Watch Kids' Reviews of
ALICE IN CYBERLAND

What to know: A terrific allegory for kids and adults, in the computer age.
ALICE IN CYBERLAND is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
Recommended age 8-18
89 minutes
FeatureFilm
FABRICIO BITTAR
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ALICE IN CYBERLAND cover image
Alice in Cyberland is a terrific allegory for kids and adults, in the computer age. The mix of "real life" and animated sets explodes with imaginative characters and artistic designs. The story-line uses savvy inside jokes for those who understand "computerese." The characters struggle with values -- friendship, betrayal, forgiveness and social media ethics throughout the story, so the audience witnesses the evolution of conscious learning from naughty to nice.

Like Alice in Wonderland, Alice in Cyberland falls down the rabbit hole, but this time, into her computer. She visits the "trash bin," the motherboard and the "forget it" folders, each time with a new challenge and all without remembering her password. "Alice Admin" is guided by new fans and friends along the way, until she gets a few tough lessons about friendship and the cost of fame.

This film is an extraordinary feat. The acting coaches and director should be congratulated, as well as the editors and production staff. At first I didn't like the way Alice related to others; she is disrespectful. But the awakening that her experience gives her while inside the computer engaged me and made me want to see how things evolved. The theme of this film is digital engulfment, so the animation, production and editing give viewers a smooth show using a mouse, memes and imaginary bosses such as Queen of the Motherboard, or the evil Virus. It's adorable and clever. The costumes are true to the genre, and the characters that Alice meets are total archetypes, with appropriate, spectacular costuming. The sets are all animated and very interesting. Remember that they are digitally created to represent the inside of a computer. This film did not have a big budget, but it is so creatively laid out that it can and will hold the interest of most young viewers. There are five or six songs that are sung by different characters, and many times in a lively Brazilian style. As a composer, I was impressed and delighted by the songs. The underscore is crisp and feels appropriate throughout. The special effects are fun! They are not always believable, but the whole film is a fantasy that brings a smile to one's face. One scene that I just loved is when her fan, Lucas, sends hundreds of emails to help Alice climb up to the rooftop. Confused? Sound crazy? Yup, that's because it is completely crazy and imaginative. That is part of the film's genre -- somewhat slapstick. Alice (Lorena Queiroz ) is appropriately cast as a cute little YouTuber, as is her friend/rival, Raisa (PietraQuintella). The film is well cast and the level of professionalism with this group of pre-teen actors and adult actors is spot on. My favorite part is the climax when Alice had to release all of her blooper photos onto her channel, becoming totally vulnerable and authentic to her fans and subscribers. She does it for a good cause - humility - and the lessons she learned, similar to "do unto others as you would have them do to you." The film is experimental and clever. The film is from Brazil with dialogue in Portuguese and English subtitles. I love that it gives us insight into another culture.

The film's message is that you have to be careful not to sacrifice everything for your advancement in life via career or work. Be true to you friends and family and stay balanced.

I give Alice in Cyberland 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

Alice in Cyberland is a terrific allegory for kids and adults, in the computer age. The mix of "real life" and animated sets explodes with imaginative characters and artistic designs. The story-line uses savvy inside jokes for those who understand "computerese." The characters struggle with values -- friendship, betrayal, forgiveness and social media ethics throughout the story, so the audience witnesses the evolution of conscious learning from naughty to nice.

Like Alice in Wonderland, Alice in Cyberland falls down the rabbit hole, but this time, into her computer. She visits the "trash bin," the motherboard and the "forget it" folders, each time with a new challenge and all without remembering her password. "Alice Admin" is guided by new fans and friends along the way, until she gets a few tough lessons about friendship and the cost of fame.

This film is an extraordinary feat. The acting coaches and director should be congratulated, as well as the editors and production staff. At first I didn't like the way Alice related to others; she is disrespectful. But the awakening that her experience gives her while inside the computer engaged me and made me want to see how things evolved. The theme of this film is digital engulfment, so the animation, production and editing give viewers a smooth show using a mouse, memes and imaginary bosses such as Queen of the Motherboard, or the evil Virus. It's adorable and clever. The costumes are true to the genre, and the characters that Alice meets are total archetypes, with appropriate, spectacular costuming. The sets are all animated and very interesting. Remember that they are digitally created to represent the inside of a computer. This film did not have a big budget, but it is so creatively laid out that it can and will hold the interest of most young viewers. There are five or six songs that are sung by different characters, and many times in a lively Brazilian style. As a composer, I was impressed and delighted by the songs. The underscore is crisp and feels appropriate throughout. The special effects are fun! They are not always believable, but the whole film is a fantasy that brings a smile to one's face. One scene that I just loved is when her fan, Lucas, sends hundreds of emails to help Alice climb up to the rooftop. Confused? Sound crazy? Yup, that's because it is completely crazy and imaginative. That is part of the film's genre -- somewhat slapstick. Alice (Lorena Queiroz ) is appropriately cast as a cute little YouTuber, as is her friend/rival, Raisa (PietraQuintella). The film is well cast and the level of professionalism with this group of pre-teen actors and adult actors is spot on. My favorite part is the climax when Alice had to release all of her blooper photos onto her channel, becoming totally vulnerable and authentic to her fans and subscribers. She does it for a good cause - humility - and the lessons she learned, similar to "do unto others as you would have them do to you." The film is experimental and clever. The film is from Brazil with dialogue in Portuguese and English subtitles. I love that it gives us insight into another culture.

The film's message is that you have to be careful not to sacrifice everything for your advancement in life via career or work. Be true to you friends and family and stay balanced.

I give Alice in Cyberland 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

Alice in the Cyberland tells the story of Alice, a girl who is one of the biggest YouTubers in the country, famous for her videos and personality, although, in reality, she is a spoiled and arrogant girl. She is close to reaching the mark of 40 million followers and intends to make a special event on her channel to celebrate the record of the channel "The Rabbit Hole". Then everything changes when she is sent to the digital world and needs to face all her fears to save the day and return home.
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