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Helena Bonham Carter plays the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland 2010. Photo courtesy of flikr.com user erjkprunczyk

Last week’s release of Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland,” was publicized and anticipated for months by “Alice” fanatics and Johnny Depp fans alike. And while the film has its great moments, the modern re-working and re-vamping of the classic franchise also has its share of shortcomings.

Tim Burton is a revolutionary filmmaker. His unique style of filmmaking has caused his name to be used almost as frequently as an adjective as it is a noun. When speaking of a film, if one were to say it is “Burtonized,” audiences understand exactly the feel they can expect the movie to have.

The film definitely has the Burton touch. The attention to detail, consistency of feel and of visual theme all contributed to an extremely rich and engaging world in which the movie was set. Burton’s thematic and symbolic use of color is also was evident and abundant in the film. And, with Burton’s vision and Disney’s financial backing, the cast and special effects leave absolutely nothing to be desired. These are some of the strengths of a robust film. On a personal note, the climactic battle scene involving the heroine is nothing short of breathtaking in 3D.

While Burton is known and loved for many things, he is not known to have a unity of purpose and vision with Walt Disney Pictures. And this is where “Alice in Wonderland,” has a few pitfalls. Many anticipated Burton would use the writings of Lewis Carroll, a.k.a. Charles Dodgson, as a springboard for his own visions of what “Alice” should be. But, it seems like Disney tried to pull the picture together in such a way that it would be able to put out a Disney-esque lesson at the end. In doing so, the film comes across at times as a slightly confused mix between a Burton visual masterpiece and an encouraging, feel-good film about one girl’s empowerment.

Despite the shortcomings, though, “Alice” is definitely worth the watch — especially in 3D. One can’t help but be amused by the antics of the Queen of Hearts or the amiable Cheshire Cat. Confused purpose aside, the eye-popping details and effects are enough to keep just about any viewer content for the duration.