Dear, sweet Snow White, my favorite Disney princess, your new live-action film seems cursed by more than a poisoned apple.
It’s not that bad.
From the earliest looks and the earliest press, people seemed ready to hate this film. I truly hoped for a redemption arc, leading to an amazing movie. While that didn’t happen, it’s not terrible. I enjoyed parts of it. The children in the theater seemed to love it. I even overheard a fan call it the ‘best live-action remake ever.’ While I can’t agree with that, it was watchable and occasionally enjoyable.
Rachel Zegler shines, Gal Gadot…doesn’t
Rachel Zegler’s talent is undeniable. Her voice and acting are truly highlights of the film. In contrast, Gal Gadot became the only Disney villain I’ve ever disliked. This isn’t due to her character’s unearned evilness, but rather Gadot’s awkward performance.
The CGI is bad, but I think it’s on purpose
Speaking of people hating on the first looks, the dwarves in the film faced significant criticism from fans. The CGI animation was reminiscent of a more advanced-looking Polar Express, with some elements still venturing into the uncanny valley. While the animation took some getting used to, their musical sequence, a clear homage to the Mine Train ride at Walt Disney World, was enjoyable.
In contrast to the unsettling appearance of the dwarves, the animated animals were undeniably charming. Although their animation was intentionally stylized and artificial, the result was endearing rather than disturbing.
The music was fine
The standout song from the new Snow White is undoubtedly ‘Waiting on a Wish,’ fulfilling the essential ‘I Want’ song expected of any Disney Princess. While ‘Princess Problems’ isn’t as strong, it does offer some humor, particularly with a chorus seemingly designed for TikTok virality. Conversely, Gal Gadot’s ‘All Is Fair’ is notably weak. These are accompanied by ‘Good Things Grow,’ a villager song, and updated versions of ‘Heigh-Ho’ and ‘Whistle While You Work,’ which are adequate. Not a ‘Some Day My Prince Will Come’ in sight, however.
Live-Action Fatigue is Real
With Disney producing live-action adaptations at an accelerating pace, one questions the studio’s capacity for original storytelling. The inconsistent quality of these films naturally breeds apprehension regarding upcoming projects like Lilo & Stitch this year, Moana next year, and further down the line, Hercules and Robin Hood and…well…you get the picture. Let’s hope the lessons learned from Snow White serve as a cautionary tale for Disney’s future live-action adaptations.
Disney’s Snow White is in theaters now!
Snow White Trailer
From the producer and executive producer of “Wicked,” Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff, and director Marc Webb (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) comes “Disney’s Snow White,” a live-action musical reimagining of the studio’s classic 1937 film. The magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”) in the title role and Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen.