Going into last weekend, expectations for the adaptation of the first novel in Suzanne Collins' dystopian novel trilogy were huge, but The Hunger Games opened even huger than anyone anticipated, becoming the third-biggest domestic opening of all time.  In its second weekend, the film was facing competition from two new releases, the sequel Wrath of the the Titans and the family-friendly Snow White tale Mirror Mirror.  Though both of those films opened well, they were up against the indomitable The Hunger Games.

Opening in theaters on March 30^th is the hilarious and family friendly re-telling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale Snow White entitled Mirror Mirror, which was helmed by visionary director Tarsem Singh (Immortals). The film stars actress Lily Collins (Priest) as Snow White, actor Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as Prince Andrew Alcott, and Academy Award winning actress Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich) as Queen Clementianna, as well as a supporting cast that includes Nathan Lane (The Producers), Mare Winningham (Turner & Hooch), Michael Lerner (Barton Fink), and Sean Bean (HBO’s Game of Thrones). Mirror Mirror is rated PG and promises to be a comedic fantasy adventure for the whole family that shows us the iconic fairy tale in a whole new way.

IAR recently had the pleasure of attending the Mirror Mirror press conference, along with several outlets, to hear what the actors and director had to say about the new film. On hand was director Tarsem Singh, actress Lily Collins, and of course … Oscar winner and Hollywood icon Julia Roberts.

Gods and Goddesses alike gathered at the world famous Playboy Mansion on Tuesday evening, March 6th to celebrate the Blu-ray and DVD release of Immortals, which went on sale earlier that day. In attendance from the movie was Immortals producer Craig J. Flores, as well as actor Corey Sevire who played Apollo in the film. Also making an appearance at the mansion Tuesday night was actors Bruce Boxleitner (Tron: Legacy), Johnny Whitworth (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance), Stephen Bishop (Safe House), Chris Bauer (HBO’s True Blood), Theo Rossi and Dayton Callie (Sons of Anarchy), and Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire), as well as comedians Orlando Jones (Mad TV) and Tommy Davidson (In Living Color). Unfortunately our host, the great Hugh Hefner, did not make an appearance at the party or on the red carpet that evening.

IAR attended the red carpet gala and I had a chance to speak with Flores about producing the film. I began by asking him about his experience collaborating with visionary director Tarsem Singh. “I think Tarsem established within our first meeting that he had the movie inside his head and that he wanted to make it look Caravaggio paintings. He had it all down in his head and that is what you look for in a director to really just execute that vision seamlessly and he did.”

When The Social Network hit theaters in 2010, many an audience found itself collectively wondering just who the guys playing the Winklevoss Twins were.  Some visual effects coolness meant that both faces belonged to one actor, Armie Hammer.  That was the introduction of Hammer, who went on to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in last year's J. Edgar.  Now, Hammer playing the endlessly charming Prince Andrew Alcott in Mirror Mirror, the reimagining of the classic Snow White tale from visionary director Tarsem Singh, who last applied his distinctive style to Greek mythology with Immortals.

Hammer co-stars with Julia Roberts as the Queen and Lily Collins as Snow White herself, but a new behind the scenes featurette from Mirror Mirror focuses on Prince Alcott.  The featurette includes new, never before seen footage from the film, as well as interview snippets with Hammer himself, who will also star as the title character in next year's The Lone Ranger.

So you've got a forty-seven inch flatscreen television, complete with Blu-ray player and a surround sound system that truly does surround you with sound.  With all that, you're not looking for a staid costume drama, quietly observant character piece, or quirk-filled comedy.  You're looking for a movie with visuals that will scorch your retinas and a sound mix that will break windows while scaring every pet in your neighborhood.  Next week, that movie arrives, as the blockbuster action epic Immortals is set to bring the thunder on Tuesday, March 6th.

Two months ago, the first Mirror Mirror domestic trailer provided the most substantial look at Relativity Media's fantastical reimagining of the classic Snow White fairy tale.  Today, a newly-released international trailer showcases even more of the sumptuous visuals that have become the signature of any film from director Tarsem Singh, who last helmed the hit 3D action epic Immortals. 

The sight of dwarf bandits gracefully bandying about in elaborately designed stilt costumes – as well as an any number of other visual flourishes, including a lavish costume party and a magnificently designed palace – certainly makes an undeniable impression.  Just as importantly, though, this international trailer also features a better sense of the film's tone, which combines whimsical humor and spirited, swashbuckling adventure in a manner reminiscent of The Princess Bride.

Anyone who has seen Immortals, director Tarsem Singh's gorgeously inventive 3D take on Greek Mythology, already knows that next year's Mirror Mirror is guaranteed to a visual bonanza.  What else would one expect from a visual stylist as unique and accomplished as Singh taking on the much-loved fairy tale story of Snow White?  Singh's stunningly arranged visuals and peerless production design require musical accompaniment to match, however.  Today Relativity Media ensured that the score of Mirror Mirror would be equally memorable, as eight-time Academy Award-winning musician Alan Menken will serve as composer on the lively comedic adventure starring Lily Collins as Snow White, Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen, and Armie Hammer as Prince Andrew Alcott.

Synopsis: One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event, Mirror Mirror.  A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.  The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince, and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen. 

Relativity Media has released the first official trailer for Mirror Mirror, the imaginative new take on the Snow White fairy tale from director Tarsem Singh.  With Singh's Immortals currently standing as the number one movie in America, the Mirror Mirror trailer shows the visionary director moving from epic action based around Greek mythology to a very different look at a familiar fantasy story.  The film has long been described as a comedic adventure very much in the vein of The Princess Bride, and the trailer gives a sense of just how the film will balance its lighthearted humor and swashbuckling action, as well as its stunning costumes and set design.  The three major characters, Snow White, the Evil Queen, and Prince Andrew Alcott, played by Lily Collins, Julia Roberts, and Armie Hammer, all get their moments to shine, with Roberts delivering many a comedic line and Collins portraying a stronger, more active Snow White.

Opening in theaters on November 11th is the new 3D fantasy adventure film from visionary director Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall), called Immortals. The movie features an impressive cast of young and veteran actors that includes Henry Cavill (Man of Steel), Freida Pinto (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Mickey Rourke (Iron Man 2), Kellan Lutz (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1), Luke Evans (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), Isabel Lucas (Red Dawn), Stephen Dorff (Blade), and John Hurt (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull).

IAR's managing editor Jami Philbrick recently had a chance to sit down and talk with director Tarsem Singh about his latest film Immortals, as well as his upcoming project Mirror Mirror (formally known as Untitled Snow White Project). The director spoke openly about Immortals, its compelling story, why 3D fits his directing style, and Mickey Rourke's intensity, as well as Mirror Mirror, why its not in 3D, and working with Oscar-winner Julia Roberts.