland that serves as a continuation rather than a remake of the 1951 animated classic, this trip to Wonderland – or Underland as it’s corrected – is dark and dreary.

Now 19-years-old, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) falls down a hole that brings her back to Underland. Suspecting that she’s the wrong Alice, the inhabitants fear as they need a champion for the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) to defeat the Red Queen’s (Helena Bonham Carter) Jabberwocky (Christopher Lee).

Wasikowska is terribly bland as Alice. She lacks a sense of wonder or excitement, and instead plays the role one-note. However, she’s balanced out by the fantastic Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Bonham Carter and Hathaway. Though the Mad Hatter is visibly darker, there’s backstory that builds his character.

Final say: No need to go back to Wonderland. ★★★v☆