Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Mirror Mirror'

 
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

(KCBS) – Jan Wahl reviews "Mirror Mirror," starring Julia Roberts, Nathan Lane, Armie Hammer, and Lily Collins.

MIRROR MIRROR (PG)

Director Robert Wise once said that casting was at least 75% of a movie's success. So then, Mirror Mirror (PG) makes a misjudgment of casting that literally ruins it.

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Everything else is going smoothly in this re-telling of the Snow White tale: Julia Roberts is perfect as the mean queen, Nathan Lane milking every laugh possible as her servant, hunky Armie Hammer as a hunky prince, with some nice character players, cinematography, wild costumes, and special effects.

 
But, none of that can save the film because it is Snow White herself who causes a snowstorm of bad, empty, boring acting. We're talking wooden. They tell us Lily Collins is a breakout star - then break out of the lack of energy. We should root for or at least be interested in this title character, instead her valley girl line readings zaps the fun from what should be a good time, light hearted movie. Little girls will still go for it, of course but what a waste that they end up with a tired Kardashian instead of a brave princess.

One half of a hat, barely a visor, for the costumes and Roberts.

See Right Now: "Jiro Who Dreams of Sushi," "Delicacy," "House of Pleasures," "The Artist" and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen."

Home Viewing/DVD: "A Dangerous Method," "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "The Adventures of Tintin," "Hugo," "My Week with Marilyn" and "Moneyball."

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