Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Directed by: Tim Burton

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: A CGI-heavy variation on Lewis Carroll’s classic finds a maturing Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returning to Wonderland to help restore the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) to power.

Cartoon Cat: As in the original story Alice encounters the Cheshire Cat (voiced by Stephen Fry) in a dark forest.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat on branch of tree in dark forest

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat appearing on branch of tree in dark forest behind Alice Mia Wasikowska animated gif

The mysterious cat has the ability to evaporate, coming and going at will with his smile lingering.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat with Alice Mia Wasikowska in dark forest

He offers to take her to the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) and waits for her to follow.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat in distance of dark forest waiting for Alice Mia Wasikowska

Cheshire Cat joins the Mad Hatter’s tea party but talk of violence puts him off the beverage.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat at tea party table

This infuriates Hatter. It is clear there is some history between him and Cheshire in which the cat bailed during times of trouble. Indeed the Cheshire Cat disappears the moment the enemy approaches.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat at end of tea party table

When the Hatter is thrown in jail by the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), Cheshire Cat comes to see him.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat outside jail cell

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat appearing outside jail cell holding the Mad Hatter Johnny Depp animated gif

The cat asks if the Hatter will bequeath him his hat.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat inside jail cell with Mad Hatter Johnny Depp

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat floating beside Mad Hatter Johnny Depp

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat floating in jail cell

This turns out to be a plan in which Cheshire takes the place of Hatter when he is taken to be executed. Cheshire Cat startles everyone by floating above them wearing the hat.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat head floating in sky wearing Mad Hatter hat

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat head appearing under float hat animated gif

Cheshire Cat eventually returns the hat to Hatter.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat returning hat to Mad Hatter Johnny Depp with Alice Mia Wasikowska

When the White Queen asks for volunteers to kill the Jabberwocky, many offer their services, including Cheshire Cat.

After the battle, Cheshire takes the crown from the Red Queen’s head and places it on the White Queen.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat placing crown on White Queen's Anne Hathaway head

Alice and Cheshire enjoy watching Hatter dance the Futterwacken.

Alice in Wonderland - Cheshire Cat floating beside Alice Mia Wasikowska

The film expands liberally on the original text of the book but the way that Cheshire Cat is animated in this film is both terrifying and delightful, something cat lovers will no doubt appreciate.