Writer: Naseem Randhawa

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “Enchanted” & “The Princess Bride”

"Mirror Mirror" will leave one with exactly the same impression the trailer did with the best parts of the movie having already been seen and heard. It's neither with a twist nor a surprise; however it is as enchanting of a light-hearted fairytale as it could possibly be.

This character and visual driven piece follows quite a similar premise of the classic "Snow White" story, however it does thug on the strings of slapstick humour, sarcasm and self-deprecation quite a bit for the laughs. Lily Collins the daughter of British singer Phil Collins plays Snow White, the innocent stepdaughter of Queen Clementianna (Julia Roberts) who wants to reclaim her kingdom. The Queen however with the help of her hilarious servant, Brighton (Nathan Lane) wants to get rid of Snow who serves as a threat towards the Queen's plans to marry the rich and handsome Prince Andrew Alcott.

The movie bands together a group of thieving dwarves with the less conventional fairytale names like; Hal-Pint, Grimm, Napoleon, Chuckles, Wolf, Butcher and Grub, who aid Snow on her quest and the result is hilariously entertaining. Lily Collins is a beautiful and credible Snow White, never bordering on being too cheesy, and Julia Roberts in her first villainous role is rather fun to watch with her cheeky narration and persona to match as the less evil but more insecure Queen.

Those who watched "The Social Network" might've acquired distaste for Armie Hammer, but be ready to be proven wrong as the 26-year-old not only is the perfect depiction of 'Prince Charming', but also has what it takes to be a decent comedian to set hearts aflutter.

Compared to Tarsem's previous works though, "The Cell", "The Fall" and "Immortals", "Mirror Mirror" seems to fall short despite its stunning visual treats synonymous with his directing style. Perhaps because it's the director's first venture into comedy, therefore he had to take the lighter route instead of threading on the treacherous darkness his prior movies so blatantly portrayed.

Interestingly "Mirror Mirror" also exudes a slight Bollywood charm to it, and is an entertaining movie for all as a fairytale woven with laughs that everyone can appreciate.

Cinema Online, 29 March 2012