Weekend Picks: ‘Mirror Mirror’ & ‘Wrath of the Titans’

Last weekend "The Hunger Games" devoured the competition on its way to claiming the box-office crown. The biggest movie of the year had the third-biggest opening weekend ever, earning more than $152 million in ticket sales. But since seemingly everyone and their mother already saw the dystopian thriller, perhaps there's room for another movie to claim the top spot? Or maybe everyone and their mother will just see "The Hunger Games" again?

The makers of the two movies opening wide this weekend hope that's not the case. And both of them have the investment pedigree to succeed at the box office. One film stars Julia Roberts, whose movies have made well over $2 billion in her storied career. And the other film is the sequel to a movie that grossed nearly half a billion dollars worldwide. Either choice should make for an enjoyable escape, but to help you decide which film is right for you, we boil down the movie and predict which fans might enjoy it most.


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'Mirror Mirror'

Rated PG for some fantasy action and mild rude humor.

What's the Story?
The Snow White fairy tale gets a live-action update. When Princess Snow White's (Lily Collins) kingly father (Sean Bean) disappears, her wicked stepmother, the Queen (Julia Roberts), comes to power. And as evil stepmothers are wont to do, she overindulges on said power. After Snow White gains the attention of a charming and wealthy prince (Armie Hammer), the Queen banishes her to the dangerous forest. Fortunately for Snow, seven rebellious dwarfs come to her aid. With the help of her dwarfs in arms and her charming prince, Snow White is determined to win back her birthright, take her rightful place on the throne, and restore happiness to her kingdom. Unfortunately for all, the Queen will stop at nothing to keep her seat.

Who Will Dig It?
This is one for the whole family, especially princess-obsessed daughters. Furthermore, fans of romance, magical fairy tales, fantastic adventures, gorgeous costumes, and comedy should live happily ever after if they catch this fairest film of them all.

[Tickets: See when 'Mirror Mirror' is playing]

'Wrath of the Titans'

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy violence and action.

What's the Story?
Ten years after slaying the monstrous Kraken, half-god/half-man/all-hero Perseus (Sam Worthington) is enjoying a quiet life of fishing and fatherhood. The gods, however, are not faring nearly as well; their influence has been greatly diminished, and consequently, so too has their power. Perseus's father, Zeus (Liam Neeson), the supreme leader of the gods, goes to the underworld to strike a deal to consolidate power with his brother Hades(Ralph Fiennes) and his godly son Ares (Edgar Ramirez). Zeus is betrayed, and offered to Kronos, the 1,500-foot-tall Titan -- Zeus and Hades' father, whom they imprisoned many years ago. With Hades' help, Kronos escapes and unleashes the apocalyptic fury of the underworld on all humankind. Only Perseus and his misfit band of demigod Agenor, fallen god Hephaestus, and warrior queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike) can repel the Titans, rescue Zeus, and save the world.

Who Will Dig It?
Those who like special-effects-bursting blockbusters will likely flock to "Wrath," especially fanboys of the first film, "Clash of the Titans" (1981), and the 2010 remake that starred many of the same actors. Likewise, lovers of 3D action/adventure, old myths, new myths, and great beards should find some higher power while watching this epic fantasy flick.

[Tickets: See when 'Wrath of the Titans' is playing]