Take a Ride Through the Looking Glass

lookingglass

It’s been six years since Tim Burton’s live-action interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s children’s classic “Alice in Wonderland” and now Alice, the Mad Hatter, and all of their friends have returned for the sequel, “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” At the helm of Alice’s second trip to Underland is director James Bobin, best known in the Disney realm for the two most recent Muppet films. Don’t worry, Tim Burton is still part of the adventure—this time as producer—and his ever-faithful fried Danny Elfman once again provides a compelling score.

Alice (Mia Wasikowska) has not been resting on her laurels following her previous adventures with the Hatter (Johnny Depp). Since her last escapade she has been bucking 19th century stereotypes, battling pirates and the high seas while serving as captain of the Wonder, her father’s ship. Upon her return to London, she is scoffed by the scorned Hamish, Lord of London whose proposal she rejected in “Alice.” As he ridicules her determination to return to the sea, Alice once again flees his presence and the troubles that surround her, returning to Underland.

With imagery heavy on the steampunk motif, Disney plays up the feminist theme present in so many of its recent films. Alice is no princess waiting to be rescued by a handsome prince—or anyone else. One of her friends is in danger and there is never any question she will help. She is not daunted by the impossible. After all, this is the girl who likes to believe six impossible things before breakfast. When the fate of the world (or at least Underland) is in your hands, there is no time to dawdle over whether something is possible or not. One simply plunges forward no matter the peril.

With an emphasis on relationships, including with fun new characters like the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) and Time (Sacha Baron Cohen), the movie maintains a quirkiness like its predecessor. Ultimately, it’s clear you cannot change the past, but you can learn from it.

Many critics have scoffed at the sequel, finding the imagery garish, manic and over-stimulating. However, I find that if one looks past the window dressings, you can still see Lewis Carroll peeking through. Even if you or your child has not seen Alice, the storyline of the sequel can be easily followed. Yes, I enjoyed the movie and so did my son. If nothing else, it is worth the ticket to appreciate Alan Rickman’s final role before his death—as Absolem, who has morphed from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.

Rated PG for some perilous sequences, I think children aged 5 and up will have no problem enjoying the wonders of Underland. Sometimes it is best not to overthink it, and simply enjoy the ride.

 

About Joyce Heid

Baltimore's Child is written by parents like you. Want to contribute? Email us at [email protected].

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