Linda Woolverton is the screenwriter for “Alice Through the Looking” and turned in an excellent adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s work. She had also written “Alice in Wonderland.” The fault in this movie does not lie with her, but squarely on the shoulders of its director, James Bobin. This is not a case such as “Maleficent” where a first time director was brought in. Bobin has many directing credits under his belt, including the last two Muppet movies in which his work was well received. He may work well with Muppets, but apparently has a problem with CGI characters and in this case, humans too.

Woolverton worked hard to make sure her script had an emotional core and heart to it, but director James Bobin could not find a way to bring out that emotion or find that heart. The only thing left is some visually stunning effects, great costumes and excellent 3D camera work. If you do choose to see “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” be sure to see it in 3D. It’s almost like experiencing a Disney ride. This is one of those movies where it would probably be more enjoyable to watch without the sound.

You can’t help to think that if Tim Burton decided to direct “Alice Through the Looking Glass” we’d be talking about a much better movie going experience. Too bad no Disney executives stepped in and ask Burton if he could take over and save the product. Maybe they thought that this sequel will make money no matter who’s directing. That may be true, but if studios keep putting out disappointments like this, people may stop coming to the movies altogether. It is rated PG for fantasy action/peril and some language.