Hans Christian Andersen's tale has never received a first-class production. This tepid version (made in 1995, released in 1999) stars Helen Mirren (the only known talent in the cast) as the queen who wants to freeze the world. Unfortunately, her giant mirror has broken and Tom, a young boy, is put under her spell to fix it. Tom's sister, Ellie, comes to the rescue with the usual assortment of animal friends to help. Not much fun, forgettable songs, and good only for passing 75 minutes in front of the TV. --Doug Thomas

