Movie Review: ‘Snow White’ is no poisoned apple but it doesn’t whistle – ABC News
Mirror, mirror on the wall, what’s the fairest Disney live-action remake of them all?
Wait, hold that thought. Maybe comparing Snow White to Alice in Wonderland (2010), Mulan (2020), or The Lion King (2019) isn’t the best idea. Let’s face it—Disney’s live-action remakes have been a mixed bag. Some, like Cinderella (2015) or Pete’s Dragon (2016), managed to breathe fresh life into beloved classics. Others? Well, let’s just say they didn’t exactly sparkle like a diamond.
So, when Disney announced a live-action remake of Snow White, the studio’s first animated feature from 1937, expectations were high. After all, this is the film that built the Disney empire. But does Marc Webb’s 2025 adaptation live up to the legacy? Let’s dive in.
A Tale as Old as Time, But with a Modern Twist
Let’s get one thing straight: adapting a 19th-century German fairy tale (or a 1930s cartoon, for that matter) for today’s audience is no easy feat. The new Snow White tries hard to modernize the story. Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White, brings more agency to the character, and the film attempts to expand the idea of “fairness” beyond skin tone. Even the prince gets a bit of a makeover.
But here’s the thing—while the intentions are noble, the execution feels a bit like a mishmash. The film is caught between honoring its roots and trying to be relevant in 2025. It’s like trying to fit a glass slipper on the wrong foot—it just doesn’t quite work.
The Challenges of Bringing Animation to Life
One of the biggest hurdles for this remake is the leap from animation to live-action. Animation allows for a certain level of fantasy and exaggeration that doesn’t always translate well into the real world. Case in point: the seven dwarfs. The film has faced criticism for its handling of the dwarfs, so much so that the title has been stripped of “and the Seven Dwarfs.” It’s a tricky balance, and the movie doesn’t always nail it.
The Real-World Controversies
Let’s not forget the real-world debates that have swirled around this film. From the differing opinions of Zegler and Gal Gadot (who plays the Evil Queen) on global issues to the accusations of the film being “too woke,” Snow White has been a lightning rod for controversy. It’s a reminder that when you adapt a story this old, you’re not just dealing with fairy tales—you’re stepping into a minefield of modern expectations.
Is It Worth Watching?
So, is Snow White a poisoned apple? Not exactly. It’s got its moments—Zegler’s performance is charming, and the visuals are stunning. But does it whistle while it works? Not quite. It’s a valiant effort, but it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original.
If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, it’s worth a watch. But if you’re looking for a remake that truly stands out, you might want to revisit Cinderella or Pete’s Dragon.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Snow White is a reminder of how hard it is to adapt a classic. It’s not a bad film, but it’s not a great one either. It’s caught between the past and the present, trying to please everyone and ending up a little lost in the woods.
What do you think? Have you seen the new Snow White? Let us know in the comments below!
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