The first ever animated feature film, created in 1937, is “ Snow White And The 7 Dwarfs”. Over the years, there have been many live-action films for many animated Disney films. What in the world took so long?
Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White,” directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler as the titular character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has sparked considerable debate among critics and audiences alike. While the film introduces modern twists to the classic, it has faced a spectrum of reviews, many of which are less than favorable.
Critics have pointed to several shortcomings in the remake. The Guardian labeled it an “exhaustingly awful reboot,” criticizing its “pseudo-progressive additions” and the decision to use motion-capture animation for the dwarves, which they found unconvincing. The thought of using real dwarfs would have impacted the fact films, with Digital Spy noting that the visual effects contribute to an artificial feel that detracts from the storytelling. The introduction of new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, while ambitious, has been met with mixed reactions; some find them lacking the memorable quality of the original soundtrack and not feeling as magical.
Despite these criticisms, certain aspects of the film have garnered praise. Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White has been widely recognized for bringing depth and charm to the character. Entertainment Weekly commended her performance, stating that she “nearly saves Disney’s confused live-action remake” with her compelling presence. Furthermore, the film’s attempt to modernize the narrative by giving Snow White a more active role in her destiny, rather than relying solely on a prince, has been appreciated by some viewers seeking a contemporary take on the classic tale.
In terms of its relation to the original film, the remake retains core elements such as the overarching plot and iconic songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work.” However, it diverges by expanding character backstories and introducing new thematic elements aimed at resonating with today’s audiences. For instance, the prince character has been reimagined as Jonathan, a leader of a band of rebels, which adds a fresh dynamic to the story. Yet, as noted by Digital Spy, these changes result in a film that “ends up caught between trying to do its own thing, but not being radical enough to justify itself,” which leads critics to assume the movie was nothing more than a spin-off of the original.
In conclusion, while Disney’s live-action “Snow White” strives to balance nostalgia with innovation, it seems to miss parts of an execution. Despite strong performances, particularly by Zegler, and noble attempts at modernization, the film’s heavy reliance on CGI and less impactful musical additions leave it struggling to recapture the magic of its predecessor.
