Mirror Mirror

Directed by Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall) Mirror Mirror was the first of two movies this year adapting the fairy tale of Snow White for the big screen. Mirror Mirror, much like Snow White and the Huntsman, is a bit of a mixed bag. The film definitely targets a younger audience with its PG Rating, but Lily Collins' Snow White is a pretty drab leading lady (at least until she starts her bandit career), and, despite what we're told in the film's opening narration, this is certainly Snow White's tale and not that of the Queen (Julia Roberts).

After a brief opening narration, the film opens on Snow White's 18th birthday where she ventures out into the village for the first time since the death of her father, the King (Sean Bean), years before. On her journey she will learn just how ruthless the Queen has become, meet a charming young prince (Armie Hammer) and a motley crew of dwarf thieves pretending to be giants, and find a way to live happily ever after.

The film certainly shows off Singh's visual style, especially with the design of the dwarves' giant costumes. Over two hours Snow White will find true love, discover the courage necessary to fight for her kingdom, and change the lives of seven small men with big hearts (Jordan Prentice, Mark Povinelli, Joe Gnoffo, Danny Woodburn, Sebastian Saraceno, Martin Klebba, Ronald Lee Clark) hiding in the Dark Forest. This version of Snow White isn't waiting around to be saved. Much like Kristen Stewart in Huntsman, Collins' Snow White is initially overwhelmed by the outside world but proves she can carry her own in a battle.

Mirror Mirror is certainly goofier than Snow White and the Huntsman. Hammer is at least as ridiculous as James Marsden's Prince Edward in Enchanted, and although Roberts is certainly enjoying herself in the role of the Queen she's so far over-the-top that it's nearly impossible to take her seriously as a real villain. Nathan Lane also hams it up as well in a supporting role of the Queen's necessary toadie Brighton.


I'm not sure Mirror Mirror is any better than Snow White and the Huntsman. Although known for visually stunning movies you could easily argue the set design and look of Huntsman is more consistent and memorable than that of Singh's film. I would also argue the performances in Huntsman are at least as good, if not superior, for all the main players. However, Mirror Mirror has one thing that was desperately missing from most of Snow White and the Huntsman - a sense of fun. As unapologetically goofy as this version of Snow White is (including its puntastic take on puppy love), at times, it will bring a smile to your face.

Mirror Mirror isn't quite a trainwreck, but it does feel like a missed opportunity. Its heart may be in the right place, but I wish its head was screwed on a little tighter. Even fans of the fairy tale may struggle to give this a second (or like me, even a first) look on home video. The Blu-ray includes deleted scenes, a digital storybook of the film, the trailer and a pair of featurettes on director Tarsem Singh and choreographer Paul Becker. The Blu-ray also includes a DVD and digital copy of the film.

[Relativity Media, Blu-ray $39.99 / DVD $29.98]