Disney’s live-action Snow White has been a mixed bag for audiences and critics alike. On the bright side, Rachel Zegler delivers a strong performance, with her singing and emotional depth bringing the iconic princess to life. Most agree that she’s the highlight of the film, with Digital Spy even saying she “almost saves this remake” – almost!
One of the more exciting aspects of the film is the addition of new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the songwriting duo behind The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen. They’re no strangers to Disney either, having penned two original songs for the Aladdin remake. Their work adds a fresh musical layer to Snow White, though opinions on how well these songs fit within the classic fairy tale have been mixed.
That said, some of the film’s creative choices haven’t gone over as well. Removing the prince and replacing the dwarfs with CGI characters has sparked controversy, with The Guardian calling it an “exhaustingly awful reboot.” The Times even suggested Disney has lost sight of what made the original so special.
Visually, the film has also been hit-or-miss. The heavy reliance on CGI has been criticized for making the movie feel less magical and authentic. And financially, it hasn’t exactly been successful either —despite a huge budget, it had a disappointing $87 million opening weekend worldwide.
In the end, while Zegler shines, this Snow White doesn’t quite recapture the magic of the animated classic. Some will appreciate its modern updates, but for many, it’s a reminder that not every Disney remake can hit the right notes.
The main take I would say, treat is a standalone film – and you will enjoy it. Compare and contrast with the original source material (Disney, not Grimm) and you’ll feel a bit let down.
