Mirror, Mirror

Girl power. We are starting to see that more and more in Hollywood storytelling, and with just cause.

Mirror, mirror

Girl power. We are starting to see that more and more in Hollywood storytelling, and with just cause. Granted Snow White will never be a Katniss Everdeen but at the same time giving her a little backbone in the new family comedy, Mirror Mirror is a good thing. Even the seven dwarfs get a makeover in this retelling. Still the main things we remember from the classic story remain in this kid friendly flick.

The king is gone and the evil queen (Julia Roberts) is left to rule the land. Snow White (Lily Collins) has been locked away with little understanding of what is going on in the kingdom. When a handsome prince (Armie Hammer) shows up and falls for Snow, the evil queen tries every way possible to get him for her own. Snow is of course banished and taken in by seven ruffians who help her fight to take back the kingdom and win the prince.

This film doesn’t rise much above “sweet”. The comedy at times feels forced as if the writers were trying too hard. Roberts at times seems out of her element and awkward. Maybe it is seeing her in this role that is harder for adults. Kids will find her boo worthy and quite despicable. But older audiences may feel she is just playing dress up. It isn’t her fault. Maybe it was a lack of direction. Collins on the other hand is a great Snow White. Her look and mannerisms fit perfectly. Hammer is the new Brendon Frasier, who several years ago would have probably snagged this role.

The seven dwarfs are probably the biggest change in this version. Swapping names like Doc, Grumpy, and Sneezy for Wolf (Sebastian Saraceno), Half Pint (Mark Povinelli), and Napoleon (Jordan Prentice). Instead of  Hi Ho, Hi Hoing there way to the mines each day they spend the afternoon robbing the rich and planning heists. They are good guys at heart but the evil queen has given them few other options to survive.

The story moves along swiftly and you will get a chuckle or two from the adults. The kids seem to laugh a lot more. Pratfalls and slapstick are a big hit with the younger tykes. Little girls love Snow White and this one is certainly a good role model. She teaches the dwarfs about doing what is right even in adversity. Also, the theme of standing up for yourself, even as a young girl, comes across without being preachy.

Mirror Mirror is rated PG for some fantasy action and mild rude humor. It is made for and intended for younger audiences. The humor is at their eye level for sure. Even the evil queen is far less scary than the original Disney version. Here she is more like a diva. That said, there is one creature that lurks in the forest under the spell of the queen who is pretty frightening. It only shows up for a few minutes in one battle scene, but may give your overly timid youngsters quite the fright. I give it 3 out of 5 bunny ears. A fun mother daughter outing at best and certainly one that might even player better when it releases on Blu-ray.

 Review copyright 2012 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.