Graphic novel writer Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) delivers a dark, strange-looking adventure along with director Dave McKean that’s best left to the teens it is probably aimed at. Young Helena (the terrific Leonidas) is sick of her life – her parents (McKee and Brydon) own and work in a travelling circus, while she just yearns for a more normal existence. After her mum is rushed to hospital, Helena falls asleep among the many drawings she has made of a strange fantasy world, and then finds herself transported into that world, where a beautiful queen (also McKee) lies in a coma and an evil queen (McKee again!) threatens to turn the world to darkness.
Visually stunning (with creatures made by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop) as Helena wanders through the world of her drawings like an Alice in a twisted Wonderland, looking for a magical mask that may save the Queen of Light and also send Helena home, this unfortunately never engages on a narrative level and seems much longer than it actually is. Yes, it’s inventive, and teens interested in graphic art and design will be fascinated, but everyone else will wonder what the fuss is all about.
Is Mirrormask suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
This is definitely not for younger children, partly because it is dark, and partly because they will be bored.
If you like this, why not try: Alice In Wonderland 2010, Labyrinth, Stardust, Coraline, Inkheart,