Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016), directed by James Bobin, is a visually spectacular and fantastical journey into Lewis Carroll’s imaginative world. A sequel to Tim Burton’s 2010 Alice in Wonderland, the film sees Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) returning to the magical world of Underland to save her friend, the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), who is suffering from a mysterious illness. Featuring stunning visual effects, whimsical characters, and a storyline centered on the theme of time, the movie brings back familiar faces while introducing new ones, notably Time himself, played by Sacha Baron Cohen.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, its visuals and performances, its critical reception, and the best streaming services in the U.S. to watch Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Plot Overview
Following the events of the first film, Alice Through the Looking Glass begins with Alice as a sea captain returning from a successful voyage. She soon finds herself pulled back into the fantastical world of Underland after stepping through a magical mirror. Upon her return, Alice learns that the Mad Hatter is in grave danger. Stricken by the loss of his family, the Hatter believes they may still be alive but feels nobody believes him.
In her quest to help him, Alice seeks out Time (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar being who is part human, part clock, and controls all of time in Underland. Alice “borrows” the Chronosphere, a powerful time-travel device, and embarks on a journey through time to change the past and save the Hatter’s family.
Along the way, Alice encounters younger versions of beloved characters, including the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) and the White Queen (Anne Hathaway), and learns important lessons about the inevitability of time, loss, and the importance of family and friendship.
Visual Spectacle and Direction
One of the standout elements of Alice Through the Looking Glass is its stunning visual effects and production design. Underland is a vibrant, surreal world brought to life with eye-popping colors, whimsical creatures, and meticulously crafted settings. From the intricate detail of Time’s clockwork lair to the lush landscapes of the fantasy world, the film is a visual feast that appeals to fans of fantasy and adventure alike.
Director James Bobin takes over from Tim Burton but maintains the stylistic flair established in the first film. The film blends Burton’s Gothic sensibility with Bobin’s playful approach, giving the movie a lighter tone, though it retains its dark, fantastical edge. The visual effects team outdoes themselves in creating an immersive and otherworldly experience, especially with sequences involving time travel and the Chronosphere.
However, while the visuals are undoubtedly a highlight, they sometimes overshadow the narrative, which at times feels thin and overly simplistic, even for a family film.
Performances: A Star-Studded Cast
The cast of Alice Through the Looking Glass is filled with familiar faces from the original film, each bringing their characters to life with enthusiasm and charm.
- Mia Wasikowska reprises her role as Alice, delivering a strong and determined performance. Alice’s character remains courageous and resourceful, and Wasikowska handles the role with grace and conviction.
- Johnny Depp returns as the Mad Hatter, bringing his trademark eccentricity to the character. However, the Hatter’s role in this film is more somber and introspective, as he grapples with the pain of losing his family. Depp’s portrayal adds emotional weight to the film, even if the character’s quirkiness feels a bit toned down compared to the first movie.
- Helena Bonham Carter once again steals the show as the over-the-top Red Queen, whose petulant tantrums and exaggerated facial expressions bring humor to the film. Her character’s backstory is explored further in this installment, adding depth to her motivations.
- Anne Hathaway as the White Queen is as ethereal and graceful as ever, though her role is smaller in this sequel.
- Sacha Baron Cohen is a welcome addition to the cast as Time. His performance strikes a balance between comedic and menacing, adding a fresh dynamic to the film. Cohen’s portrayal of Time, with his eccentric mannerisms and shifting emotions, provides some of the film’s most entertaining moments.
Themes: Time, Family, and Friendship
The central theme of Alice Through the Looking Glass is time—both its power and its limitations. Alice’s quest to change the past serves as a metaphor for learning to accept the passage of time and the fact that some events are beyond one’s control. The film explores the idea that the past, while important, cannot be changed, and that it is important to live in the present and cherish the relationships one has.
Family and friendship are also central themes. Alice’s bond with the Mad Hatter serves as the emotional core of the story, while the sibling rivalry between the Red Queen and the White Queen adds an element of familial conflict.
The film’s message is ultimately one of reconciliation and understanding, as Alice learns the value of empathy and forgiveness in her relationships with others.
Critical Reception
Alice Through the Looking Glass received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many praising its visual spectacle but criticizing its thin plot and lack of depth. The film currently holds a 29% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a more favorable 53% audience score.
Critics noted that while the movie was visually stunning, it lacked the narrative cohesion and emotional depth of its predecessor. Some felt that the film leaned too heavily on its visual effects, failing to develop the characters and story in a meaningful way. Despite the star-studded cast and impressive production design, the film was criticized for being a shallow follow-up to Alice in Wonderland.
However, fans of the first movie and those who enjoy whimsical, family-friendly fantasy films found Alice Through the Looking Glass to be an entertaining and visually impressive experience.
Where to Watch Alice Through the Looking Glass Online in America
If you’re looking to stream or rent Alice Through the Looking Glass, several platforms offer the film in the United States. Here are the best options:
Streaming Services
- Disney+: As a Disney film, Alice Through the Looking Glass is available for streaming on Disney+. Subscribers can watch it as part of their membership, along with other Disney classics and live-action adaptations.
Rental and Purchase Options
For those who prefer to rent or purchase the movie, here are the best platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Alice Through the Looking Glass is available for rent at $3.99 or for purchase at $19.99 on Amazon Prime Video. The film is available in SD, HD, and 4K formats, making it a versatile option for viewers with different streaming preferences.
- Google Play Movies & TV: You can rent the film for $3.99 or purchase it for $19.99. Google Play allows you to stream it on Android devices, Chromecast, and other compatible devices.
- Apple iTunes: Alice Through the Looking Glass can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $19.99 on iTunes, available on all Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
- Vudu: Vudu offers the movie for rental at $3.99 and purchase at $19.99, with support for various resolutions including HD and 4K. Vudu is compatible with most smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
- YouTube Movies: You can rent the film for $3.99 or buy it for $19.99 on YouTube Movies, available to stream across a variety of devices, including mobile phones, smart TVs, and computers.
Conclusion: Should You Watch Alice Through the Looking Glass?
Alice Through the Looking Glass may not reach the heights of its predecessor, but it’s still a visually rich and entertaining journey through a whimsical world. The film’s vibrant special effects, eccentric characters, and the theme of time provide plenty of entertainment for fans of family-friendly fantasy. While the plot may feel underdeveloped, the movie’s emotional moments and strong performances by Terence Stamp, Johnny Depp, and Sacha Baron Cohen make it a worthwhile watch.
Whether you’re a fan of Lewis Carroll’s timeless tales or just looking for an engaging, fantastical film to watch with family, Alice Through the Looking Glass is easily accessible on Disney+ and several major rental platforms.
