Alice in Wonderland

So, as mentioned before ... Elizabeth and I went and saw Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland on opening night at the Odeon at Hyde Park, and I have to say that I truly enjoyed it. I even think that it could be completely tolerable for all of those Tim Burton haters (aka people who will never make sense to me) out there (you know who you are).

The plot is familiar and nothing really special ... as should be expected in a sudo-remake. But the visual effects are just brilliant.

It goes without question that the costumes were absolutely, without a doubt, beautiful beyond belief. I immediately fell in love with the aesthetic of it all.

Be warned (as I was not) that this is more like a sequel to Alice in Wonderland, rather than a remaking. I’m glad that they made a point of The Red Queen’s ridiculously large head, and it was a plot point rather than just some strange visual oddity (which it also was). I loved Anne Hathaway as the completely air-headed White Queen, because I’m pretty sure I never once saw her hand by her side. Note: the poster shown to the right.

Johnny Depp’s accent kept changing ... that was my only main bothersome thing. I’m fairly certain it was intensional because the switches were incredibly transparent, but I would have liked a more concrete reason for the changes. One minute he had a British lisp and the next he had a deep Scottish growl.

And, this doesn’t give anything away, interwebs, but there is a line in the beginning where a point is made of Alice’s age that goes something like: “You’re almost 20, Alice. That face won’t last forever.” ... I am turning 22 this year. This is not ok. Silly cinema, tricks are for kids.

I’d suggest it, if only for the visual genius.

And I want that cat.

-E

Come out of the cupboard, all you boys and girls!

Woohoo!

Today ends my first international trip while living in the wonderful world that is Dublin!

Jaime and I basically flew in to London for a long weekend to kick-off our Spring Break, and I stayed with Elizabeth at her flat in Elephant & Castle (lovingly dubbed the Harlem of England).

I think I really lucked out with having already been to London earlier this year, because I didn’t feel rushed to do anything/see anything, so I was just really free to take my time and wander about. Of course, we did Westminster Abbey (one of my favs!) and St. Paul’s -- which is absolutely stunning. The last time I was there, I didn’t climb up to the top, so on Thursday, Elizabeth and I decided to brave it. And let me tell you, interwebs, I do not deal well with tiny, enclosed spaces + heights + ladder-esque iron stairs. BUT it was absolutely worth it. The few of the city was just breath taking, probably better than what you can get on the Eye. I’m pretty sure we would have stayed up there forever if allowed.

And then, interwebs, I had a first in my life ... we went to a warehouse-esque club down under the tunnels, and, while not my scene in the least, I had a major blast! It was great just dancing and listening to the DJ/band (though the DJ showed the band up time and time again) and hanging out around a totally different culture.

Friday we sort of wandered around the Hyde Park and just hung out, which was both relaxing and a lot of fun. Got to see the man of the hour -- my bffbesty Peter Pan! I don’t care how small/unimpressive he seems in comparison to the hype -- I think I will always love him.

We ended the night but going to see Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland 3D since it was opening night and it just seemed fitting. That will get it’s own post because it needs it’s own space to just be.

Then today, meaning Saturday, we went and did the best shopping. No one can knock the markets in London. I mean no one. As much as I love Portobello Road, after today, I’m pretty sure that the Camden Stable Markets take the cake (picture the bonding scene between Amanda Bynes and Collin Firth in What A Girl Wants).

Interwebs, you should use your Google powers and explore the store Cyberdog, because it is probably the most miraculous/amazeballz thing that I have ever experienced. EVER. It had enough black-lights to power all of Brooklyn’s raves. I bought skull key-rings. Nuff said.

Then the time to take my leave eventually arrived, and I found myself bonding with a woman named Colette on my flight. Lovely woman, really. Born and raised in West London, just split from her manfriend of 5 years. She was a doll, actually, taking her first holiday since the split to clear her head. I hope she has a great time, because she really seemed to need it.

And now, alas, I am home. In my flat. Alone.

Jaime is still in London, then off to Paris. Emma is back in Chicago, recovering from mono. And Nick doesn’t fly in until tomorrow night. I guess this means I can have my own NSYNC dance party without shame? I think so.

Bye, bye, bye!

-E

Lies Susanne Told Me Number 47: “You can take a bus from the airport to city centre at any time for only E6.”