When you view the latest Jim Henson film “Mirror Mask” you enter a dream world overflowing with graphics, sets and costumes so elaborate and vibrant that every moment is a different flavoured candy for the eyes and all absolutely mesmerising.

Directed by Dave McKean who also collaborated with Neil Gaiman to write the script, “Mirror Mask” kicks of with the rather romantic concept of a girl named Helena (Stephanie Leonidas) who wishes she could run away from her family’s circus and join real life. Directly after Helena starts an angst ridden argument with her mother the woman falls ill. Helena is convinced this is her fault and enters her dreamland where the White Queen has fallen into a sleep and won’t wake, the balance between dark and light has been broken in the kingdom and the Black Queen is wrecking havoc on the land’s people. Befriended by the comical and somewhat dubious Valentine (Jason Barry) Helena sets out to find the Mirror Mask, which is rumoured to have the power to restore the kingdom to its rightful order.

“Mirror Mask” is similar to other Henson films like “Labyrinth” in that it’s a story of a young girl coming of age intertwined with fantasy. However “Mirror Mask” is far more enjoyable for both adults and children with its strong use of humour, more sophisticated plot and visual design. Except for Stephen Fry, who has a small cameo voicing one of the animations, “Mirror Mask” has relatively unknown actors that do an exceptional job.

Stephanie Leonidas is very captivating as Helena with her wide-eyed enthusiasm and tenacious attitude and Jason Barry plays Valentine wonderfully, fleshing out the pessimistic and sarcastic character quite well considering he is obstructed by a mask for the majority of the film. If you’re looking for something fresh and interesting, eye-catching and entertaining to spend your afternoon gaping at then “Mirror Mask” fits the bill perfectly.