Verdict
Summary
A very tame, live-action remake that doesn’t quite hit the mark; however, Rachel Zegler as Snow White is a shining star with her commanding vocal chops.
Plot: A fallen princess must work together with a few unlikely companions to save her father’s kingdom from her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen.
Review: Snow White is the latest in Disney’s age of live-action remakes, and much like the majority that have been released this past decade, this film mirrors the sense of underwhelming, yet (debatably) entertaining experience that viewers share when it comes to these movies.
A positive takeaway was Rachel Zegler’s graceful performance as our protagonist, Snow White. Zegler’s vocals were captivating in every scene, bringing a pulse to the 1937 animated version. The new music in this installment was quite catchy and enjoyable – a great complement to the lively visuals. I also loved the animals of the enchanted forest; they were all adorable as you’d expect the princess’ companions to be, and extra points for not giving these cute creatures a word of dialogue.
In contrast, the Evil Queen failed to make an impact as our malevolent villain of the film. Played by Gal Gadot, the Queen seemed separated from the main plot, occasionally appearing in scenes as if to remind audiences that she was the most powerful of them all. Her magic especially felt disjointed and unexplained – it felt like a subplot waiting to be unravelled but never did.
Understandably, this classic tale intends to capture a new generation; however, it felt rather tame and flat. Though there are some elements of Snow White that were changed, by the end of the film these “fresh” takes failed to provide any additional value to the beloved story we all know.
Overall, this modern take of Snow White remains uninspiringly light-hearted throughout the entire movie. Rachel Zegler is an angelic star, but there aren’t many risks taken, or even renewed adoration for this Disney classic as you’d expect. Though – for the record – the CGI Seven Dwarves were surprisingly fun to watch.
Disney’s Snow White opens in theatres March 21, 2025.