The description on Netflix for Pheobe in Wonderland doesn’t tell you much about the story, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out what the movie was really about.  Even though I didn’t know much about it, I decided to curl up and watch this movie last night.  I think what caught my eye was the image for the movie, and that the main character was played by Elle Fanning.  I’ve also found that I really enjoy the Alice in Wonderland story, and anything having to do with that seems to catch my eye.

I don’t want to give anything away, so I’m not going to say much here.  Elle Fanning does a fantastic job at playing Phoebe, a little girl who uses Wonderland as an escape.  The story is told well, with the fantastic elements expected of anything associated with Wonderland, and a grip on reality that’s almost heartbreaking as you watch what Phoebe and her family go through.  I laughed, and I cried, and had a feeling of happiness and satisfaction with how the ending unfolded.

This isn’t really a kids movie, it’s actually rated PG-13, so don’t think that just because Wonderland is involved it’s something for the little ones.  It is, however, a very good story that I highly recommend.

Last night I watched The Sorcerer’s Apprentice starring Nicolas Cage.  It was a cute movie, and rather enjoyable overall.  However it was geared towards a younger audience and some of the plot seemed a bit too convenient.  Dave, the kid who becomes the apprentice, is not very good with magic which makes for some fun scenes in the movie.  He is very good at science, and the subplot of how he gets the girl was rather enjoyable.  I liked the Tesla coils reacting to music.  That’s probably my favorite scene in the movie.

The end of the movie is one of those moments where everything worked out just a little too easily.  I like the way things turned out, and it’s definitely a Disney ending, but I feel that it should have been a little harder for Dave.  I was happy that he put his knowledge of science to us in helping defeat the bad guys, rather than everything being reliant on magic.

I’d give it three stars, maybe four.  Definitely a fun movie for the family, and one I enjoyed watching.  I’d suggest renting it if you’re interested.