ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)  Movie Review

The 2010 release of Disney’s extreme popular Alice in Wonderland has become the sequel the 1951 animated smash hit by the same name. The public loves the story of Alice. In fact there has been dozens of film versions of Lewis Carroll’s classic novels of Alice. He wrote two: Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. His novels have been incredibly successful. It makes you wonder: why are they so popular?

Could it be that the stories of Alice strike a chord of hope and belief, that all of us can relate to? In the current Disney release Alice exclaims, “This is impossible.” To which the Mad Hatter replies, “Only if you believe it is.” She then tells him, “Sometimes, I believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

This same idea of hope and belief can be found in the Bible: “…whoever believes on him…shall have eternal life” (John 3:16). The impossible, eternal life, becomes possible.

Alice sets out on an impossible journey and is successful. Alice discovers that “impossible things” are possible. Here again is that same idea as it is found in the Bible: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

SUMMARY OF LEWIS CARROLL’S TWO ALICE NOVELS

Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass

The original stories of Alice were dreams. They begin with her in a state of boredom. Then, she dozes off and finds herself entering strange worlds where she makes a goal to achieve by the end of her adventures (finding the garden and playing as queen in the chess game). Many strange things happen on the way, but she always keeps her eyes on the prize. She finds she must undergo many hardships and obstacles to reach her destination, but she is lucky enough to find characters to help guide her (White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Blue Caterpillar, White Queen). She accomplishes her goal and awakens into the real world.

In the Bible we read: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

The Other Way

Alice follows the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and she ends up back in Wonderland (a.k.a Underland). However she does not remember her first visit and believes it to be a dream. Everyone she encounters (Mad Hatter, Hare, Blue Caterpillar) claims to know her, but she has no memory of them. They continue to guide her to her prophesied destiny despite her uncertainty and resistance. She needs to find her way.

In the Bible, Jesus says: “…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

A Champion

Alice discovers that she is prophesied to save “Underland” from its rule of tyranny. With the help of her friends, she meets the White Queen who heals her and prepares her for the battle, and the Blue Caterpillar who helps her to discover her inner strength to carry the out the deed. She finally accepts the challenge and marches into battle. She discovers her purpose.

In the Bible we read: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

The Dragon

In order for Alice to free “Underland” she must slay the Jabberwocky in battle. The Jabberwocky looks much like a dragon and breaths fire like a dragon. It is the evil beast that brings fire and death to “Underland.” Its death would “make the world right again.” (Mad Hatter)

In the Bible we read of a similar dragon: “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray…” (Revelation 12:9)

The Armor and Sword

Alice’s first mission as champion is to find the vorpal sword and bring it to the White Queen. The sword completes the Champion’s suit of armor. Alice wears that suit of armor in battle against the Jabberwocky. The shield protects her from the fire. The armor protects her from the blows. The vorpal sword is the weapon that slays the beast.

In the Bible we read of spiritual armor: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

We also read of the sword: “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:16-17)

If you have seen the movie you know that Alice wins the victory and a new life is hers.

Like Alice, victory can be yours too:

1. Decide to follow Christ.

2. Put on the whole armor of God (the faith and salvation we have in Christ).

3. Take up the sword of the spirit (The Bible, God’s word).

4. Slay the dragons in your life through your faith in Christ.

Here is a simple prayer that can start you on a journey where you can “ do everything through Christ.”

Dear God, thank you for providing a path of salvation for me through Jesus Christ. I realize that it is impossible for me to save myself. I turn from my former path, and accept Christ as the leader of my life. Please forgive my sins. Thank you for the victory I have in the risen Christ. Thank you for the eternal life you promise all those who follow you. Amen.

Decide to make this day when all things become new and the impossible becomes possible.