Another live-action remake from the Mickey Mouse studio, another season of inflated controversies and extremist behavior from those swayed by questionable agendas. Whether it’s Rachel Zegler’s (West Side Story) casting as Snow White, potential narrative changes, the actress’ criticism of the original film, or the decision to use CGI dwarfs instead of real actors, the truth is that none of these controversies are actually relevant to expectations or one’s eventual opinion of the movie. In fact, I have no interest in them whatsoever.
The online debate has been drowned in exasperating noise, fueled by the same bad-faith channels that thrive on artificial outrage and wide-eyed thumbnail reactions. We already know what’s going to happen: Snow White will be relentlessly review-bombed, making ratings on various public platforms utterly meaningless.
As for the film itself, the premise remains untouched: this musical adventure takes audiences back to the classic story of a young woman mistreated by her stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot), who finds refuge with seven kind-hearted dwarfs. A remake of a 1937 animated classic, which in turn was adapted from an 1812 fairy tale… The idea that nothing should ever be changed is more shocking than any actual changes made. Time moves forward, cultural perspectives evolve, and certain elements of the original were always destined to be revisited – and rightly so.
Snow White review
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was never a favorite of mine. As a child, it didn’t stand out to me, and as an adult, that hasn’t changed. While I recognize its historical and cultural significance, it never left the same impact as The Lion King, Mulan, or Aladdin. So, I went into the theater without heavy nostalgia or emotional ties but with curiosity about what director Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man) and screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train) had to offer.
Even with moderate expectations, Snow White managed to surprise me – and in a big way! This remake is proof that cinematic opinions should be formed only after watching a movie, not before. Wilson’s screenplay not only enriches the story with deeper themes of community, loyalty, and empathy but also gives characters more coherent and interesting motivations. For those worried about radical changes, rest assured that nearly everything that happens in the original also occurs here. The difference lies in the narrative refinement, which Webb balances well without breaking any nostalgic connection.
Like The Little Mermaid, the central romance benefits from a modern approach. Snow White and Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) don’t fall in love simply because they’re “pretty royalty” but because they share the same values and a sense of good and justice that makes them compatible. The actors’ chemistry is undeniable, making their interactions and musical numbers all the more engaging.
In fact, Snow White defies the trend of recent remakes by delivering new songs that actually add something to the story and characters while fitting the vibe, cadence, and feeling of the classics. Good Things Grow, Waiting on a Wish, and A Hand Meets a Hand stand out, while the reinterpretations of Heigh-Ho and Whistle While You Work retain the lively energy of the original. The stunning costumes, real sets, musical choreography, and even the CGI animals – unbelievably adorable – are other praiseworthy technical highlights.
However, not everything is perfect. Two major issues prevent Snow White from reaching an even greater level. The first is Gadot’s miscasting. While her work in Wonder Woman is admirable, the actress has rarely been convincing outside of that role, and her Evil Queen swings between acceptable camp and a forced performance with terrible line delivery and inconsistent facial expressions. Additionally, since Gadot isn’t a singer, her voice is digitally altered for the villain’s new theme, All Is Fair, but the autotune is so blatant that it completely ruins the song’s impact.
The second problem is the inexplicable decision to make the dwarfs CGI. Not only are they visually distracting and out of place in the movie’s overall aesthetic, but their inclusion becomes even more questionable when a secondary human character is played by a dwarf actor (George Appleby). The humor and dynamic between the dwarfs stay charming, but the artificiality takes away some of the magic and immersion.
Aside from a few moments where the green screen is too obvious or the backlighting is too strong, Snow White maintains solid overall technical quality. Nevertheless, it always leaves a lingering feeling that it could have been even better if it had used real actors for the dwarfs and featured a more intimidating antagonist. In the end, one element shines above all others…
Rachel Zegler is the heart and soul of this film. Not only does she deliver an impressive vocal performance, but she also radiates charisma and emotion in every scene. Her Snow White is fearless, fair, brave, and true like she should be, elevating the character to a new level of sophistication. It’s disappointing to see how many people will leave outside influences to shape their perception of her work because this is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable performances of the year from one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
Snow White presents a thematic evolution of the classic tale, emphasizing self-discovery, community, and the power of kindness in a world that often rewards cruelty. Snow White’s journey isn’t merely an escape from oppression but a path toward leadership, resilience, and respect. Her relationship with Jonathan is built on shared values rather than superficial attraction, reinforcing the idea that true connections stem from mutual respect and purpose. Meanwhile, the Evil Queen embodies vanity and power-hungry manipulation, serving as a stark contrast to Snow White’s selfless nature. Ultimately, the remake suggests that while fairy tales evolve with time, their core messages – compassion over selfishness, courage over fear, kindness over evil – remain timeless.
Personally, I avoid debates about whether a remake is “better” or “worse” than the original, especially when nostalgia plays such a huge role in the equation. In the end, it all comes down to personal taste, and every opinion is valid. What I can say for sure is that I would rather rewatch this Snow White than the 1937 flick, precisely for all the reasons mentioned above. Ignore the controversies, block out the online noise, and give the film a chance. In the end, the only opinion that truly matters is your own.
Is Snow White worth watching?
Snow White may not be the remake that changes many people’s negative perception of Disney’s live-action trend, but the truth is that Marc Webb and Erin Cressida Wilson manage to offer a more fascinating version of the classic tale. At the center of it all, Rachel Zegler shines with a magnetic performance, elevating the main character to new heights of complexity and charm. Her enchanting expressiveness and outstanding vocal talent make this Snow White one of the most notable protagonists of the modern live-action era. With a stronger, thematically richer script, a convincing romance, exciting new songs, and an updated vision that respects the essence of the classic, this remake proves that there’s room to revisit old stories and make them even more tantalizing.
Snow White releases in theaters on March 21.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
