*minor spoiler alert*
From the fantastical mind of Neil Gaiman comes Mirrormask. Gaiman is known for his novels, which features myth and larger than life characters thrust into the context of modern day and modern thinking. Typically, his novels are engaging, and I recommend them to everyone.
In this film, a young girl finds herself stuck in the imaginary world that she drew in her freetime, chasing around creepy and mysterious creatures and people. Her goal is to escape to be with her mother, who has suddenly become ill, fainting during a circus performance. While inside, she learns to question the poor loyalty of strangers and how to survive in the world she imagined in her mind.
Mirrormask presents itself in two ways: on the one hand, it could easily be conceived as a kids movie. The protagonist is anywhere from 11-14, and she is caught in the throes of “don’t wanna” against her parents, who are traveling circus performers. However, on the other hand, it is much in the vain of fantasy stories like it, such as The Never Ending Story, in that its content may seem simple on the outside, but when put into the context of adult themes, it suddenly has a new set of meanings. The imagery in this movie is slightly shocking, with everything looking like parts of a magazine collage cast under the dark light of the mind and the beautiful glue of CGI. Visually, it is appealing across the board.
There is a “white witch” character, the deceptive and beautiful tyrant who convinces the protagonist that all is lost and it is better to just do what you’re told. This adds to the wonderful creepy factor and presents solid lessons in questioning the intention of others, even when you are young.
I don’t know of many movies that leave you feeling like your brain just got a good stretching and possibly a jog, but in Mirrormask, you will find that, and a sense of amazement at the imagination.
Please Pass the Popcorn 
August 22, 2008 at 12:54 pm |
Well, that one looks good. I am suprised I never heard of it before. ‘ve always loved Neil Gaiman, too.
August 22, 2008 at 1:56 pm |
The only Gaiman I’ve read (and watched) was Stardust. This story line, as written here, reminds me of Pan’s Labyrinth. What do you think of that comparison?
August 24, 2008 at 11:40 pm |
See? Now I’ve been looking for a good kids’ movie that isn’t something TOO kiddie – I’ve got a 9 and 11 year old, both of whom are VERY precocious, and the Disney flicks just aren’t cutting it anymore. I’m going to check this one out – we LOVED Stardust…
August 25, 2008 at 1:46 am |
Precocious is a good word for this film. It’s a modern day fairy tale if ever there was one. That said, Gaiman does that with pretty much everything he does.