… a tone-deaf mishmash that pays facile lip service to the iconic creatures from Lewis Carroll’s magical underworld but operates under the assumption that being strange and surreal is enough. The story is a chore …USA Today says:
… For an hour or so, simple pleasures suffice, such as matching old characters to new and faces to names (Tim Curry, Colm Meaney, Harry Dean Stanton and Matt Frewer among them). And some of the literary translations are clever, led by Wonderland's adoption of flamingo-shaped flying scooters. But Alice soon bogs down in Willing's superimposed plot, with its shifting motives and dreary lectures. And while there are times Alice fends (or punches) for herself, too often Scorsone succumbs to a drab weepiness. …The Washington Post says:
… in one of the last scenes, the new Alice picks up a copy of one of Carroll's books -- and then quickly puts it down again. Putting it down quickly, however, is a preferable alternative to spending four hours at the same joyless task.The Boston Herald says:
… an odd, enchanting and surprisingly romantic retelling … Viewers who can set aside their preconceptions may find they’ll enjoy this trip down the rabbit hole.The Chicago Sun-Times says:
… charming, but not perfect. The pacing dragged in some parts, and although this Alice is unmistakably empowered, she asked a lot fewer questions than I would. Like: Does the President know about Wonderland? And are there any bathrooms? …The Hollywood Reporter says:
… There's plenty of fantasy (flying mechanical flamingos) and horror (a roomful of eyes), but there's also too much running around without sweating and lines like "spin another roulette wheel and it'll be your last." What ultimately sinks "Alice" is that it is too normal. Carroll's nonsense, anarchy and druggy weirdness always turned the tale into a fevered dream. Here, Alice disappears instead into a tired missing-father subplot. …Variety says:
… Willing has reshaped Wonderland into a kind of swinging psychedelic '60s, but it's all set design in search of a purpose. Despite a few surreal kicks, this headlong trip through the looking glass brews a rather weak tea party. …9 p.m. Sunday & Monday. Syfy.