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Disney’s latest foray into live-action remakes comes in the form of Snow White, directed by The Amazing Spider-Man's Mark Webb and starring the rising star Rachel Zegler in the titular role. Anticipation has been sky-high for this reimagining of the classic 1937 animated film, and while there’s much to admire, the film doesn’t quite stick the landing thanks to some baffling visual choices.
Let’s start with what works: Rachel Zegler is undeniably the heart of the movie. She brings strength, charm, and vocal brilliance to a modernized Snow White. Gone is the passive princess archetype. In its place is a version of the character that is determined, resourceful, and refreshingly independent. Zegler’s nuanced performance has sparked early awards buzz, and a potential Golden Globe nomination isn’t out of the question.
Director Mark Webb balances classic Disney fantasy with a more grounded emotional core, and the new songs added to the film help carve out its own identity rather than merely replicating the original. These musical additions, along with Zegler’s natural screen presence, inject a sense of newness that many remakes struggle to find.
However, where the film falters—dramatically so—is in its depiction of the seven dwarfs. Rather than using practical effects, makeup, or even casting little people (as the original film did), Disney chose to go the full CGI route. The result is, frankly, hideous. The characters look uncanny and artificial, which not only distracts from the story but also undermines the emotional connection audiences are meant to feel. It's a glaring misstep in an otherwise visually lush film.
This poor execution drags down the overall viewing experience, and the decision has already sparked online debate about representation and authenticity in fantasy storytelling. In a movie that’s otherwise full of heart and vision, the dwarfs feel like they were pulled from an entirely different project—one that didn’t have the same level of care or polish.
That said, Snow White still manages to be a serviceable and sometimes magical update to a beloved fairy tale. Zegler shines, the songs enchant, and the core themes of kindness, courage, and self-worth are intact. It’s just a shame that the digital dwarfs weigh it down from being a true Disney classic.
Final grade? A solid B-minus. With some tweaks in post-production—or, in a perfect world, practical effects—the film could have easily reached higher.
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