I tried on Thursday with a friend to get tickets for the IMAX premier of Alice in Wonderland – the newest masterpiece-candidate by my very favorite duo Tim Burton – Johnny Depp. Needless to say, I didn`t succeed in this desperate quest mere hours before the 00:01 premier.  We managed to get the last 2 free seats in one corner of the hall last evening though.

I must admit I don`t even recall ever reading Lewis Carroll`s 19th century children book “Alice`s Adventures in Wonderland” (if I have I must have been bored to death). Also, I haven`t seen any of the previous film adaptations about the little blond lunatic. I basically know the whole original plot from somewhere, which is somewhat of a mystery to me, but I`m definitely no fan of the franchise. Actually, my closest approach to this crazy story was in American McGee`s Alice which I think will be getting a sequel next year.

Obviously, I just went to see a Burton movie, not caring much for the plot. That`s exactly what I got and although being far from Tim`s best work, it managed to entertain me quite successfully!

This is a “growing up” movie and it basically tells the story of an older Alice who has lost her “muchness” and has to deal with some crazy shit in Wonderland in order to grow up and figure out her life`s goals. To achieve this she goes through a 1000 changes in body size and always manages somehow to get new clothes of the appropriate size. You`re not missing on anything though since Mia Wasikowska seems to be severely lacking in “muchness” south of her neck… I actually liked her performance in Alice`s role overall and she wasn`t the least bit irritating like I thought she would be. Sadly, Depp`s presence this time serves just to attract more viewers. I didn`t find his character likable at all, unlike Jack Sparrow, Sweeney Todd or even Willy Wonka.

What the hell was that with the Michael Jackson dance or the Scottish accent, Johnny?!

Helena Bonham Carter`s portrayal of the Red Queen definitely steals the crown, being by far the best performance. My favorite character was the Cheshire Cat though and I savored every scene with him in it, which brings me to the visual effects. Some people have complained of Tim Burton`s excessive usage of CGI but that was the only way to achieve the movie`s “Burtonish” visual style, which is what I liked most! The film even manages pull off a somewhat epic climax, which is speaking a lot, if you consider that we are talking about armies of cards and chess figures.

Like it or not, the movie`s marketing and Johnny Depp`s star power alone cannot account for the movie`s mind-blowing $41 Million at the Friday Box Office (Avatar got only $27 Mil).

• If you`re a Burton fan and still haven`t seen it shame on you!
• If you are an Alice fan I guess you`ll see it anyway.
• If you just happen to just like big titted teenage girls though I can`t vouch for your satisfaction…