Blu-ray Review: Julia Roberts Stars in Inconsistent ‘Mirror Mirror’

CHICAGO – “Mirror Mirror” reimagines the tale of Snow White as one of dictatorial corruption and the little David taking down the big Goliath. It’s an interesting way to interpret the material and made more so by Tarsem Singh’s incredibly strong visual eye. Small problem — while he’s a visual master, he’s not a strong storyteller and “Mirror Mirror” needed a more capable narrative thread. As is, it’s a tonal mess, part slapstick, part fable, part comedy, part romance, and part total nonsense. It looks great, especially on Blu-ray, and has some decent ideas carried by a strong young cast, but the negatives outweigh the positives in this fractured reflection.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

Lily Collins plays Snow White, Armie Hammer her Prince, and Julia Roberts the evil Queen in this bizarre filtering of “Snow White” through a unique viewpoint. The financial motivations behind “Mirror Mirror” are obvious. Tim Burton’s reimagining of “Alice in Wonderland” made a billion dollars worldwide. Why not find a similarly unique director and tackle another legend? And so we have the man behind “The Cell” and “The Fall” taking on the tale of the beautiful maiden and her seven dwarves.

“Mirror Mirror” works as a visual oddity. There’s some cleverness to the design, although even that aspect of it falls flat upon numerous scenes in a rather non-descript forest and the cast is game for something new. Sadly, Roberts is miscast, missing the comic timing and dark edge needed for this role. Collins steals the film in nearly every way. Too bad there wasn’t more to steal.

Mirror Mirror was released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 26, 2012
Photo credit: Fox

Synopsis:
One of the world’s most beloved fairy tales takes a hilarious turn in this fresh, exciting film starring Oscar Winner Julia Roberts (2000, Best Actress, Erin Brockovich).

After she spends all her money, an evil enchantress queen (Roberts) schemes to marry a handsome, wealthy prince (The Social Network’s Armie Hammer). There’s just one problem - he’s in love with a beautiful princess, Snow White (Lily Collins, The Blind Side). So, the sinister queen banishes Snow White from her own kingdom! Now, joined by seven rebellious dwarves, Snow White launches an epic battle of good vs. evil in this funny, magical movie that the whole family will love.

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Looking Through The Mirror
o I Believe I Can Dance
o Mirror Mirror Storybook
o Prince And Puppies

[11]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [12] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [11]