Snow White And the 7/10-Star Reviews

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What sort of apple does Disney present with their remake of Snow White? Is it poisonous? Or perhaps it’s the popular Honeycrisp, over-engineered yet delightful? Or could it be the commonly disliked Red Delicious? The movie, featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, has stirred up controversy since Zegler’s casting announcement upset racists. With reactionaries criticizing the film as being too progressive, and some on the left questioning Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel views, it seems this movie is a source of disagreement for everyone. Perhaps it appeals to critics, or maybe opinions about it will mirror the divided public sentiment.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been eagerly waiting for the release of “Snow White.” Now that the review embargo has been lifted, there’s a flood of opinions that feels like the Nile in full spate! Most critics seem to be giving it a mid to good rating.

What stands out, though, is the consensus about its timeliness. It’s almost as if the filmmakers had a crystal ball, because the movie feels eerily relevant for our current times. Alison Willmore from Vulture points out that the Evil Queen is portrayed more explicitly as a fascist figure, while Snow takes on a role reminiscent of a centrist #resistance leader. It’s an unusual choice, but then again, these are strange times we live in.

But does it make for good cinema? That’s what all the critics seem to be debating about “Snow White.” Let’s see what they have to say!

Snow White isn’t fantastic by any means, but it’s not as terrible as one might expect. Compared to last year’s Aladdin remake, which made a staggering billion dollars despite being awful, Snow White is a step up. The new songs from Pasek and Paul are lackluster and forgettable, like smooth river stones, but this may not matter much to the film’s intended audience, who might decide to watch it based on social media’s portrayal of it as overly progressive.”

– Alison Willmore, Vulture

Snow White doesn’t quite reach the elite level when compared to films like Cinderella, Pete’s Dragon (1977), and the 1994 Jungle Book. However, it ranks high in the category, similar to movies such as Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, and Cruella. This places it far above soulless productions like Dumbo, Pinocchio, either of the Alice in Wonderland films, or even The Lion King. – David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter

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Snow White doesn’t quite make it to the top tier, with Cinderella, Pete’s Dragon (1977), and 1994’s The Jungle Book leading the way. But it holds its own in the upper echelons of films, alongside movies like Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, and Cruella. This puts it leagues ahead of uninspired efforts such as Dumbo, Pinocchio, or both versions of Alice in Wonderland, or, yuck, The Lion King. – David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter

Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen in the movie isn’t just about oppressing Snow White; she’s a ruthless, fascist figure who creates an icy atmosphere, exploiting the land’s riches and dehumanizing its people. Some might argue that this character serves as a symbol for our current political climate. While we’ve seen similar rulers in fairy tales, it’s surprising how politically charged this Disney live-action remake feels. The most poignant emotion the movie leaves you with could be: I hope one day my oppressive regime will crumble.” – [Movie Reviewer’s Name], Variety

In the end, the debate stirred up about this peculiar, lifeless adaptation directed by Marc Webb (known for 500 Days of Summer) is likely all that people will recall about this version of Snow White. As the lights dimmed, there was hope that the commotion outside the theater would disappear and only the on-screen action would matter. However, you might find yourself longing for a fraction of the intense drama unfolding off-screen to have been part of a movie that seems like a disappointing attempt to cater to Disney-loving adults.

The movie “Webb’s Rachel Zegler-led production” is well-made, though it may not reach greatness. It is lively, endearing, and brimming with delightful tunes and smart revisions to outdated content. However, this might not be satisfactory for some potential viewers. Let’s face it: Some people are simply resistant to modern interpretations of fairy tales or those that challenge traditional gender roles by suggesting “What if a woman could do things too?” If the updated version of a beloved story distresses you – if watching this film, the new “Little Mermaid,” or the new “Aladdin” or any other reimagined fairy tale leaves you feeling like your childhood has been tarnished – that’s alright. You are not obligated to watch. This is not being unkind; it is simply acknowledging the truth.

The retelling of ‘Snow White’ spans 109 minutes, with added musical sequences enhancing its pace. Modified and extended songs from the original ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ contribute to this, making the story feel more like a collaborative effort, albeit sometimes awkwardly so. The extended ‘Heigh-Ho’ provides an opportunity for each dwarf’s introduction, although only about half are featured. Unfortunately, this enlarged soundtrack also includes two solo performances by the Evil Queen, played by Gadot, in a flat, monotonous tone that was prevalent on social media during the early stages of COVID-19 lockdown.

In her latest major film, Zegler (known from “West Side Story” and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”) consistently demonstrates her status as a top-tier actress. Whether she’s sharing scenes with computer-generated dwarves or delivering emotional solos, she throws herself wholeheartedly into her roles, truly embodying the essence of a classic fairy tale princess. The storyline of “Snow White” heavily relies on characters being ready to sacrifice everything for her due to her kind nature and pure heart, and Zegler’s portrayal is so captivating that it leaves no room for doubt about others being quickly enchanted by her charm.

In a nutshell, this new live-action adaptation of Snow White is a musical version that lacks substance, serving more as a commercial venture than a creative retelling. It’s not like the successful reinterpretation of Wicked; instead, it maintains a straight-faced approach to the story with subtle, yet obvious revisions designed to avoid backlash while preserving the brand’s purity. This is most noticeable in the costume design, where the wicked witch dons a sharp, dark crown and a fitted black balaclava, while Snow White is saddled with a generic teen fashion ensemble. Unfortunately, talented actresses like Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot are reduced to delivering lackluster performances in this uninspiring production. (Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian)

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2025-03-20 03:54