Oh, sweet Alice. Silly Alice. Your film is…fine.
Honestly, fine. And I mean that in a good way. Similar to Mr. Toad, it’s clearly supposed to be silly and nonsensical and because that’s done so well with kooky characters, harsh lines and bright colors. It can definitely get frustrating with the dialogue that just goes in circle like at the Mad Tea Party but, I mean…that’s just Wonderland.
I think it’s at this point where it’s clearly indicative that there was/is an A-Team and a B-Team in the Animated Features department at the studio. They all have to reach a very high minimum bar, that’s obvious because it’s still a gorgeous film in its own way but, I don’t know if I’d consider Alice as picturesque and fine art-like as I do Cinderella. That’s not to say it’s crude or ugly. It’s just different. And that’s fine! I don’t think it would be nearly as good if it was stylized like Cinderella or even the original illustrations like Sir John Tenniel. Yes, it’s different. Comparatively, yes, it’s less than, but that’s the lane it’s supposed to be in and that’s why it works.
I’d say this is the first time Disney didn’t make something insanely painful to get through after a smash hit. Not to say there wasn’t some stuff I could’ve done without, specifically the story of The Walrus and The Carpenter but, I’m blaming the source material for that one. The ending felt a little unresolved as well. Alice is being chased from the Queen of Hearts and her crew and when it hits the climax, Alice just wakes up. I can’t hate that too much, as it’s no different in real life.
My stance remains unchanged. Alice is fine. It will never be a go to but I enjoyed it for what it is. It’s fine.
