Unlike the 1951 animated movie, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) is an adventure seeking, unconventional teenager. While she doesn’t remember her fall down the rabbit hole, the teen constantly dreams of the journey. However, after spotting the White Rabbit, Alice falls again, finding herself immersed in Wonderland once more. Things have changed since her last visit, and it is up to Alice to take this kooky land out of misery and darkness.

While the original Disney film captures Alice’s curious and chatty personality, her friends appear crazy, but vastly subdued. Through Tim Burton’s retelling, the insanity and complexity of the Wonderland characters are revealed.

Johnny Depp, whose talents have been seen in the Pirates of the Caribbean films as well as Edward Scissorhands, brings the lunacy of the Mad Hatter to life. Whether it’s his changing eye color, or the arrival of his eerie, Scottish accent, Depp portrays a Hatter whose multiple personalities are out of control.

As for the White Queen, Anne Hathaway does well at portraying the delicacy and kindness of Royalty, but adds a slightly scheming side, as well. The additional touch shows that no one in Wonderland is untouched by its dark and peculiar surroundings.

However, the Red Queen does diverge from the book. In Carroll’s version, the Red Queen never claims her victims’ heads: she only threatens to. Burton’s Red Queen (Helena Bonham-Carter) has a darker side, and her insecurities over her large head are transformed into her literal taking of others. While it is a twist on the original character, it highlights a different level of insanity- the kind that comes from one’s own insecurities.

As for the CGI Blue Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat their disappearing qualities have never appeared more lifelike.  In-fact, the graphics and 3D technology add the perfect, last touch; particularly in the scenery. From the oddly shaped trees and buildings to the overgrown mushrooms, Wonderland is transformed into a dreary, un-kept, and.  .  . well, mad place!

Those who enjoyed the books will love Burton’s new film. While it doesn’t retell the plot word for word, the characters’ insanities and the 3D and CGI effects touch on the dark side of Lewis Carroll’s beloved story.