Disney’s new live-action version of Snow White does not add much to the classic tale. It hits all the essential beats. However, despite some of the cast’s admirable attempts to add emotional depth, this film is repeatedly doused with flat camp when others appear on screen. Some acting is borderline cringe… like the kind where you laugh in shock at it. Because of this, Snow White winds up in an unintentional tonal power struggle. With an uneven combination of forgettable music, bland choreography, and few genuine laughs, Snow White fails to find and maintain its footing.
Directed by Marc Webb with a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson, this movie—like other Disney live-action flicks—means to capitalize on the love for a classic animated film in a new format. It stars Rachel Zegler as the titular character who ends up in the sights of her stepmother the Evil Queen, played by Wonder Woman herself Gal Gadot. She goes on the run and finds unlikely allies in a group of dwarves, creatures in nature, and a team of thieves led by Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), their charming captain.
Snow White‘s First Act Has a Rough Start
The film’s struggles are there from the beginning, the outset, with a narration of Snow White’s formative years that drags far too long. It feels wholly unnecessary considering there are scenes that capture her family and their relationship with their people. It is often better to show how rather than tell. While the narration is understandable once you reach the end, there were other ways to drive home a specific point. Snow White flounders immediately and, despite attempts to correct its course, this movie barely treads water between submersions.
Beware the One Rotten Apple in the Bunch
There are few misses when it comes to Snow White‘s casting. Rachel Zegler and Andrew Burnap do their best and bring plenty of range to their characters, thanks to their expressive faces. Unfortunately, although you logically understand the film’s stakes, it’s hard to feel drawn in emotionally. The rest of Snow White‘s aspects are lacking to the point that you’re thinking, “It’s not that serious,” as you watch them fight back tears.
Perhaps that’s because Gal Gadot is terribly miscast as the Evil Queen. Because of how she conveys the character, the Evil Queen doesn’t feel threatening despite her magic abilities. Each time she speaks, it rings hollow. Honestly, Sigourney Weaver could’ve come back and got it done. Snow White simply does not have a villain who raises the bar in terms of conflict. This version feels less dire than its predecessor, whose villain felt far more dangerous.
Snow White‘s Music Goes in One Ear and Out the Other
For the live-action classic tale, too few songs have a resonating impact. Rachel Zegler belts her heart out. Still, the lyrics don’t catch hold of viewers. There are few bops for sure. The Evil Queen’s songs are memorable, but only because they are awful. Many songs tease a momentary spark, catching the audience’s attention, but then fizzle out before they become a flame. The only song I remember, or rather verse, is “Whistle while you work,” as it existed before this version.
Alongside the music are some of the most stilted, opaque attempts at evil regality in choreography. Anyone with sense wouldn’t fear this queen. It’s like watching someone play fierce when they are little more than a tragic bully—a Karen. As such, it comes off as laughable, not worrisome or scary.
The Film Is Too Mature for Kids, Yet Too Hollow for Adults
Too often, watching the character interactions and listening to the dialogue raises the question of who this movie is for. There are antics meant to appeal to a young audience. However, some of the dialogue, like Doc’s, makes it clear that the film is also attempting to woo adults. Yet, the laughs are few and far between. I can appreciate the effort while simultaneously shaking my head at how it falls flat. There’s nothing that makes the comedic ventures feel distinct for this movie.
Snow White Looks Okay at a Glance, But Don’t Look Too Hard
Visually, the animals inspire “awws” and the seven dwarves are discernibly different, but the background is something different. In some scenes, the more you look at the background, the more you notice that things that look off.
While Snow White’s more profound message of unity is essential, it gets lost in its many flaws as well as its casting choices. Sadly, it is a rather hollow film with a few pleasing elements. There is little that sets this movie apart from or raises it above other Disney flicks. Snow White may not be bottom-of-the-barrel, but it does not escape the barrel either.
Snow White will hit theaters on March 21.