Wasikowska once again commands the screen as the headstrong and independent Alice Kingsleigh, who in the time since Wonderland has explored the world as a sea captain. It’s Alice’s knack for adventure that sees her set off to save the life of her friend, Tarrant Hightop (Johnny Depp), better known as The Mad Hatter, and it’s a very quick and kinetic journey given the central theme of time travel. The friendship between Alice and the Hatter has not strayed, and it’s terrific to see Wasikowska and Depp back together on screen.

Helena Bonham Carter is also back as the vindictive Iracebeth of Crims aka the Red Queen, who still has it out for Alice, while Anne Hathaway returns as her waifish sister, Mirana of Marmoreal aka the White Queen, who seeks to atone for her past, and make amends with her sister. Stephen Fry’s Cheshire, Michael Sheen’s Nivens McTwisp, Matt Lucas’ Tweedledum and Tweedledee, and Alan Rickman as Absolem, are also all present and accounted for, and unsurprisingly on point.

However, it is Sacha Baron Cohen as Time who really steals the show. Thoroughly bizarre, Cohen portrays Time as very out of touch with the populace of Underland, having spent all of eternity within his great citadel. Given how weird the rest of the characters are, it’s amazing that Cohen even manages to make Time come across as kooky as he does.

Like its predecessor, Through the Looking Glass is set in the fantastical world of Underland, and director James Bobin has followed in the footsteps of director and now producer Tim Burton with a batch of colourful characters and exotic landscapes. It’s easy for one to get lost in the strangeness of this fairytale world, and whether you’re old or young, you’ll find yourself amazed at its stunning visuals.

Alice Through the Looking Glass is a worthy sequel and carries the same spirit and magic of Wonderland. It’s use of time travel as a plot device also opens up its beloved characters to further exploration, and we get to enjoy some terrific moments. So buy a ticket and step into a world of madness one more time.

Image source: Walt Disney Pictures.

The post ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ – Review appeared first on SpicyPulp.

Set in a crumbling mansion in a largely rural and mountainous region of northern England in the 19th century, young author Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) discovers that her charming new husband Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) is not who he appears to be.

Here’s five reasons to watch del Toro’s latest offering:

5. Ghoulish Ghosts

While Crimson Peak may be grounded in the genre of gothic romance, it certainly doesn’t skimp on the scares, and there are plenty of ghostly moments that will send a shiver down the spines of audience members. Not long after its opening frame we are introduced to Guillermo’s benevolent spirits who have much to contribute to the evolving drama of Crimson Peak. Del Toro is clever in how he uses them to the film’s advantage, and combined with crisp, eerie sound design, the hauntings of Crimson Peak are disturbingly real.

4. Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain: The Darkest of Siblings

Crimson Peak is a phenomenal movie to behold, thanks in large part to the casting of Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain as the menacing Sharpe siblings. Both performers excel in their respective roles, with Hiddleston owning the screen as the dapper and mysterious Sir Thomas Sharpe, while Chastain brings a venomous menace as his horrific sister Lady Lucille Sharpe. Hiddleston and Chastain are totally in command of their twisted and enigmatic characters, and the subtlety in which they reveal every character trait makes for a compelling watch. When all is finally revealed, a twisted sense of shock will come over audiences, and it’s all thanks to the stellar performances from these incredible thespians.

3. Allerdale Hall: A Living Creature

While ghosts may lurk through its dark, haunted halls, the manor house of Allerdale Hall is without a doubt the creepiest character of all. This grand manor home is a living, breathing creature that howls in the dark, and whose rotting walls and hallways are filled with secrets that refuse to remain buried. The construction and attention to detail within Allerdale Hall is incredible, and del Toro and his skilled artisans have crafted a remarkable set. With shadows at every turn, it’s a place where one would be advised not to get lost.

2. Mia Wasikowska: From Ingénue to Heroine

At the centre of Crimson Peak is the brilliant Mia Wasikowska who gives a compelling performance as the film’s heroine Edith Cushing. Designed as a thoroughly modern heroine in a bygone era, Edith is a determined novelist whose interests in ghosts and the macabre becomes all too real when she falls for Sir Thomas, and accepts his proposal. Wasikowska is so natural and involved as Edith that she loses herself within the part, and her journey from a slightly lovelorn ingénue to a feisty survivor, who is determined to end the horrors at the heart of Allerdale Hall, is an inspired cinematic journey.

1. A Love Letter from Guillermo Del Toro

Above all else, Crimson Peak is a love letter to the genre of gothic romance from its director, the brilliantly creative and passionate Guillermo del Toro. Not only has he created a rich and layered film experience that audiences will lose themselves in, but del Toro has once again demonstrated his passion and flair for detail with every frame. Filling every scene with beautiful crisp colours and haunted architecture that feels aged, del Toro has also taken incredible care with every aspect of the story, which ultimately heightens the struggle of Edith Cushing. Crimson Peak is a touching love letter to the beautiful scares and intense drama of Grand Guignol horror, and del Toro has once again crafted a piece of cinema that will stick with audiences.

Image source: Paramount Films.

The post Five Reasons To Watch ‘Crimson Peak’ appeared first on SpicyPulp.

Set in Crumbia, in a crumbling mansion in a largely rural and mountainous region of northern England in the 19th century, young author Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) discovers that her charming new husband Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) is not who he appears to be.

The new trailer is alarmingly creepy and forboding with signs of horror around every corner. Get set for a thousand jump scares, and be ready to sleep with the lights on after Crimson Peak is released in cinemas on October 15.

The post Get Ready For The Terror Of Crimson Peak appeared first on SpicyPulp.