Overall, a great movie that teaches the idea that when things become too overwhelming, running away does not help. Instead, take a second, and remember with determination, one can accomplish much more than previously thought.
Even though it has a PG rating, I would not recommend it for anyone younger than 8 or 9 years old; some scenes are little too intense for anyone younger than that. Yes Depp did an excellent job, and Bonham played a fantastic Queen of Hearts, but Wasikowska did an outstanding job playing an older Alice who has become quite the brave and determined woman, but has not lost her youthful charm. The 3D effects were enjoyable but not necessary.
Please do not spend any money seeing this movie in a theater; it is very predictable and leaves nothing to the imagination. It would be more fun to see it at home. I appreciate trying to make it like a home movie; however the problem is that it is too far-fetched and unbelievable. I wish they would have made it more auditory and less visual.
I am truly impressed, both as an avid lover of the book, and as a child psychologist. A movie that finally portrays a child as a child. I can't think of a time during the movie when I thought, "A child that age would never do or say that." The monsters were very intense at times and I would not suggest this movie for children younger than 10 years old. However, there are many children 10 and older with similar problems who could benefit from seeing how Max handles the many problems in his life. A great movie for adults as well.