MIRROR MIRROR (2012)
DIRECTOR: Tarsem Singh
STARRING: Lily Collins, Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer
GENRE: Fantasy, Comedy, Family
CERT: PG
REVIEWER: Gemma
With the influx of numerous takes of famous fairy tales coming soon and recently shown in the cinema, ‘Mirror, Mirror’ decides to forgo the recent fad in making these stories we all grew up with resemble the dark folk tales of the original Brothers Grimm and instead goes for the more recognisable Disney-esque feel. And in many ways it works wonderfully.
The writers have taken the well know tale and managed to tweak it in such a way that there are many elements instantly recognisable, the blue bird, the apple, the wicked stepmother, yet they introduce a fresh look.
I went into the movie expecting to see a live action version of the Disney film, especially going by the trailer. I didn’t see how they could work in the idea that Snow White becomes rebel leader, especially when the character of Snow White is the optimum of being good and pure. She starts off as this naive young woman who only wants to be part of the palace life.
Roberts plays the wicked queen with, what can only be described as tongue firmly in cheek. She chews up the screen and is a joy to watch, especially with Armie Hamm, who plays the prince. It’s great to see the back and forth banter between the two and I found myself laughing at them.
Lily Collins is a relatively unknown actress, but shows some promise in the role. She plays Snow White as how you would expect. Her innocence could have been over-played or to make snow out to be a bit dumb. Instead you get the impression she has been hidden from the outside world.
The dwarfs are a bigger part of the story and each have their own personalities. They all play off of each other well and I did find them endearing.
The film doesn’t try to be a copy of the forth-coming ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ and because of this it works. True it’s far from perfect and there are a couple of bits where my attention waned, but not enough to make me look at my watch.
One part that seemed to be out of place in the film, was the closing scene. For some reason we had Snow White burst out into a Bollywood style song. The funniest thing was the actor who had a cameo in the film was trying to hold in his laughter. Apart from that ‘Mirror Mirror’ was a good film.
If you want a trip back to a less, pardon the pun, “Grim” and dark tale, this will certainly bring a smile to your face.
RATING: 
MIRROR MIRROR ONLINE
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7 Comments
This looks good. I enjoy the trailers when I seem.
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Love the look of this
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We are waiting for the DVD release of this movie. It's not something I would see in the cinema but think it would be a good dvd night movie.
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@Jennifer:- It is a good film. Its funny and not too dark. Everyone thinks it has to be dark and gothic. And i liked what they did with the original tale.
@Carmen:- Julia Roberts is a hoot in it!
@Siobhan:- I have an unlimited movie card where I can go as many times as I like. Means I can go and see these films, but it is good for a night in.
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I'm so excited about Snow White and the Huntsman, so I decided to pass on this one. Although I will probably watch on DVD, Julia Roberts is a fab actress!
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I love Julia Roberts. She's been one of my favourite actresses since watching Pretty Woman. That being said though, I think this is a DVD watch for me. Thanks or the fab review
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@Laura & Carolyn:- yeah seeing it on DVD is a good option. Julia roberts plays a different part. Think a meaner version of the character she played in My Best Friends Wedding
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