Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

This is the Alice in Wonderland your goth aunt would recommend—visually spectacular, thematically solid (girl power! reject societal expectations!), but definitely not the cozy Disney classic you remember.

Burton's Wonderland is more 'beautiful nightmare' than 'whimsical dream,' with creepy-gorgeous visuals that are genuinely impressive but can overwhelm younger or more sensitive viewers. The 'off with their heads' joke wears thin by the fifteenth time, and the whole thing has a manic energy that's more exhausting than enchanting for some families.

That said, for kids who can handle the darker tone, there's real value here: Alice's journey from uncertain teen to sword-wielding hero is genuinely empowering, and the message about choosing your own destiny over others' expectations is solid. It's just wrapped in a lot of Tim Burton aesthetic that you either vibe with or you don't.

The TMDB score of 6.6 feels about right—it's fine, visually memorable, but not the masterpiece it wanted to be. Modern kids might find it a bit dated (that 2010 CGI is showing its age), and honestly, it's kind of forgettable despite all the visual fireworks. Worth a watch if your kid is into fantasy and can handle some scares, but don't expect it to become a beloved family favorite.

Age Fit

Best for kids 8-14 who can handle Burton's signature creepy-beautiful aesthetic and aren't too sensitive to fantasy violence. Younger kids who loved the animated version might find this one surprisingly dark.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

Tim Burton's aesthetic brings a darker, moodier tone than traditional family fare—less cozy bedtime story, more gothic fantasy. The emotional core (Alice finding confidence, rejecting an unwanted marriage proposal) is positive, and relationships show loyalty and courage. However, the film's sometimes frantic pacing and Burton's signature macabre style can feel overwhelming rather than nurturing. Models female empowerment and standing up for oneself, but the overall vibe skews more 'beautifully unsettling' than 'warm and fuzzy.'

Imaginative

82

Visually stunning with Burton's signature surreal design—oversized mushrooms, talking flowers, Cheshire Cat's disappearing act, and the Red Queen's proportions. The world-building is rich and encourages wonder about impossible things. Alice's journey of self-discovery and the 'choose your own destiny' theme invite kids to think about their own potential. However, it's more 'watch and marvel' than 'go create your own Wonderland'—the film doesn't actively prompt building or hands-on creative play the way some media does.

Safe

72

PG-rated with fantasy violence (sword fighting with the Jabberwocky, beheadings that are cartoonish but frequent as a running gag with the Red Queen). Some genuinely creepy imagery—the Bandersnatch, transformation sequences, and Burton's gothic aesthetic can be scary for sensitive kids. No sexual content, though there's a forced marriage subplot. The darker tone and jump-scares aren't extreme, but this isn't a 'put it on for any kid' situation—parents should know their child's tolerance for Tim Burton's particular brand of beautiful creepiness.

Enriching

70

Themes of self-discovery, rejecting societal expectations, and believing in yourself ('six impossible things before breakfast') offer meaningful takeaways. Alice's arc from uncertain teen to confident hero is empowering, especially for girls facing pressure to conform. The film touches on identity, courage, and choosing your own path. However, the visual spectacle sometimes overshadows deeper exploration—it's more about the journey than profound insight. Entertaining and visually memorable, with solid character growth, but not deeply thought-provoking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stunning visual imagination—Burton's Wonderland is unforgettable, even if it haunts your dreams a little
Strong message about a young woman rejecting marriage pressure and finding her own path (very 2010, but still resonates)
Encourages believing in impossible things and embracing your unique identity
Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter's Red Queen are entertainingly bonkers
Gateway to discussing standing up for yourself and not letting others define your future

⚠

What to Watch For

The 'off with their heads' gag gets old fast and might worry literal-minded kids (even though it's cartoonish)
Burton's aesthetic is gorgeous but genuinely creepy—Bandersnatch, transformation scenes, and general gothic vibes aren't for everyone
Fantasy battle violence in the climax, including sword fighting and the slaying of the Jabberwocky
Some kids find it visually overwhelming or too dark compared to the animated classic
The pacing can feel frantic—not exactly a cozy family movie night vibe

Conversation Starters

"Alice says she can believe six impossible things before breakfast. What's one impossible thing you'd like to believe in?"
"Why do you think Alice didn't want to marry Hamish? What would you do if someone expected you to do something you didn't want?"
"The Red Queen and White Queen are so different. What makes a good leader?"
"If you could visit Wonderland, which character would you want to meet? Which one would you avoid?"
"Alice had to be brave even when she was scared. When have you had to do something that felt scary?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Alice In Wonderland