‘Mirror Mirror’: You’ll fall under its spell

Lily Collins plays a Snow White who isn’t your typical damsel in distress. “Mirror Mirror” opens Friday.

“Mirror Mirror” is a delightful take on the classic Snow White tale, with enough integrity to keep the story rooted in its origins but just the right touch of modern flourishes to add excitement.

Julia Roberts is devilishly good as The Queen, whose hatred for her own stepdaughter sets the story in motion. Lily Collins brings an innocent, ethereal quality to the role of Snow White — and she’s self-sufficient enough to prove that this isn’t your standard damsel-in-distress story. Armie Hammer is dashing as Prince Charming, a role he was practically born to play. The cast is rounded out by a boisterous Nathan Lane as The Queen’s servant and a group of fiercely talented little men as the seven dwarves, whose personalities shine far beyond the one-word names we’ve been given in previous incarnations of this story.

Tarsem Singh’s vision plays out remarkably well through lavish scenery (a sumptuous castle perched atop a cliff, a forest bathed in snow) and opulent costumes, hair and makeup that echo the style of Capitol residents in “The Hunger Games.” The story itself is unique, and it’s sprinkled with humor that both adults and kids will enjoy (one particularly humorous scene takes us through The Queen’s beautification routine). Though hijinks ensue, battles are fought and the poison apple makes its expected appearance, this version of “Snow White” adds depth and charm previously unseen by the PG crowd.