Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
Synopsis:
Alice Kingsleigh finds herself returning to the magical realm of Underland, where she embarks on a new adventure to save her dear friend, the Mad Hatter. In this fantastical journey, Alice encounters familiar faces including the White Queen and the Red Queen, while also meeting Time himself, a peculiar new character. As she navigates through this whimsical world filled with talking creatures like the Cheshire Cat and Absolem the Caterpillar, along with the quirky twins Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Alice must race against the clock to help the Mad Hatter in his time of need. This family-friendly fantasy adventure combines elements of wonder and imagination as Alice discovers that saving her friend will require courage, determination, and perhaps a little madness along the way.
Where To Watch: Alice Through the Looking Glass
Parental Feedback
Alice Through the Looking Glass offers a fast-paced fantasy adventure that blends whimsical visuals with emotional themes about friendship, time, and family relationships. Parents should expect a story that moves quickly through fantastical settings while exploring deeper concepts like loss, regret, and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. The film balances lighthearted humor and colorful characters with more intense emotional beats that may resonate differently depending on a child's age and sensitivity to themes of mental health and familial conflict.
Why Kids Should Watch Alice Through the Looking Glass
This fantasy adventure offers several elements that can engage and inspire young viewers.
The film showcases a strong female protagonist in Alice Kingsleigh who demonstrates courage and determination as she embarks on a mission to save her friend. Her resourcefulness and loyalty provide a positive example of standing by those you care about even when facing seemingly impossible challenges.
The imaginative world of Underland presents stunning visual creativity that can spark children's imaginations and encourage them to think beyond conventional boundaries. The fantastical characters and settings offer a rich tapestry of wonder that celebrates creativity and the power of believing in the impossible.
Themes of friendship and compassion run throughout the story, particularly in Alice's dedication to helping the Mad Hatter during his time of need. These elements reinforce the importance of empathy and being there for friends during difficult times.
The adventure format provides opportunities for families to discuss concepts like the passage of time, the value of memories, and how our past experiences shape who we become. These deeper themes can open meaningful conversations between parents and children.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Alice Through the Looking Glass
Parents may want to consider several aspects before viewing with younger or more sensitive children.
The film deals with themes of family separation and loss that could be emotionally intense for some children. The Mad Hatter's distress over his family and the exploration of past traumas may be confusing or upsetting for younger viewers who aren't ready to process such complex emotional content.
Some of the fantasy sequences and character designs, particularly involving Time as a character and the Red Queen's temperament, may be visually or thematically intense. The fast-paced action and occasional perilous situations could overwhelm children who are sensitive to tension or conflict.
The complexity of the time-travel plot and its consequences may be difficult for younger children to follow, potentially leading to confusion rather than engagement. The abstract concepts about changing the past and accepting what cannot be changed require a level of cognitive development that very young viewers may not yet possess.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Alice Through the Looking Glass earns approval for families with children ready for fantasy adventure that combines imaginative visuals with meaningful themes about friendship, time, and acceptance, though parents should gauge their child's readiness for emotional complexity and fast-paced storytelling.
What Parents Should Know About Alice Through the Looking Glass
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Alice demonstrates loyalty, bravery, and determination in her quest to help a friend in need, showing children the value of standing by those they care about. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the film explores themes of family loss, regret, and the Mad Hatter's emotional distress, which may be intense or confusing for younger or more sensitive children. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters face consequences for their actions, and the story emphasizes that attempting to change the past can have serious repercussions that must be accepted. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the film highlights the importance of friendship, forgiveness, and working together, particularly through Alice's collaborative efforts to help the Mad Hatter and reconcile family conflicts. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the story conveys messages about cherishing time with loved ones, accepting the past, and the importance of being present rather than dwelling on what cannot be changed. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the film's visual creativity and positive messages about friendship and loyalty, though opinions vary on its suitability for different age groups. Many families find the fantasy adventure engaging and enjoy the return to the whimsical world of Underland with its colorful characters and imaginative settings. However, some parents note that the emotional themes involving family separation and loss may be more appropriate for older children who can better process complex feelings. The PG rating reflects content that requires parental guidance, and most feedback suggests that children who enjoyed the previous adventure will find entertainment here, though the deeper emotional elements and time-travel concepts may resonate more strongly with tweens and teens than with very young viewers. Overall, families who appreciate fantasy adventures with heart tend to find value in watching together and discussing the themes afterward.
Official Alice Through the Looking Glass Trailer
Why Kids Love Alice Through the Looking Glass
Alice races through Underland's bright, colorful landscapes on a wild mission to save the Mad Hatter, dodging danger at every turn. The fast-paced action keeps things exciting as she faces off against Time himself, a peculiar character who controls every ticking second in this fantastical world.
Funny characters pop up everywhere, from the grinning Cheshire Cat who appears and disappears in impossible ways to the bickering Tweedledee and Tweedledum who stumble through scenes. The Red Queen and White Queen add their own brand of silly chaos, while the Mad Hatter's unpredictable antics keep everyone guessing what happens next.
Alice proves she's a smart problem-solver and brave hero as she puzzles out how to fix an impossible situation and help someone desperately in need. She teams up with her animal friends from Underland, working together to outsmart Time and save the day before it's too late.
The movie celebrates being unique and thinking differently, showing how one determined person can make all the difference. Alice becomes the hero by refusing to give up, using her cleverness to navigate a world where nothing follows normal rules and every corner holds a new surprise.