Alice Through the Looking Glasswas actually one of the worst fantasy movies of the 2010s, despite being a sequel to Tim Burton’s $1 billion Disney blockbuster film.Tim Burton’sAlice in Wonderlandwas a big box office hitin 2010, andthe director’s usual flair provided a unique reimagining of the well-known Lewis Carroll story.Starring Mia Wasikowska as Alice, the film followed Alice’s return to Wonderland to confront Helena Bonham Carter’s tyrannical Red Queen, and was a fantastical film that combined live-action and CGI.Alice in Wonderlandalso starred Burton’s long-time collaborator, Johnny Depp, as the Mad Hatter.
With an impressive $1 billion box office result, it came as no surprise that a sequel to theDisney live-action remakewas soon announced. However, Tim Burton only returned to the sequel as a producer, with James Bobin directing instead. Released in 2016,Alice Through the Looking Glassfollowed Alice as she returned to Wonderland, traveling back in time to save the Mad Hatter. Unfortunately,Alice Through the Looking Glassbombedat the box office, earning just a fraction of its predecessor’s $1 billion, with many regarding the movie as one of the worst fantasy movies of the 2010s.
Alice Through The Looking Glass Was A Poor Follow-Up To Alice In Wonderland
Alice In Wonderland Released At The Right Time
There are many reasons why 2016’sAlice Through the Looking Glassfailed, but the main one is that it was just a poor follow-up toAlice in Wonderland.Although 2010’s movie was criticized for its messy visual effects and somewhat poor story,Alice in Wonderlandstill managed to pull in one of Disney’s highest box office results.This was mostly down to Tim Burton’s creativity and the fact his name was attached, as viewers were drawn to the film because of the director’s strange and usually goth imagination, and adream expert even praisedAlice in Wonderlandfor its accuracy.
Alice in Wonderlandcapitalized on the growing trend of 3D animation
Alice in Wonderlandfollowed a dreary version of Wonderland, which felt fitting for a 19-year-old Alice. Instead of the contrasted and colorful version that audiences are used to seeing from a child’s imagination, the movie showcased a strange and unsettling world befitting of its adult protagonist. To do this,Alice in Wonderlandcapitalized on the growing trend of 3D animation.James Cameron’sAvatarhad been released one year prior, and soAlice in Wonderlandwas released at the perfect time to explore the novel effects of 3D, with its story making it the perfect sandbox for Burton to play in.
$200,000
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$170,000
$276,928,112
29% Tomatometer
In contrast,Alice Through the Looking Glass’visual effects were definitely lacking, which was likely due to its $30 million lower production budget. While some had negatively reviewed the first movie for the visual effects,Alice Through the Looking Glassreceived an even lower Rotten Tomatoes score - from a 50% Tomatometer down to 29%.Critics disliked the sequel’s “pointless” story, regarding the film as unnecessary, empty, and financially driven, especially as the movie came out six years afterthe original. As a result, the sequel didn’t make anywhere near as much asTim Burton’sAlice in Wonderlandremake’s billion dollars.
Alice Through The Looking Glass Didn’t Come Close To Its Predecessor’s Box Office
Tim Burton’s $1 Billion Legacy Provided An Impossible Challenge
Alice Through the Looking Glassdid not earn anywhere near as much as its predecessor at the box office. In fact,the sequel earned a shocking $748,562,998 less than the first movie at the box office worldwide. Considering there was only a $30 million difference in budget, andAlice Through the Looking Glassstarred the same cast, it’s surprising how big the difference in earnings is between the two movies. There are plenty of possible reasons for this, but a prominent factor has to be thatTim Burton did not directAlice Through the Looking Glass.
Tim Burton’s name is enough to draw a large audience to theaters, and this is evident due to the director’s success. Therefore, the fact that he only operated in a producer capacity for the sequel cannot have helpedAlice Through the Looking Glass’lack of success, as the new director had to somehow top Burton’s $1 billion legacy, andAlice in Wonderland’sRotten Tomatoes score. Unfortunately, the non-Tim-Burton sequel was released too late, with a flimsy story and cheaper production, and soAlice Through the Looking Glassearned a reputation as one of the worst fantasy movies of the 2010s.
