Julia Roberts RULES!
How is that for an open to a movie review? Simply put, she is awesome in this new version of the classic tale “Snow White.”
I won’t be able to ruin anything about the basic storyline here. I’m SURE you know about the evil stepmother (played by Roberts) who raises an angelic step daughter (played by Lily Collins, daughter of THE Phil Collins) who falls in love with the handsome Prince (played by Armie Hammer). There have been SEVERAL film versions.
The difference between all of these Snow Whites? Some are good, some are bad. “Mirror Mirror” is a good apple.
What makes this one better? For one thing, the chemistry with the cast. Roberts is so credible as the evil step mom that I even found myself wanting to give her a swift kick in the rump.
Snow White’s character isn’t as clean cut as has been portrayed in previous versions. Collins delivers a solid performance playing not only step daughter but action hero as well. See? It is a “newer” version!
The bumbling Prince Alcott happens upon the dysfunctional royal family while getting lost in the deep woods. He is actually beat up by the seven dwarfs who are, in this version, a group of bandits. Alcott gets seduced by evil step mom who needs to find a “sugar daddy” because she has spent the kingdom’s riches on shoes, furniture, and big lavish parties.
I’ll leave the rest of the plot for you to enjoy. Yes, there is a “happily ever after”. It is the clever way the movie gets there that makes “Mirror Mirror” a fun ride.
My favorite take on the fairy tale genre is “Enchanted.” This comes in a close second.
