After years of revisiting its animated classics through live-action remakes, Disney has finally tackled the one that started it all—Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Originally released in 1937 as Walt Disney’s first-ever full-length animated feature, the film has remained a timeless classic. While Disney has successfully adapted Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book, the studio appeared hesitant to modernize Snow White until now. With various online controversies surrounding its casting and changes to the Dwarfs, the anticipation has been mixed. But now that Disney’s Live-Action ‘Snow White’ is here, it’s time to assess whether Disney has done justice to the beloved fairy tale.
A Fresh Take with Broadway Inspiration
Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man, (500) Days of Summer), the new Snow White embraces a Broadway-like storytelling approach. With producer Marc Platt at the helm, known for La La Land and Wicked, the film carries a grand theatrical essence. The musical elements shine with new compositions by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, alongside classic songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work.”
Unlike previous live-action remakes that merely mimicked their animated counterparts, this adaptation deepens the storyline and enhances Snow White’s character. Rachel Zegler delivers an outstanding performance, portraying the princess with grace, courage, and self-discovery as she flees her evil stepmother and embarks on a journey of resilience.
A More Defined Snow White and a Stronger Narrative
The film adds an original opening sequence that introduces a young Snow White growing up under her parents’ kind rule. However, tragedy strikes when her mother passes away and her father marries the self-obsessed Evil Queen, played by Gal Gadot. The Queen’s fixation with beauty evolves beyond mere vanity—she sees kindness and generosity as weaknesses, making her rule all the more ruthless.
A major shift in the story comes with the introduction of Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), a bandit leader who serves as a more dynamic love interest. Unlike the passive prince from the original, Jonathan has a complex relationship with Snow White, making their interactions feel more natural and engaging. The chemistry between them is evident in the catchy musical number Princess Problems and the heartfelt ballad A Hand Meets a Hand.
The Dwarfs Return—But With a Twist
Although Disney initially dropped The Seven Dwarfs from the title, they remain an essential part of the film. Dopey (Andrew Barth Feldman), Doc (Jeremy Swift), Bashful (Tituss Burgess), Grumpy (Martin Klebba), Sneezy (Jason Kravits), Happy (George Salazar), and Sleepy (Andy Grotelueschen) are all present, brought to life through CGI and puppetry. The expanded version of “Heigh-Ho” gives each character a more defined presence, though not all of them receive equal screen time.
The film also introduces a new character, Quigg (George Appleby), a bandit with dwarfism. This addition appears to be Disney’s attempt to balance representation while addressing past criticisms about the portrayal of the Dwarfs.
Visuals and Cinematic Appeal
Mandy Walker’s cinematography and Kara Quinn’s production design create a visually immersive world, but the execution has its highs and lows. While the forest scenes with CGI creatures carry a whimsical charm, the CGI Dwarfs struggle to escape the uncanny valley. Costumes, though vibrant, sometimes appear too artificial, detracting from the realism of the film.
However, Webb effectively uses visual storytelling to highlight the Queen’s reign of terror. The atmosphere shifts from bright and lively under Snow White’s parents to dark and oppressive once the Queen seizes power. This contrast, though subtle, helps emphasize the stakes in the story.
Standout Performances
Rachel Zegler shines as Snow White, gracefully balancing the character’s innocence with newfound strength. Her powerful solo Waiting on a Wish adds emotional depth to her journey. Despite internet backlash over her casting, Zegler proves she was the right choice, embodying the princess with sincerity and warmth.
Gal Gadot, on the other hand, delivers a visually striking but uneven performance as the Queen. While she captures the character’s physical menace and arrogance, her singing leaves much to be desired. Two solo numbers attempt to showcase her villainous grandeur, but they fall flat due to her limited vocal range.
Andrew Burnap’s Jonathan brings a fresh and energetic take to the traditional prince role, making his character more than just a love interest. His bandit group, though somewhat underdeveloped, adds an adventurous element to the story.
Final Verdict: A Respectable Reimagining
While Snow White doesn’t outshine Disney’s best live-action adaptations, it stands as a respectable reimagining that embraces modern storytelling without losing its fairytale essence. The expanded narrative, Broadway-inspired musical numbers, and strong lead performance by Rachel Zegler make it a worthy watch. However, uneven visual effects, weak costume designs, and occasional pacing issues prevent it from reaching the heights of Cinderella (2015) or Beauty and the Beast (2017).
For those nostalgic for the original, this remake won’t replace childhood memories, but it successfully reintroduces Snow White to a new generation, reminding audiences why kindness and bravery never go out of style.
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