MIRROR MIRROR (PG13)
Release Date: 29 March 2012
Running Time: 95 minutes
Distributor: Relativity Media (Nusantara Edaran Filem)
Director: Tarsem Singh
Screenplay: Melisa Wallack, Jason Keller
Starring: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane, Sean Bean
Plot: One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event for the whole family, Mirror Mirror. A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. The film also stars Armie Hammer as the Prince, and Nathan Lane as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen.
REVIEW AFTER THE JUMP
Review: One cannot seem to be unfamiliar with the classical tale of Snow White. Over the generations, we have been served with countless adaptations in various forms of medium but nothing quite like this has ever to be seen. From the director of “Immortal’, Tarsem Singh brings onto the table a different sort of menu offering. In this prospective year of movie-watching, we are about to witness two Snow White films from two very different approaches and styles. Many think that “Mirror Mirror” will end as the thud and the early assessments seem to be heading to that. Call this because of the uninspired marketing, Tarsem Singh himself as the director and the hammy feels around this whole movie.
“Mirror Mirror” sets in a magical kingdom where its entire peasant dances and sings all day and night. The king (Sean Bean) raised his daughter, Snow White (Lily Collins) alone following the death of Snow White’s mother. The King loves Snow White so much but also grooms her well so that someday, she could rule the kingdom. One day, he left for the forest leaving Snow White his favorite dagger and never came back. The now 18-year-old Snow White is shown on the day of her birthday. The Queen does not care for her but Snow White is still loved by the staff. Snow White then goes outside to visit the town. Along the way, she meets Prince Alcott (Armie Hammer) and his servant who have been robbed by bandits (the seven dwarfs). She and the Prince are then drawn to each other. She then goes to the town to see it cold and barren due to the Queen. She then decides to help the kingdom.
True to its nature, director Tarsem Singh decides to set a fence between his Snow White with the other Snow White project that will be released in the summer. If “Huntsman” showcase a darker depiction of the fairy tale, this however goes on the softer take that could easily been mistaken as a Disney movie. All along, “Mirror Mirror” is a children movie that emphasizes on styles more than the substances. For that case, it is so not Disney. Or else, it turns out to be yet another Alice in Wonderland.
Then again, what can you expect from Singh, a director that probably has hands on for the type of visualize popcorn than anything else? Worthy to mention here that it has the same overloading works from the director, that are recognizable from “Immortals” where the whole picture is boasted up with impressive visual arts more than creating a world of coherent and solid script to sail through. Doubtless this trip to the Snow White is enhanced with great layers of beauty as it gets intense how this resembles so much of Tim Burton’s skyline for so much. It is beautifully and magically crafted with appropriate use of color tones, out-of-the-box costumes and visceral eye-pleaser for all.
We leave those effects for now by looking how irrelevant Tarsem has made this into. A deadly combo of good story and effect does not occur here. “Mirror Mirror” is treated as a straight forward story arc we are so familiar with. For most part of it, it seems hammy yet childish in all angles. This whole scenario feels a little jagged at the superior but the underlying inferior lacks of the proper kinetic to make this a more enjoyable film. Instead, story transitions around with low affection. Nevertheless, it is still fortunate that “Mirror Mirror” stills can provide rare laughable entertainment. Plus, it still possesses good heart and spirit to entertain the younger children about what it takes. Other than that, there are not much to offer due to lack of feasible depth on story, originality and predictable chains of sequence.
Talking about awkward acting, I find Lily Collins more of my candy girl and the fact that she is in this kind of role justifies some of my stereotyping for her. Unless she does something bold in the future, Collins will always be that kind of “it-girl”. Though she is not the strongest actress in her generation, it is still soothing that her presence in the movie as Snow White is a much beloved. Julia Roberts give a well-balanced acting of both catchy and irritating, as always. So far from her prime performance, she is a great addition to the movie.
In the end, “Mirror Mirror” is a childish movie that lacks the propulsive fuel to carry itself with a significant story, message and pure entertainment. Fortunate enough because it is still covered with many confetti, good heart and cheer will for the children to enjoy. This adaptation has many things to improve beyond its amazing visceral.
MY RATING:
Story: 2.5
Casts: 3.0
Cinematography: 4.0
Effects: 3.5
GREEN-TEA-O-METER: 11.2/20.0
"MIRROR MIRROR" opens this week in cinemas nationwide. For ticketing at GSC, please go to this link. This review reflects the personal opinion of the author only.