The 4th Annual "D Zombie" Movie Awards - The Best of 2012

**The best for each category is mark with the Dead Head Award:
 

 Followed by the runners-up.

Best Animated Feature:

WRECK-IT RALPH

Frankenweenie

PARANORMAN

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

Best Comedy:

TED 

The Five-Year Engagement

GOON

WANDERLUST

THE DICTATOR

Best Action: 

SKYFALL

DREDD 3D

HAYWIRE

THE EXPENDABLES 2

Best Sci-Fi: 

TOTAL RECALL

PROMETHEUS

LOOPER

CLOUD ATLAS

LOCKOUT

Best Adventure/Superhero: 

THE AVENGERS

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE

JOHN CARTER

Best Drama:

ARGO

THE WORDS

SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD

Best Horror:

  V/H/S

LOVELY MOLLY

JOHN DIES AT THE END

THE DEVIL INSIDE

CABIN IN THE WOODS

Biggest Surprise:

 TOTAL RECALL

THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE

DARK SHADOWS

SAFE

JOHN DIES AT THE END

THE WORDS

Biggest Let Down (No “Dead Head”):

~~UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING

BATTLESHIP

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

Best Score:

ACT OF VALOR (Nathan Furst)

CLOUD ATLAS (Reinhold Heil, Johnny Klimek, Tom Tykwer)

TOTAL RECALL (Harry Gregson-Williams)

BATTLESHIP (Steve Jablonsky)

RESIDENT EVIL: Retribution (tomandandy)

Best Cinematography:

THE AVENGERS (Seamus McGarvey)

TOTAL RECALL (Paul Cameron)

CLOUD ATLAS (John Toll, Frank Griebe)

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Wally Pfister)

PROMETHEUS (Dariusz Wolski)

SKYFALL (Roger Deakins)

GHOSTE RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE (Brandon Trost)

SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD (Tim Orr)

Best Special Effects: 

TOTAL RECALL

PROMETHEUS

THE AVENGERS

CLOUD ATLAS

GHOSTE RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE

Best On-Screen Performance: 

Gretchen Lodge (LOVELY MOLLY)

Doona Bae (CLOUD ATLAS)

Daniel Craig (SKYFALL)

Noomi Rapace (PROMETHEUS)

Ben Whishaw (CLOUD ATLAS)

Michael Fassbender (PROMETHEUS)

Gina Carano (HAYWIRE)

Colin Farrell (TOTAL RECALL)

Jason Segel (THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT)

Bryan Cranston (ARGO)

Bradley Cooper (THE WORDS)

Best Director: 

Ben Affleck (ARGO)

Joss Whedon (THE AVENGERS)

Christopher Nolan (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES)

Len Wiseman (TOTAL RECALL)

Sam Mendes (SKYFALL)

Rian Johnson (LOOPER)

Rich Moore (WRECK-IT RALPH)

MOVIE RANKINGS OF 2012:

*Have not seen THE HOBBIT yet.  I expect that to make the list.

1.        THE AVENGERS  

2.        THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

3.        TOTAL RECALL

4.        SKYFALL

5.        PROMETHEUS

6.        WRECK IT RALPH

7.        ARGO

8.        TED

9.        GHOST RIDER: Spirit of Vengeance

10.    JOHN CARTER           

11.    WRATH OF THE TITANS

12.    LOOPER

13.    V/H/S

14.    LOVELY MOLLY

15.    JOHN DIES AT THE END

16.    THE WORDS

17.    CLOUD ATLAS           

18.    THE DEVIL INSIDE

19.    CABIN IN THE WOODS

20.    LOCKOUT

21.    DREDD 3D

22.    HAYWIRE

23.    FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT

24.    SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D

25.    THE EXPENDABLES 2

26.    FRANKENWEENIE

27.    DARK SHADOWS

28.    THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

29.    GOON

30.    WANDERLUST

31.    ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER

32.    SINISTER

The 3rd Annual "D Zombie" Movie Awards - The Best Movies of 2011

*The best is listed last, proceeded by the first runner-up, second runner-up, so on.

**The winner of the Dead Head is marked by = 



Best Animated Feature:
PUSS IN BOOTS

 KUNG FU PANDA 2 


Best Comedy:
OUR IDIOT BROTHER
HORRIBLE BOSSES

CEDAR RAPIDS 


Best Action/Adventure:
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
COLOMBIANA
CAPTAIN AMERICA
COWBOYS & ALIENS

THOR


Best Drama:
THE DESCENDANTS
THE COMPANY MEN

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO


Best Horror:
THE WOMAN
BLACK DEATH
FRIGHT NIGHT (2012)
THE THING (2012)

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3



Biggest Surprise:
BATTLE: LOS ANGELES
COLOMBIANA
PRIEST
FRIGHT NIGHT (2012)

CEDAR RAPIDS 


Biggest Let Down (No “Dead Head"):
SUPER 8
SUCKER PUNCH
~~CONAN THE BARBARIAN



Best Score:
COWBOYS & ALIENS (Harry Gregson-Williams)
BIUTIFUL (Gustavo Santalallo)
THOR (Patrick Doyle)
BATTLE: LOS ANGELES (Brian Tyler)
BLACK DEATH (Christian Henson)

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (Henry Jackman)





Best Cinematography:
THE RITE (Ben Davis)
THOR (Haris Zambarloukos)
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Ghost Protocol (Robert Elswit)
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (Jeff Cronenweth)

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (John Mathieson)


Best Special Effects:
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL
COWBOYS & ALEINS
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

THOR


Best On-Screen Performance:
Nick Nolte (WARRIOR)
Colin O’Donoghue (THE RITE)
George Clooney (THE DESCENDANTS)
Ben Affleck (THE COMPANY MEN)
Daniel Craig (DREAM HOUSE)
James McAvoy (THE CONSPIRATOR)
John C. Reilley (CEDAR RAPIDS)
Rooney Mara (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO)
Tom Hardy (WARRIOR)
Daniel Craig (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO)

Michael Fassbender (X-MEN: FIRST CLASS)


Best Director:
Matthew Vaughn (X-MEN: FIRST CLASS)
Kenneth Branagh (THOR)

David Fincher (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO)



TOP MOVIES OF 2011:
25.  DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK
24.  THE HANGOVER PART II
23.  THE WOMAN
22.  THE COMPANY MEN
21.  RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
20.  GREEN LANTERN
19.  BLACK DEATH
18.  FRIGHT NIGHT (2012)
17.  BATTLE: LOS ANGELES
16.  OUR IDIOT BROTHER
15.  KILLER ELITE
14.  HORRIBLE BOSSES
13.  CEDAR RAPIDS
12.  THE THING (2012)
11.  PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3
10.  MISSION IMPOSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL
9.    SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS
8.    X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
7.    COLOMBIANA
6.    CAPTAIN AMERICA
5.    PUSS IN BOOTS
4.    KUNG FU PANDA 2
3.    COWBOYS & ALIENS
2.    THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

1.  THOR     

2nd Annual "D Zombie" Awards (Best Movies of 2010)

I have finally completed the list and awards.  It took me so long because I wanted to wait until I saw THE FIGHTER and TRON:LEGACY.  I have now done that.  Better late than never.  So, without further ado, I present the 2nd Annual "D Zombie" Awards.  Enjoy!


*Each movie in each category is based on the specific genre. For example, Best Action refers to the best true action movie, not a cross genre film that encompasses several different genres.  The best is listed last, proceeded by the first runner-up, second runner-up, so on.  The winner of the Dead Head is marked by =  

Best Animated Feature:
DESPICABLE ME
SHREK FOREVER AFTER



TOY STORY 3




Best Comedy:
DUE DATE
DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS




HOT TUB TIME MACHINE


Best Action: 
INCEPTION
THE LOSERS



PREDATORS


Best Drama:
THE FIGHTER
THE SOCIAL NETWORK



BLACK SWAN


Best Horror:
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2
THE LAST EXORCISM



THE WOLFMAN



Biggest Surprise:
THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
FROM PARIS WITH LOVE



THE LAST EXORCISM


Biggest Let Down (No “Dead Head):
IRON MAN 2
COP OUT
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (Remake)


Best Score:
BLACK SWAN (Clint Mansell)
THE WOLFMAN (Danny Elfman)
PREDATORS (John Debney)
CLASH OF THE TITANS (Ramon Djawadi)
INCEPTION (Hans Zimmer)



TRON: LEGACY (Daft Punk)

Best Cinematography:
TRON: LEGACY (Claudio Miranda)
THE WOLFMAN (Shelly Johnson)
PREDATORS (Gyula Pados)
BLACK SWAN (Matthew Libatique)



INCEPTION (Wally Pfister)


Best Special Effects: 
PREDATORS
INCEPTION



 TRON: LEGACY


Best On-Screen Performance: 
Leonardo DiCaprio (SHUTTER ISLAND)
Benicio Del Toro (THE WOLFMAN)
Christian Bale (THE FIGHTER)
Leonardo DiCaprio (INCEPTION)



 Natalie Portman (BLACK SWAN)



Best Director: 
Lee Unkrich (TOY STORY 3)
Ben Affleck (THE TOWN)
David Fincher (THE SOCIAL NETWORK)
Christopher Nolan (INCEPTION)




Darren Arononfsky (BLACK SWAN)



TOP MOVIES OF 2010:
25. THE EXPENDABLES
24.  IRON MAN 2
23.  THE FIGHTER
22.  DUE DATE
21.  DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS
20.  PRINCE OF PERSIA
19.  FROM PARIS WITH LOVE
18.  ALICE IN WONDERLAND
17.  THE A-TEAM
16.  DAYBREAKERS
15.  HOT TUB TIME MACHINE
14.  PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2
13.  THE LAST EXORCISM
12.  THE SOCIAL NETWORK
11.  SHREK FOREVER AFTER
10. TOY STORY 3
9.  EDGE OF DARKNESS
8.  THE TOWN
7.  CLASH OF THE TITANS
6.  TRON: LEGACY
5.  BLACK SWAN
4.  INCEPTION
3.  THE LOSERS
2.  PREDATORS

 1.  THE WOLFMAN

THE ZOMBIE MASH

My Theme for the Year: TIMES OF GRACE "The Forgotten One"

~click post title for a link to the band's website~

TIMES OF GRACE
"The Forgotten One"

Words only lead me to the cracks in my disguise
My flesh a prison for the man behind these eyes
I sing the epitaph for an unnamed king
Carved in this tombstone all the lost pieces of me
How far is the distance between you and I?
How long before this silence dies?

Lost in a sea of sadness
Blind in this place of darkness
If I fall would you be there to raise me up?
Or will I be the forgotten one?

Lead me to the crossroad, I can find my way home
Devils on my back and angels in between
The scars and dreams that made me believe
Wheres the crime scene in remembrance to me
When our eyes meet do you know the man beneath
Walk the line between desperate and redeemed

Lost in a sea of sadness
Blind in this place of darkness
If I fall would you be there to raise me up?
Or will I be the forgotten one?

And my hymns are songs for the broken
(Through every word that was spoken)
(Do I carry hope for the whole place)

Lost in a sea of sadness
Blind in this place of darkness
If I fall would you be there to raise me up?
Or will I be the forgotten one?
 

BOSTON BRUINS update

Things are starting to look bleak after the B's drop three straight, a home-and-home against Detroit, then a tough home loss against the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs.  As if to add insult to the loss, Phil Kessel (the ex-Boston Bruin) was the one who scored two goals, along with Mikhail Grabrovski's two goals, to defeat the slumping B's.

Luckily, the Buffalo Sabres beat the Montreal Canadiens last night so now the Bruins are tied for 1st in the Northeast Division instead of dropping to 2nd place.  They are still in 3rd place in the Eastern conference.  However, they'll need to improve if they want to stay there.  It's clear that the Bruins need a change.  I'm not sure Chris Kelly (Center, acquired from Ottawa for the B's second round draft pick next year) will be enough.  Kelly was picked up immediately following the game last night.  We shall see if he adds anything to the Bruins line-up.  I think there's more work to be done on Peter Chiarelli's (Bruins General Manager) behave.  

TRADE WHEELER!!!!

Thoughts on the Game: BOSTON BRUINS - Game 54 vs. Montreal Canadiens (at TD Garden)

Here's my quick thoughts on the game.

First of all, it was an amazing game.  It provided a vast amount of entertainment value that I'm sure EVERYONE was pleased with. 

I actually attended the previous two Bruins games at the TD Garden.  The first against the Dallas Stars was excellent.  The next vs. the San Jose Sharks was disappointing.  But this game...WOW!  I wish I could have been there.  It was a great one.

Timmy shaved his stache.  He played well with it, but I'm glad to see it go.  The clean shaven look is much better on him.

Caron got called up from the P-Bruins (Providence; AHL Bruins affiliate).  This was his first game back since December 1st.  This was Zach Hamill's second straight game with the B's. 

The first goal was scored by Brad Marchand, with stellar passing from Bergeron and Recchi.  That's easily the B's top line.

The first period had a good, quick pace that picked up with tension and aggression. 

Horton had a tremendous game.  Not only did he get a goal (rare as of late), not only did he get five points (1 goal, 4 assists), but his level of physicality was raised greatly.  He was checking and whipping his body around, including planting P.K. Subban, pummeling him to the ground and taking his stick.  Truly awesome stuff. 

There was a slower pace, and clear lack of energy, out of the first intermission. 

I love Micheal Ryder's move he made on his first goal to beat Carey Price (Bruins fourth goal).  Good pass from Hamill. 

I can't believe Timmy got into a fight.  Not much of a battle but still fun to see.


I love the big scrum and all the fights.  The intensity has certainly returned to this rivalry. 


FINAL SCORE:  BRUINS 8 - Canadiens 6

Top 3 Stars:
1.  Nathan Horton (Bruins - RW): 1 goal, 4 assists
2.  Milan Lucic (Bruins - LW): 2 goals, 1 assist)
3.  Micheal Ryder (Bruins - RW): 2 goals

Thoughts on the Game: BOSTON BRUINS - Game 50 vs. Florida Pathers

Thomas was brilliant again, although he gave up one goal.  It was a good shot though.  He is quite simply the best goalie in the world right now.  And I can't be happier about that.

Bergeron's line was definitely the top line of the evening.  Bergy needs to log twenty minutes of ice time per game.  He is playing at such a high level in every zone of the ice, and in all situations.  He is the B's second best player.  Marchand gets another goal (1st period wrap-around).  He has been a huge surprise all season.  He now has thirteen goals on the year.  If he continues at this rate he'll be a 20-goal scorer by the end of the season.

Lucic scored the Bruins second goal (his 20th of the season; wow!  Looch the goal-scorer.).  It was a wicked shot from the left side of the ice, directly off a Krejci face-off.  Krejci's line also played well.  He had a scare though.  I was worried he got hurt on that hit on the boards in the first period.  Luckily, he came back and other than a few balancing issues, he played fairly well.  That's good to see.  I'd like him to get his goals going though. 

Kampfer is my favorite player to watch (aside from Bergy and Timmy).  He is becoming a very good defenseman in just his first thirty or so games.  He will continue to get better.  I look forward to watching him more and more.  He has been playing well alongside Captain Zdeno Chara.

I like Tomas Vokoun of the Pathers.  I wish he'd be on a better team.  Every time I see him play, he stands out as a top performer.  I'd like him to be on a better team, that would have a chance at the cup-- like the San Jose Sharks. 

That's it until after the All-Star break.  The B's are 28-15-7 (63 points; 3rd in the East).

Top 3 Stars
1.  Brad Marchand (Bruins - RW - 1 goal)
2.  Tim Thomas (Bruins - G - 34, .971 Save Pct.)
3.  Tomas Vokoun (Panthers - G - 33, .943 Save Pct.)

Corrupt World

Everywhere I look I see good, honest men with broken hearts and ignorant, selfish assholes with all the women.  We truly live in a corrupt world. 

Currently Reading: THE RISING by Brain Keene

THE RISING
by Brian Keene

I'm over halfway through this one and sadly I'm a little disappointed.  It's not nearly as enthralling as the last novel of his I read, DARK HALLOW.  And in terms of being a novel about zombies (supposedly-I have a skewed definitions of what I consider them to be) I find it only somewhat interesting.  I feel like since zombies are something I know a lot about, and since I'm such a huge fan of the genre, I feel like there needs to be something more to impress me with. 

In addition to that, the story takes place from the perspective of several different characters simultaneously.  I'm sure ultimately they come together in the end, but honestly this is one of the aspects that I least admire about the book thus far.

It is a good book, however.  It's well written and has a fairly interesting plot.  It just doesn't feel unique or fresh.  The zombie genre has been so played out it's really going to take a lot to stand out.  I'll just be patient and hope there's a kick-ass ending. 

SUPERMAN vs. PREDATOR

SUPERMAN vs. PREDATOR
written by: David Michelinie
art (pencils) by: Alex Maleev


I know this may sound ridiculous, but it's actually very good.  The plot is understandable and makes sense in the world of comics.  It's not just Superman fighting a Predator.  There's depth to this story, like most of what's written by David Michelinie.  I know him from his great run on INVINCIBLE IRON MAN (volume 1) that he accomplished with Bob Layton (who aside from Adi Granov is my favorite artist to have ever worked on the character).  Probably the most noted work of Michelinie is AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #300, which is the first full appearance of VENOM, which he is accredited as the co-creator (alongside artist Todd McFarlane) of this villainous Spidey-foe.

In this three issue story, a small group of scientists stumble upon an alien space craft in the jungle that belongs to a  Predator.  Superman follows Lois Lane to the site to make sure the craft is safe for studying.  Upon opening the vessel Superman is infected with a virus that hinders all of his abilities and powers.  Superman joins the group as they discover the ship is being used by a morally corrupt, Darwinistic scientist who wants to rid the world of the weak in order to further the progression of the human race.  Superman attempts to stop the scientist while the Predator lurks looking to take back what's his, or destroy every shred of its existence. 

I felt both central characters were appropriately and unbiasedly written.  So if you're a fan of either or both you'll enjoy it.  Maleev's art may not be typical for Superman but it doesn't degraded the book.  There's equal parts of action, drama, suspense, and gore which I really like.

Overall it's a worthy read if you're looking for an unusual comic to read.  It will surprise you!

NHL 2K6: 2006-2007 Season Results and Awards

Stanley Cup Champions:  BOSTON BRUINS

Clarence S. Campbell Trophy (Western Conference Champions):  San Jose Sharks

Prince of Wales Trophy (Easter Conference Champions):  BOSTON BRUINS

Presidents' Trophy (Best overall record - Regular Season):  BOSTON BRUINS

Art Ross Trophy (League Leader - Scoring Points):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Hart Memorial (MVP):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

James Norris Memorial (Best Defenseman):  ZDENO CHARA (BOSTON BRUINS)

Lady Byng Memorial (Best Sportsmanship combined with a high level of play):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Calder Memorial (Rookie of the year):  PAUL ROWE (D/RW-BOSTON BRUINS)

Conn Symthe (MVP-Playoffs):  MARC SAVARD (BOSTON BRUINS)

Vezina (Best Goaltender):  TIM THOMAS (BOSTON BRUINS)

William M. Jennings (Best GAA):  TIM THOMAS (BOSTON BRUINS)

Frank J. Seike (Best defensive forward):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Lester B. Pearson (MVP-as selected by the NHL Players' Association):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Maurice 'Rocket' Richard (Top Goal Scorer):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Jack Adams (Best Coach):  CLAUDE JULIEN (BOSTON BRUINS)

2007-2008 Boston Bruins Key additions
Timo Miller (RW-USA; Drafted 1st overall)
Samuel Berglund (C-Sweden; Drafted 11th overall)
Jason Moss (RW-Canada; aquired via trade with Chicago; drafted 12th overall)
Tommie Flinn (D-Canada; Drafted 26th overall)
DAVID VASSALOTTI (#76 D-USA; aquired via free agency-undrafted)
AL VASSALOTTI (#1 G-USA; aquired via free agency)

Memorable Quote: Samuel Clemens

“The calamity that comes is seldom the one we’d prepared for.”
    —Samuel Clemens

Good and Bad: Comics Inconsistency

I've recently read an issue of INCREDIBLE HULK (issue #606).  It's a fantastic issue with a great story that builds in the "Fall of Hulks" storyline.  It also has tremendous art. 

After reading it though, I couldn't help but wonder why comics are so temperamental.  By that I mean they are wildly inconsistent, being great one issue then miserable the next.  I can't figure this out.  It mainly has to do with the Marvel comics I read (Hulk, Spider-Man, The Avengers).  Why can't there be any consistent quality output. 

When Stan Lee created these characters it seemed like they were all amazing.  That was the "Golden Age" of Marvel.  But now there's so many different storylines and so many different characters that it's hard to keep up with.  On top of that, one of the reasons, if not the main one, is the constant fluctuation of creators.  Marvel is really bad with this.  They are always changing writers and artists.  It really gets annoying. I'll get into a series and it seems to be clicking.  The story is there and the art is wonderful.  Then, the next issue there's a different artist and I am taken aback.  I can't understand. 

Perhaps it's not the company.  Maybe it's the creators themselves.  Maybe they get tired of the same characters and want to move on.  I doubt that.  Many of these writers and artist love these characters and don't grow tired of them easily.  Plus, I'm sure they love the consistent work that working on the same series for an extended period of time would provide.  Take Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley for example.  They worked together on ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN for one hundred and eleven issues.  That's the record for the longest continuous run on a mainstream Marvel superhero comic.  That beat Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's record.  I'm sure that was a pleasure for them to do, and more would do it if they had the chance.

This sporadic upheaval has caused me to grow tired and weary of comics.  I still love them and I will probably always read them (I might even be able to write them), but I can't stick with these major titles when they change so much, so often.  

My favorite on-going series is THE WALKING DEAD created by Robert Kirkman.  He is still the writer going on issue 72.  There have been only two different artists.  It's consistently pleases me.  Now this is a creator-owned series.  That means Kirkman owns it and IMAGE publishes and distributes it.  That tells me something--Kirkman wants to keep writing it.  He loves to do so.  He likes the series.  He doesn't want it to change so dramatically in terms of whose writing it.  I feel more writers and artists would do so, given the chance. 

Movie Review: ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)
Directed by: Tim Burton
Written by: Linda Wolverton
Based on the books by Lewis Carrol

This movie is one of Tim Burton's best. It's great! It far exceeded my expectations. It's a lot of fun and a great movie-going experience. The story is solid and seems to be an acceptable, supposed 59-year old remake (from Disney's 1951 animated film of the same name). It flows surprisingly well, picking up steam as it unfolds. It's not too convoluted in the fantasy realm to the point of irritation. It's relatively easy to follow, unless you are completely unfamiliar with the characters.

And speaking of the characters--they are stupendous. I found them all to be extremely fascinating and entertaining, drawing upon the classic characters and adding to their dynamism. Mia Wasikowska does surprising well as Alice. Johnny Depp's weirdness might not be my sha-bang but if you're a fan you should love his Mad Hatter. The voice acting is truly superb throughout. Michael Sheen (White Rabbit), Alan Rickman (Blue Catepiler), and Stephen Fry (Chesire Cat) all give admirable performances.

The special effects are very good. I love the incorporation of live-action and CGI. It's not unlike AVATAR in that regard. I found it all to be a noble, and ambitious, effort that really seems to pay off, especially with the big climatic end. I was amazed more than a couple of times.

I had thought that I wasn't a big fan of Tim Burton's, but after seeing this movie I realize he's still an extremely talented director that has one of the most unique visions in hollywood. I am a fan. And, along with BEETLEJUICE and ED WOOD, his interpretation of ALICE IN WONDERLAND is among his best pieces of work.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie quite a bit and I'm glad to see Tim Burton making fun and enjoyable movies. I'd be more than happy to see more.

Overall Rating = 8.9/10.0

out of Five