Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sequel about hapless troll making amends has peril, scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Snow Queen: Magic of the Ice Mirror
What's the Story?
THE SNOW QUEEN: MAGIC OF THE ICE MIRROR is ultimately a story of redemption. We meet a flawed guy -- in this case, a troll named Orm (Sharlto Copley) -- and he struggles to turn himself around. As the story opens, the troll who once did the bidding of the evil Snow Queen seems repentant and embarrassed by his past. He is, in fact, proud that he played a role, however small, in defeating the Snow Queen and her quest to turn the world into an eternal winter. That introduction to the movie's lead character gives us the impression that Orm is at least partially redeemed from his shameful past. Yet he nevertheless continues to lie, take credit for the good deeds of others, mismanage his money, take money from others, perform irresponsibly at his job, and take advantage of his loving but forgetful grandmother. He may have stopped serving the Snow Queen, but he still isn't a good guy. The girl who actually defeated the Snow Queen, Gerda (Bella Thorne), returns to help Orm but is disgusted when she learns that he's claimed responsibility for her daring and bravery in saving the world from permanent frost. Orm continues to lie and boast as he competes for the hand of the local princess, hoping the marriage will solve his money troubles. Fooled by an evil spirit in his mirror, Orm unknowingly releases his evil alter ego, who takes up where the chilly Snow Queen left off, freezing everything and everyone in sight. A battle ensues and Orm performs bravely, demonstrating the good in himself.
Is It Any Good?
While the movie is populated with many likable characters, it feels like a retread with many fuzzy plot points that will leave both kids and adults scratching their heads. The familiar theme of a good self fighting a bad self is at the heart of this chip off the Frozen iceberg. Yet since the "good" Orm is a cheater and a liar, small children may wonder what it is that separates him from the "evil" Orm trying to escape from inside the mirror. Overall The Snow Queen: Magic of the Ice Mirror is too confusing to keep most kids interested.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that Orm once served the evil Snow Queen and doesn't want anyone to know. Why do you think he's embarrassed?
Orm lies and cheats but still can't get any money. Do you think he feels bad when he can't afford to buy concert tickets he promised his grandmother? How do you know?
Orm has many flaws. How do you think The Snow Queen: Magic of the Ice Mirror wants you to feel about him? Even though he lies, does he seem to be a nicer guy than his evil mirror reflection? Do you think Orm wants to be a better person? How can you tell?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 3, 2015
- Cast : Sharlto Copley , Sean Bean , Bella Thorne , Candi Mild
- Director : Aleksey Tsitsilin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Pansexual Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Entertainment One
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Fairy Tales )
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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