Phoebe in Wonderland
Phoebe in Wonderland Image
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Metascore
56 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Elle Fanning, Felicity Huffman, Patricia Clarkson
  • Summary: Phoebe in Wonderland, which recently had its world premiere at Sundance 2008 and is based on Daniel Barnz’s original screenplay, concerns a young girl who longs to be in her school’s production of "Alice in Wonderland." After being cast in the lead role of Alice by her eccentric drama teacheacher, Phoebe reveals a unique talent but, much like Alice herself, is increasingly at odds with the world around her and begins to retreat into a world of her imagination. Though her parents initially see their daughter’s unusual behavior as signs of creativity, they gradually realize that Phoebe is at risk of falling “through the looking glass.” (THINKFilm)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    88
    Phoebe in Wonderland happens to be at least partly a Lifetime movie, but this special little film is no disease-of-the-week tear-jerker.
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Duane Byrge
    80
    The mesmerizing performance of Fanning as the gifted and troubled young Phoebe sparks the picture.
  3. Slate
    Reviewed by: Dana Stevens
    60
    Its fancifulness is at times too clunky, its pathos too strained. But Barnz has a secret weapon, one that's 4 feet tall and looks to weigh about 60 pounds: Elle Fanning.
  4. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Holden
    30
    Soon after that the movie simply stops dead in its tracks, as though the money had run out and the project had been called off in the middle of a scene that makes no psychological or dramatic sense. It leaves you frustrated and annoyed.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. MarthaL.
    10
    I cried, I laughed, I empathized. What more could I hope for?
  2. SebastianH.
    10
    The subject of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland have been explored many times. This, for me, is the best film I've ever seen revolved around the Wonderland universe. The fact that the writing manages to take something that could easily be funny (such as calling a stranger fat) and making it into a very serious and unfunny moment, yet still retaining it's innocence, is astonishing. Despite all the things wrong with Phoebe, and her sadness throughout the film, I did not feel pity for her, I just simply watched this little girl struggle with her emotions and OCD, then see her shine in front of the drama class. Her over looked friend Jamie is also a very important counter piece to Phoebe. While Phoebe dislikes her uniqueness, and wants to be accepted, Jamie is the exact opposite. He is comfortable with his sexuality and isn't afraid of what the other kids think of him. His bravery to audition (and land) the role of the Red Queen shows bravery that most adults would not be able to overcome. Unfortunately the parents are the my least favorite part of the film. Although they are crucial, I just don't care for them. The mother seems to be obsessed, yet emotionally distant from her daughters, and the father might as well be invisible. However both of them do turn around in the end, and grow into actual caring parents. Now to another important character, the eccentric drama teacher. Towards the beginning she seemed a bit cliché, however her nurturing and quirky personality, really identified with Phoebe, and her methods of handling quarrels within the drama class were beautiful, caring, and truly worked. This all leads to the ultimate element that could make or break a film. The acting. Although the acting was superb as a whole, Elle Fanning really does carry this movie. For a child to pull off the complex emotions Phoebe was going through just goes to show the promise that Elle has.… Expand
  3. SuzanneT.
    8
    Great little movie. Intelligent and beautifully acted.
  4. heyitsmegrif4
    6
    Phoebe in Wonderland is sweet and surprisingly well acted, and it has a creative story at the heart of its heartfelt story. It overall succeeds but it doesn't lead up nearly to my expectations. I give this movie 64%.… Expand

See all 6 User Reviews

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