“Snow White” Live-Action Shines Amid Controversy
Disney’s live-action remake boom has had its share of hits and misses, but Marc Webb’s retelling of Snow White manages to strike a balance between nostalgia and modern sensibilities. While some have dismissed it as another over-polished IP cash grab, the film delivers a visually stunning adaptation with a reimagined heroine who takes control of her own destiny.
⭐ Rachel Zegler, stepping into the iconic role of Snow White, exudes grace, warmth, and resilience, proving that despite internet backlash, she was the right choice for the role.
🎶 The film’s new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including Waiting on a Wish and A Hand Meets a Hand, offer fresh melodies, while beloved classics like Heigh-Ho and Whistle While You Work bring familiarity.
🧙♀️ Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen is a vision of vanity and power, draped in Sandy Powell’s exquisite costumes that scream regal dominance.
The casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many arguing she wasn’t “white enough” for the role. This escalated further when Zegler’s past comments about not idolizing the 1937 version resurfaced, along with her political stance on Palestine and Trump.
🌍 Meanwhile, co-star Gal Gadot’s advocacy for Israel led to additional online feuds, further fueling polarizing debates around the film.
Despite the social media chaos, none of it impacts the film itself. Zegler delivers a charismatic performance, proving that Snow White’s kindness and courage transcend skin color.
Unlike her 1937 counterpart, Zegler’s Snow White is not just waiting for a prince. Instead, she is a leader who wants to restore her father’s kingdom and challenge the Evil Queen’s rule.
💬 “I deserved the same,” Zegler’s words about equal pay echo through her character’s empowered narrative, making this version more about independence than romance.
💑 Even her love interest, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), isn’t a prince—he’s a commoner-turned-bandit who earns her respect and admiration rather than just sweeping her off her feet.
One unavoidable flaw of the film is its CGI-rendered dwarfs, which, despite their humorous personalities, fail to achieve the realism of Disney’s usual effects. The decision to digitally alter their appearances rather than casting dwarf actors has led to mixed reactions.
🗣️ However, their bond with Snow White, particularly Grumpy’s (Martin Klebba) slow-growing affection, remains heartwarming.
Cinematographer Mandy Walker and production designer Kave Quinn create a storybook world filled with breathtaking landscapes, lavish costumes, and dazzling special effects.
🔮 The Magic Mirror, voiced by Patrick Page, pays homage to the original, while the Evil Queen’s song, “All Is Fair (When You Wear the Crown),” is a standout performance by Gadot.
🎭 The grand finale, “Good Things Grow,” brings an uplifting conclusion, with the entire cast draped in Powell’s stunning white ensembles, creating a true fairy-tale ending.
While Snow White doesn’t surpass the best of Disney’s live-action adaptations, it sits comfortably among them, delivering a heartfelt, empowering retelling of the classic story.
✅ Strengths:
❌ Weaknesses:
💭 Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A charming, visually rich adaptation that stays true to Disney’s roots while embracing a modern touch.
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