From the moment the opening credits played, it was clear that Snow White was not going to be your typical fairy tale adaptation. While the movie has its imperfections, it definitely brings a fresh take to the classic tale.
Positives:
Overall, Snow White was a highly enjoyable movie. Rachel Zegler’s performance as Snow White showcased her incredible acting skills and impressive vocals throughout the entire movie, which really brought her character to life. Zegler had a perfect balance between the characters dreamy personality and strength, making Snow White feel both relatable and inspiring to young girls. Additionally, the personalities of the dwarfs were well-crafted, and the film included a good amount of humor providing that did a good job of lightening the story.
One of the aspects I particularly appreciated was how the film delved deeper into Snow White’s background and the world she inhabits. Unlike the original animated classic, this version gave us a longer glimpse into Snow White’s past and the relationships she had with the townspeople. It was refreshing to see more of Snow White’s journey and the motivations that drove her to become the resilient figure we know and love.
I also enjoyed the introduction of new characters, who were surprisingly likeable and well-developed. Their evolution throughout the film added more depth to the narrative, and the dynamics between the new and old characters provided a nice contrast.
Negatives:
However, there were a few aspects that didn’t quite resonate with me and the others in the theater. For starters, Snow White’s costume design felt off. The color choices for the dress were unusual, and while Rachel Zegler has shared pictures of herself in a Snow White-inspired hairstyle that I found far more appealing, the final look in the film was somewhat disappointing. Even though Rachel’s voice is amazing, and her acting was great, I was also disappointed that a few key songs were missing, including the song she sings by the wishing well.
On a larger scale, the decision to use animatronic and AI-generated dwarfs instead of real dwarf actors was a misstep. The dwarfs, especially Dopey, gave off unsettling “uncanny valley” vibes, with Dopey’s appearance particularly reminding me of characters from The Polar Express, which distracts from the immersive experience.
The portrayal of the Evil Queen also fell short, lacking the depth and complexity I had hoped for. Additionally, the film made significant changes to the plot, such as the characters attacking the castle and Snow White’s romance with a bandit rather than a prince, which felt like a stark departure from the original story.
Conclusion:
While the film was undoubtedly entertaining and brought a fresh take on the classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarf’s tale, it strayed far from the original film. For those going into the movie, I would suggest keeping an open mind, as it’s not a replica of the original, especially when it comes to the music and character dynamics. With a slightly different marketing approach, the film could have set more realistic expectations for the audience, but it’s still worth watching if you’re open to a new interpretation.
