Sunshine Praises

Finding Hidden Rainbows in Everyday Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Media
  • Policies
  • Sunshine State
    • St. Augustine
  • Central Ohio
    • Buckeye Bloggers
  • Praises
  • Giveaways
  • Faith
  • Deafness
    • Sign Language
  • Parenting
    • Cloth Diapers
    • Ohio Cloth Diaper Stores
  • Disney
  • Adoption
    • Timeline
    • Deaf Adoption Advocacy
    • Infertility
    • Wishing for Rainbows
  • Run Happy
You are here: Home / Disney / Disney Movie Praise: Alice Through the Looking Glass

Disney Movie Praise: Alice Through the Looking Glass

May 27, 2016 By Melanie

AliceThroughTheLookingGlass56f985f923ff1
This past Monday night, the kids and I once again were treated to a preview of the newest Disney movie, Alice Through the Looking Glass. Being a sequel, I don’t think I had the same level of excitement that I normally do for a Disney movie and I wasn’t exactly swayed by the trailers. Of course it IS Disney, so I shouldn’t have been surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did.

First off, if you are reading this review and are planning on going to see the movie, take 2 hours, make a fresh batch of popcorn and revisit the first film. Especially if you have younger children that might need some of the back stories and character development. There are a lot of subtle references, especially in the humor that fall short if you don’t have it fresh in your mind.

Once again, Johnny Depp plays the Mad Hatter superbly well. Quirky and bizarre, the Mad Hatter fulfills all your expectations. He is a little more downtrodden than in the first movie but non the less steals the show. I loved how they used his hair color and eye color changes to express the mood of the story. I need to go back and see if they do the same thing in the first movie, I don’t think so, but I can’t remember.

Alice, played by Mia Wasikowska is outstanding. Her character has a huge task to complete in trying to find The Hatter’s family and unlike the first film, she is filled with confidence. She moves easily through the Underland with a noticeable familiarity and without the wonder and surprise you expect of Alice’s character. Clearly her years in reality have changed her. However, her peculiar demeanor and penchant for falling into trouble have not faded. It is a pleasant change for the character who once seemed fearful and flakey, to instead be brave and

A new (and one of the main characters) in the movie is Time, played by Sasha Baron Cohen. Alice has stolen his Chronosphere and is attempting to return to the day of the Jaberwocky to see if she can figure out what happened to The Hatter’s family. Of course messing with time is always a dangerous sport and that is how our story unfolds. Time (the character), like in real life, is a very likable enemy. He is not only trying to literally save time from Alice, he is also trying to prevent the Red Queen (Helena Bonham-Carter) from time traveling, as she desperately wants to go back in time to change her past.

AliceThroughTheLookingGlass573ba043550e1
I don’t want to spoil any parts of the movie but I will say that I always enjoy glimpses into the past that explain someone’s present. I think Alice and the Looking Glass does a fantastic job of weaving the past with the present on the dizzying journey. So much of the first story is explained that character’s that you once despised, you will  now see in a different light. Not that it makes their actions any less horrendous.

This wouldn’t be a decent review if I didn’t at least mention the incredible imagery and direction. The combination of live sets, visual graphics and the live actors creates a beautiful, magical, whimsical land. The colors are vibrant and stunning. There were points in the film when my seven year old daughter would ask, “is that real or fake?” The large heart popping out of the deserted land where Iracebeth was imprisoned is simply remarkable. The imagery of the heart, her large head, the roots that could be veins, the desolation is simply my favorite scene in the entire film.  wish there was a public image that I could share but there isn’t, so this poster will have to do. Beautiful right?

AliceThroughTheLookingGlass56f985ce7c348
Overall, I really enjoyed the movie. I wish I had taken time taken time to really sit down with my kids and watch the first one before we went to the theater. I think they would have enjoyed immensely more and that would be my number one suggestion for anyone planning to see it in the theater.

For parents wondering what ages I would recommend the movie for, I am going out on a limb here and say that I am honestly not sure. It is rated PG. There is some suspenseful content but no killings, no significant sexual innuendo. It is a lot less violent than the first movie. The premise of the movie is definitely on the heavier side and it may not keep the attention of a younger child unless they just really enjoy the visual effects and weirdness of the storyline. If you still aren’t sure, watch the first one and then decide.

My kids are seriously working on their video review skills. Each time I am seeing an improvement, less coaching, more natural reaction. Now I just need to get them into the details. However, I do think their opinions are important so be sure to watch their review videos:

Watch Lu’s (7 years old) video on YouTube!

Watch Eph’s (11 years old) review video on YouTube!

Have you seen it? What did you think?

Like ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS on Facebook.
Follow ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS on Instagram. 
Follow WALT DISNEY STUDIOS on Twitter: 
Visit the official ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS site. 

ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS is now playing in theatres everywhere!

Filed Under: Disney, Disney Pictures, movies, praise, Review, reviews, Uncategorized

Don't Miss a Post!

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up.

sunshinepraises

Chasing hidden rainbows and sprinkling #PixieDust 🧚‍♀️ about:
🤟🏼 #SignLanguage
💙💛#cheermom
🍊🏝#FloridaMom
#DisneyMom
#Adoption
#Newfie

Lulu working on that tuck combo! #islandallstars 💙💛
Happiest of birthdays to our sweet girl! She’s f Happiest of birthdays to our sweet girl! She’s fiercely determined, loves chocolate ice cream and can hit a 3 pointer like no one’s business! She read 6,000 minutes this school year, received the PE award and made safety patrol for next year. 

Happy Birthday 🎉🎈🎁🎂
👀 I spy this kid who came out in his very first 👀 I spy this kid who came out in his very first swim meet to win his heat in the 25m Free (8yo group)! 

First swim team, first meet! So proud of him for doing his best! 
.
.
#deafkidsrock #deafcan #deafswimmer
We’ve also started Summer Swim Club! We have two We’ve also started Summer Swim Club! We have two signing coaches!
My little Z has a new sport! He’s learning track My little Z has a new sport! He’s learning track and field. Video is him running the 100m!
#deafkidscan #deafkidsrock
I’m kitten sittin’ this weekend and had a work I’m kitten sittin’ this weekend and had a work helper. Isn’t she the cutest?? 😝#kittensitten #kittenlove #hernameismeatball 😝
My BFFs and I made some crazy, stunning women! Pe My BFFs and I made some crazy, stunning women! 
Perks of living close to 95 is being a great place for a quick stretch and hug. 

Love these girls so much! #sunshinesisters ☀️
When your mama soul sister goes to Disney and spoi When your mama soul sister goes to Disney and spoils you with goodies!!! And feeds all your passions. #orangebird #squirrels #ILY #LunarNewYear
I am so proud of @islandcheerandtumbling Cheerabil I am so proud of @islandcheerandtumbling Cheerabilites Team Infinity! They are amazing and we had such a great time at @east_coast_championships in Jacksonville yesterday. This comp surely knows how to make their athletes feel special! Thank you ECC for being the best!
Happy 17th to the first one that called me mom! 🎂🎈🎉
Daytona STATE cheer weekend is over. It was a good Daytona STATE cheer weekend is over. It was a good competition but cold!
Little man passed 200 lines this week on his readi Little man passed 200 lines this week on his reading log. Reading at night is exhausting for his ADHD brain but we fight through. I’m so thankful for his TEAM at FSDB who work so hard with him. Deaf kids can read! #deafkidsrock #signlanguage #literacymatters #allthelanguage
When one of your besties is driving through and kn When one of your besties is driving through and knows you are right off the interstate, she plans 30 minutes for a hug and break! Two years is WAY to long to go without a visit! Thank you @southernsun74 for taking the time to love on me! 

See you in February!
My brain woke up at 4:30am - as I laid here, I tho My brain woke up at 4:30am - as I laid here, I thought about all the birthdays with you and all the ones that we have missed since you left us.

I’ve watched a lot of grief from the sidelines the past 6 months. I remember the days of counting Wednesdays then months, then years. And even though it’s been 26 years since we last celebrated your birthday, it feels like last year. 

There was no social media in 1996 but yet your smile and spirit continues to brighten lives. When people remember you, they do it with such love and joy. 

Oh my sweet Jenny - I miss your smile and your sunny outlook. I miss your goodness and light. 

Jenny and I bought these cute matching angels on our Christmas trip to the Galapagos. I haven’t thought of them in many years (I keep them stored away now after years of being in my car), but this morning as I sat in my grief they popped up in my mind. A broken wing, from a tragedy that still brings tears contrasted with the treasured moments of standing in a stall picking sweet matching angels for our Christmas gift to one another. 

Happy Birthday Sunshine ☀️
This kid is so stinking cute! #deafkidsrock #carse This kid is so stinking cute! #deafkidsrock #carselfies
Queen NoName is finally eat from a bowl? How do yo Queen NoName is finally eat from a bowl? How do you ask? Her kitten mousse is sprinkled with Lays Chips. #fedisbest #kittenstoo #bottlefedrescuekitty #sheloveschips
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Beautiful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in