Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland has recently become one of my daughter’s favourite movies. I’m talking the original Alice in Wonderland, the 1951 cartoon movie. It was one of my favorites growing up so it’s really special to enjoy this with her.
This is one of the great Disney classics.
As with any of the AllThingsMomSydney Movie Reviews, this post will look at the plot, positives, scary scenes and age appropriateness.
The plot
If you don’t know Alice in Wonderland you must really investigate. Alice in Wonderland is the story of a day dreaming girl whose world would be so much more exciting than the boring lessons her sister tries to teach her.
The very first song in the movie sets her world out quite nicely.
Cats and rabbits
Would reside in fancy little houses
And be dressed in shoes and hats and trousers
In a world of my own
All the flowers
Would have very extra-special powers
They would sit and talk to me for hours
When I’m lonely in a world of my own
There’d be new birds
Lots of nice and friendly how-de-do birds
Everyone would have a dozen blue birds
Within that world of my own
I could listen to a babbling brook
And hear a song that I could understand
I keep wishing it could be that way
Because my world would be a wonderland
While thinking about her world she sees a rabbit in a tails run past. Alice sets off in pursuit of him and falls down a tunnel into a strange room with a talking door.
And so begins Alice’s adventure. She meets some interesting characters like the Cheshire Cat and Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum. And who could forget the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.
The positives
As is custom of the era in which this was made there is no bad language or blasphemy which is really refreshing.
There aren’t really many values expounded in the movie, it’s more a story of imagination and determination.
The main story line is easy to follow and there are sub-stories throughout. What I love is the characters, they’re just completely unusual. And the songs, I love the songs!!
The movie itself is so bright and goes at a perfect pace for old pre-schoolers and young school age children.
Scary scenes
There is one sub-story line about the walrus who eats all the little oysters who follow him. It’s not ideal but if you look out for it and expect it at 14 minutes in (just after she meets Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum) you can explain it or avoid it.
There only other scariness is the Queen of Hearts who constantly loses her temper and rages at everyone.
Age appropriateness
My 3 three year old loves this movie but due to the length we do have to watch it in 2 or more sittings. My 5 year old son can watch from beginning to end and is enthralled throughout. Probably because it’s just such a crazy story and you never know what’s going to happen next.
♦
For other AllThingsMomSydney recommended movies, you could try one of the following:
UP!
Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang
The Peanuts Movie