Mirror Mirror (2012)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Everett J

  
  I gotta admit, I've always liked the "Disney Snow White" cartoon. The story, the dwarves, I enjoyed everything about it. "Mirror Mirror" is a live action take on the Snow White fairy tale, and has zero in common with the cartoon. Actually, this movie has… More
  I gotta admit, I've always liked the "Disney Snow White" cartoon. The story, the dwarves, I enjoyed everything about it. "Mirror Mirror" is a live action take on the Snow White fairy tale, and has zero in common with the cartoon. Actually, this movie has zero in common with any good movie period. It's the classic Snow White story, with a different take, a not so evil-evil queen, and a different ending. Julia Roberts stars as the Queen, and I actually think they made this movie just for her. She can't decide if she is good or, serious or funny. It's pretty much a jumbled mess when it comes to her. Shouldn't Snow White be the focus of the movie? I guess I'm just in the wrong on this. The effects are cheesy, the action is campy, and the acting is just ok. Lily Collins(Snow White) and Armie Hammer(the Prince) both do an ok job, and are much more enjoyable than Roberts. The dwarves are fun, but not nearly as fun and entertaining as their animated counterparts. Kids should dig this(especially the girls), but adults will roll their eyes. 2012 ushered in two live action "Snow White" movies, "Mirror Mirror" and "Snow White and The Huntsman". I'm willing to bet in 50 years, the animated version is the one still remembered, but "Mirror Mirror" will be the one completely forgotten.

• Candy R

  
  Interesting twist on snow white. She becomes the hero. Julia Roberts is the evil queen. Some funny lines.

• Mark H

  
  Mirror Mirror ends up being a mixed bag. Director Tarsem Singh doesn't disappoint visually. One scene after another is a sensation of color and costumes. Impressive achievement subtly recalls Tim Burton via Alice in Wonderland. Like that adaptation, this screws with the original… More
  Mirror Mirror ends up being a mixed bag. Director Tarsem Singh doesn't disappoint visually. One scene after another is a sensation of color and costumes. Impressive achievement subtly recalls Tim Burton via Alice in Wonderland. Like that adaptation, this screws with the original in a way that's detrimental. The narrative fails to enchant with its political correctness. Nevertheless, if vivid production design and some genuine laughs are what you desire, you'll find that here. This isn't an entirely slick revisionist take. The script still has heart and means to entertain children with its creativity. For the most part, it wants to present the legend with sincerity for that audience. Amidst the modern touches remains the earnest tale of a girl who falls in love with her prince.

• Wildaly M

  
  While this is a refreshing update to the fairy tale, you leave with a sense that this could have been so much better when you had such high-caliber actors such as Roberts and Lane.

• Alice S

  
  Kinda funny and cute but ultimately insubstantial. Lily Collins is a lily-white lovely girl, and she has a genuine sweetness that is quite apt for this Disney-esque incarnation. She also has a moral conscience and moments of kickassitude. Julia Roberts is more catty than evil, but… More
  Kinda funny and cute but ultimately insubstantial. Lily Collins is a lily-white lovely girl, and she has a genuine sweetness that is quite apt for this Disney-esque incarnation. She also has a moral conscience and moments of kickassitude. Julia Roberts is more catty than evil, but the funhouse mirror spectre is a clever take on the queen's curse of aging. The dwarves seem typical at first, but their distinct personalities eventually come through. I wish they had gone Full Bollywood for the song and dance finale though. There wasn't nearly enough turning of the light bulb. As college-film-studies-friend, Jim Eustice, declared, "You never go Full Retard, and you never go Half Bollywood."

• Tired of P

  
  Question: Do you wonder why Hollywood seems to come out with different versions of the same story and around the same time? First, we have Mirror Mirror starring Julia Roberts as the evil Queen. Soon Snow White and the Huntsman will be released. That stars Kristen Stewart as Snow… More
  Question: Do you wonder why Hollywood seems to come out with different versions of the same story and around the same time? First, we have Mirror Mirror starring Julia Roberts as the evil Queen. Soon Snow White and the Huntsman will be released. That stars Kristen Stewart as Snow White and Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman. And I just read, not too long ago, that another film about Snow White will be released next year. I was pretty content with the 1937 Disney version but Hollywood will be Hollywood. Recently, I witnessed one of the newer versions: Mirror Mirror. And except for some fantastical costumes and set design I was rather bored with the film. In fact, I couldn't wait for it to end but my children were enjoying it and that made me happy. Both my kids gave the movie "a thumbs up" but I can't say the I enjoyed the film. Julia Roberts did play a wonderfully crazy evil Queen. Her performance was tolerable but everyone else's seemed to fall flat. The actress, who played Snow White, Lily Collins, might have been my least favorite portrayal. I can't quite put my finger on as to why but she was just bland. Not something I am accustom to when thinking of Snow White - pure, beautiful, charismatic all usually come to mind. But Tarsem Singh's version of Snow White just left me numb. Also, there were a lot of changes, ones I won't say, just in case you are still going to see the film. However, for me, when something is a classic I just prefer the details to remain the same. There is nothing wrong with attempting to update or show a tale from a different perspective; but, for me, Mirror Mirror just missed the mark. I really don't like to bash films so this review will remain short because I just didn't care for this movie. On the flip-side, it appeared a lot of people in the theatre enjoyed the film, but I just didn't get it. Maybe I missed something but it did make me look forward to seeing Snow White and the Huntsman. I am curious to see that version and what those filmmakers did with the tale. My favorite thing: I will admit the costumes were wonderful, especially the Queen's outfits. The designer must have had so much fun with this project. My least favorite thing: Ummm, which part to choose from? Perhaps the song and dance. Directed by Tarsem Singh, Citizen Snow Film Productions, 2012. Starring: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane and Mare Winningham. Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama. Rating: PG Length: 106 minutes Review: 3 out of 10

• Bathsheba M

  
  Julia Roberts has certainly found her niche as the evil queen. The seven dwarves were surprising and cool...their accordion stilts and the choreography of them was genius...the costumes are award-winning caliber and not just the fabulous gowns but the linen pants on the prince, wow,… More
  Julia Roberts has certainly found her niche as the evil queen. The seven dwarves were surprising and cool...their accordion stilts and the choreography of them was genius...the costumes are award-winning caliber and not just the fabulous gowns but the linen pants on the prince, wow, the costumes at the wedding ("My fifth! And I still get giddy" sez Ms. Roberts winningly) party--the sets were sheer fairy tale: when the queen goes into the mirror, it's such an incredibly realized other dimension, I swooned! What I love about fairy tales is that they really do reflect truths about ordinary life and I think Mirror Mirror succeeded wonderfully in using the medium of film to bring out the different levels of life that are happening all at the same time.

• Scott G

  
  Just when I thought Julia was onto a winner for the books, she wasn't, and Tarsem did nothing to help that, with some nice effects, it's clear as day that it needs major improvement, but that's too late, the comedy is weak and spoiled by the performances.

• KJ P

  
  Walking into this film, I was ready to bash every second of it, but I can honestly say that I did not role my eyes much during the duration of the film. It plays it safe by paying a tribute to the classic tale of Snow White, while still creating a new-age version for this generation… More
  Walking into this film, I was ready to bash every second of it, but I can honestly say that I did not role my eyes much during the duration of the film. It plays it safe by paying a tribute to the classic tale of Snow White, while still creating a new-age version for this generation to see. They do change one major portion of the story which I was very unsatisfied with, but since the movie was self aware, I let it be. As the Queen is wanting to be the fairest in the land, she orders Snow White to be killed. Her murder is not possible, due to the guilt that the Queen's demand would bestow upon her servant. She then meets seven dwarfs who all have new names from the names you have come to love, which I was a bit rattled by, and the conclusion will really have you scratching your head, while still thinking in the back of your head that it is more suitable for children. This film is not as dark as the original tale is, but when some of the awful jokes are cracked, you will be shamed. I slightly enjoyed this film but I will not recommend it, because I know it will not be for everyone. If you can wait to rent it, it will be a harmless watch. The scenery is beautiful, the visual effects deserve compliment, and the directing it very stylish. Overall I had fun, but there is so much lost potential!

• John H

  
  I didn't think this would happen, but I kinda liked "Mirror Mirror." Don't get me wrong, there's still tons to hate about it, but there's some charm. Tarsem should consider making more movies like this. They may not be the best, but they'll be a hell… More
  I didn't think this would happen, but I kinda liked "Mirror Mirror." Don't get me wrong, there's still tons to hate about it, but there's some charm. Tarsem should consider making more movies like this. They may not be the best, but they'll be a hell of a lot better than his last couple of stinkers. My only concern is how "Snow White & the Huntsman" will end up now. "Mirror Mirror" was more about Snow White than the queen despite the film's marketing. So, Huntsman's approach - while a much darker and more grim adaptation - could mix critics up again. We shall see.

• Liam G

  
  54% is way, way, way too high for this, well, butchering of the Snow White story.

• Tyler C

  
  A very childish, inept version of the Snow White story, whose only redeeming factors are Lily Collins' performance and the art design. Otherwise, everything else is pure crap.

• Jeff B

  
  Far from the fairest of them all, indulgently cracked tale Mirror Mirror is more of a poison apple than magical kiss. To borrow from a classic scene in Sleeping Beauty, the movie is a glass slipper that fits too well. Director Tarsem Singh is all bluster and no bite. He puts a… More
  Far from the fairest of them all, indulgently cracked tale Mirror Mirror is more of a poison apple than magical kiss. To borrow from a classic scene in Sleeping Beauty, the movie is a glass slipper that fits too well. Director Tarsem Singh is all bluster and no bite. He puts a ridiculous amount of emphasis and time into the costume, set design, and make-up and then seems to demand that a cartoonish script around these trappings. Just like with The Immortals, the aesthetics are lush, complex, and captivating, but - without the written verve to match the vervy visuals - it's unpure as drivel, Snow. In this PG-13-rated re-imagining of the Brothers Grimm story, Snow White (Collins) wins the heart of a handsome prince (Arnie Hammer) only to be banished away from her realm by a wicked queen (Roberts). The cast tries to bring this live action cartoon to life. Lovely Lily Collins charms the audience with a smile and grace unbecoming of the G-rates lined that she's saddled with. Relishing every scene, Julia Roberts puts the 'arch' in arch-villainous. The over-the-top simple-Simon presentation, however, seems more suited for a Disney Channel TV-Movie than big screen release starring an Oscar winner and bankable movie star. Singh, meanwhile, seems to be stuck with the same style-over-substance visual style that made him a hit music video director (REM's "Losing My Religion") in a medium that demands more. Is it wrong to make family entertainment for the cinema? No, but it's wrong to assume that cinema-going families are simpletons. Bottom line: Heave ho, heave ho.

• Sol C

  
  Julia rules in this film. The film reminded me of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and Ever After with Drew Barrymore. I liked those films better than this one. Tarsem does a good job here. If Tim Burton would have directed this film, then it would have had a darker edge to it.… More
  Julia rules in this film. The film reminded me of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and Ever After with Drew Barrymore. I liked those films better than this one. Tarsem does a good job here. If Tim Burton would have directed this film, then it would have had a darker edge to it. The cinematography is excellent. The special effects are fantastic. The sets and costumes look amazing. The finale kind of reminded me of the finale of Alice In Wonderland. I did like how the film opened up with the prologue sequence. This film has the family fun tone, while the Snow White film coming out this summer has a darker action adventure tone to it. Julia steals the movie. She should play more roles like this one. She kind of reminded me of Glen Close's Cruella Deville from 101 Dalmations. Nathan Lane is great as her sidekick. He has some great one liners. Armie Hammer does a good job as the Prince. All the seven dwarfs do a great job and have a great chemistry on screen. I had two problems with the film. The first was Lily Collins. I thought she was miscast as Snow White. She is no match for Julia. She also has no chemistry with Armie Hammer. Another actress as Snow would have done a better job. The 2nd is that I found one major plot spoiler at the end to be predictable. I guessed this spoiler after the first 5 minutes of the film. Despite the flaws the film is worth checking out.

• Mark K

  
  From the first trailer we saw, it just looked like it was trying too hard, and that's exactly what we got: A film that tried too hard to be fun, based on a very old premise. It's not really the casts' fault; they are all nice charismatic screen gems doing some good work… More
  From the first trailer we saw, it just looked like it was trying too hard, and that's exactly what we got: A film that tried too hard to be fun, based on a very old premise. It's not really the casts' fault; they are all nice charismatic screen gems doing some good work amidst the mundane script and scenario. It's a little like Alice in Wonderland was for me. Nothing really wonderful happens, and nothing really new is shown. It looks expensive, and it manages to hold up the idea of being a film for the young and young at heart. In this fine line between adult and child it does okay, I wasn't bored out of my mind. On the other hand, it just has no sense of urgency, and the Queen's plotting is pretty much a whim of the moment rather than a calculated plan. Some of the cast appear to be acting in a different picture. There's even a Bollywood dance at the end, to make sure everyone knows that it will all be fine now. Certainly Julia Roberts wanted a film her kids can see, but she's too Julia Roberts for the role, or she simply wasn't insane enough. The bright spot actually was that some of the best scenes were actually with the dwarves. They provide a barely acceptable balance of short humor, mixed with some very nice heartfelt scenes with Snow White. In some ways, their sequences were the best thin in it. This one is a wait for streaming or disc in my book.

• Juan C

  
  GOOD LORD PEOPLE, what we have here is an unexcusable piece of pathetic stupidity, and a huge steaming pile of bull! its not funny, its not outstanding nor is it okay, theirs nothing to amaze me, just the sight of displeasure and annoyment! i highly ask to stay away from this pile of… More
  GOOD LORD PEOPLE, what we have here is an unexcusable piece of pathetic stupidity, and a huge steaming pile of bull! its not funny, its not outstanding nor is it okay, theirs nothing to amaze me, just the sight of displeasure and annoyment! i highly ask to stay away from this pile of stupid! its simply put one of the worst experiance ive seen on screen yet! F

• Philip P

  
  When the first trailer for this appeared online back in November it honestly looked pretty horrible. Director Tarsem Singh had just come off the successful opening of "Immortals" and then this comes rolling around in what looked to be a race to beat the much more serious… More
  When the first trailer for this appeared online back in November it honestly looked pretty horrible. Director Tarsem Singh had just come off the successful opening of "Immortals" and then this comes rolling around in what looked to be a race to beat the much more serious "Snow White & the Huntsmen" to theaters in June. While I initially had a horrible feeling about the film and a great hesitation to even see it, as the marketing campaign continued it seemed to get smarter in realizing the fact it did not need to compete with the other Snow White film coming out this year but instead it needed to distinguish itself by showing what was valuable about the many forms a different story could take. In this case both the darker version and this one aimed more at the younger crowds can both be taken with equal credibility. That is a hard thing to believe and I almost refused to believe it before sitting down and actually taking in what "Mirror Mirror" had to offer. Now, I don't think this is a great film by any means, but it isn't reaching for the stars either, it is simply trying to tell a fun tale that we all remember as an animated movie. It is what we would actually expect a live action version of the Disney film to be while "Snow White & The Huntsmen" likely skews closer to that of the Brothers Grimm tale. There is an audience for both and while I, as a 25 year-old will probably enjoy the other version of this story coming out this year more, I cannot say that "Mirror Mirror" fails to entertain its target audience. It has been a long time since I have actually sat down to watch the Disney version of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' and to be honest, chunks of the story had escaped my mind. I still don't know if I recall all of it correctly but the other thing that surprised me about "Mirror Mirror" was the refreshing feel of familiarity that came with it while still carrying a good set of originality (mainly in its visuals and and musical score). The story, as you may remember, focuses around princess Snow White who is played here by Lily Collins (The Blind Side and also Phil Collins daughter) and her stepmother, the evil Queen (Julia Roberts). Evil Queen Julia has sent her village that she rules over into shambles only to request more tax money from them when a handsome, rich Prince arrives and she insists on throwing a party to win him over and convince him to marry her. Prince Alcott (a perfectly cast Armie Hammer) becomes interested in the beautiful princess instead forcing the evil Queen to kill her off so she will continue to be the "the fairest of them all". We all know Snow doesn't die and instead meets up with the dwarfs in the woods and stages a rebellion against the Queen. Collins is certainly capable of the protagonist role here though seeming somewhat overwhelmed at times by the scope in which Singh is operating. The real star here though is Roberts. I have always kind of been hit and miss with the star, but here you can tell how much fun she is having, how much she is really enjoying herself playing the baddie. It comes through in her campy, yet poignant dialogue that is made up more of sarcastic quips that fully formed thoughts. Director Singh is a master of visual storytelling and he again puts this on full display. In "Immortals" I was blown away by his ability to take something we have seen countless times before and give them little twists of strangeness that made them more original but more importantly made it feel different. Where "Immortals" failed was in the fact the story had nothing new to offer. This could be said about "Mirror Mirror" as well, seeing as we have seen the movie before, but I felt this aspect is actually where this movie had an advantage. The script doesn't take itself too seriously and instead relies heavily on the humor and intentional cheesy tone. The color palette, which ranges from the solid whites and grays of the Castle to the stark colors of the Queens dresses to the Bollywood-inspired finale that is literally an explosion of bright tones fits this tone perfectly. The way it compliments one another meshes to form a very calculated type of self-awareness while still keeping the basic elements and themes of the story intact. Singh was also smart to focus on the dwarfs in his film, they provide the majority of the fun here and are at the core of why children will love the film. They were always the characters that stood out in the animated version, that didn't necessarily stick to any archetype, but instead brought the real inspiration to the audience and lead characters to fight for what they knew was right. Even with the somewhat disappointing "The Lorax" hitting theaters earlier this month, it has been a good while since a full-fledged and fun family film has hit the cineplexes. That is the charm of this movie that will keep the kiddies entertained all the way through while providing plenty of good appealing moments to the adults that will be taking them to see it. Singh even throws in a musical number at the end that is sung by Collins herself and really exposes the importance of why his films so heavily rely on their style. "Mirror Mirror" is a feast for the eyes and is a pleasant diversion from everything else that is in theaters at the moment. There is not much substance to delve into when it comes to this project as we all know the story and the director and his team don't focus on too much on developing themes or making some kind of metaphor to our real world. No, this is simple, basic fun and should be celebrated for being just that in a time where studios are constantly trying to tell the dark, brooding side of things. I didn't expect to like "Mirror Mirror" much less enjoy it, but I did and I hope the crowds give it a fair chance as it certainly deserves it.

• Nikki M

  
  Loved the costumes and settings....the ending was well done!

• Jason C

  
  Mirror mirror is an..... eccentric movie. It's not bad, but it's nothing special. On top of the very nice set direction, a few actors, most notably Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer and Nathan Lane, make this latest twist on Snow White (and one of two this year) even more colorful… More
  Mirror mirror is an..... eccentric movie. It's not bad, but it's nothing special. On top of the very nice set direction, a few actors, most notably Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer and Nathan Lane, make this latest twist on Snow White (and one of two this year) even more colorful than the sets alone would. Lily Collins does OK, but doesn't deliver anything that couldn't easily be duplicated by a number of other actresses. Roberts delivers her lines splendidly and Armie Hammer plays along to give his scenes more personality. The dwarves also do a good job and play off of each other very nicely. Despite the very good acting, there is a little drag in Mirror Mirror. The story, I'm afraid, wouldn't be able to carry the movie without the actors delivering their lines so wonderfully. It's the actors doing more to make Mirror Mirror work more-so than the director. Mirror Mirror is worth seeing. It's family fun at a level that is pretty rare these days.

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