Review: ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ is the film equivalent of a filler episode

Posted on June 10, 2016

By MARK VIOLA

Every once in awhile, I’ll come across a movie that isn’t that great, but I still enjoy it probably more than I should and more than the film deserves. That was the case with 2010’s “Alice in Wonderland,” produced by Disney and directed by Tim Burton. And unfortunately, the same can be said about its sequel, “Alice Through the Looking Glass.”

The original film attempted to tell the classic children’s story in a new and different way, introducing us to an adult Alice (Mia Wasikowska), who believes her previous visit to Wonderland was just a dream. “Alice in Wonderland” was about as pure Tim Burton as you’re going to get in a PG movie, filled with strange and sometimes macabre imagery, intriguing characters and strong performances from Wasikowska and Johnny Depp. I particularly enjoyed the character arc given to Alice and Depp’s take on the Mad Hatter.

Unfortunately, the story itself never develops to make use of these trappings, and the film is more an example of missed opportunity than success. I mention this because, despite the first film’s problems, I was looking forward to “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” and seeing where these characters would go next. And once again, I enjoyed it probably more than the film itself deserves, as I liked seeing Alice and Hatter again, even if the story feels weaker than last time.

Burton is serving as producer this time, turning over directing duties to James Bobin (“The Muppets Movie,” “Muppets Most Wanted”), and while this film doesn’t feel quite as odd and strange as the first one, this is still a quality production.

The story itself, however,  doesn’t really do much for the movie. Aside from the Hatter, and only to a point, none of the characters really grow from start to finish like we saw in the first film. Sure the stakes are high for a portion of the third act, but the story never feels terribly important, the film equivalent of a filler episode of a television series.

“Alice in Wonderland” was not a great film, but one I still enjoyed. “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is one I still somewhat enjoyed, but it’s not even a good film, and that’s a big disaapointment.

The film is rated PG for fantasy action/peril and some language.

(This is a abbreviated version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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