Movie fans get ready for a tale as old as time but with a brand new spin. Disney's live-action Snow White is almost here and the first reviews are rolling in . Is this remake a poisoned apple or a charming new chapter? Let's dive into what critics are saying about Rachel Zegler Gal Gadot and if this movie is worth your ticket.
Critics are Talking: Is This Snow White Remake Actually... Good? The Initial Verdict is Mixed but Hopeful!
Okay let's be real Disney's live-action remakes have been a bit of a mixed bag. Some are great some not so much. So naturally everyone is wondering where Snow White will land. Early reviews suggest it is... better than expected! Many critics are saying it is not a disaster and actually one of the better Disney remakes. Some are even calling it "solidly in the upper end of the spectrum" comparing it favorably to movies like Cinderella Mulan Beauty and the Beast and Cruella. That's pretty decent praise!
However it is not all sunshine and roses. Some reviews are less enthusiastic. One calls it a "new low for cultural desecration" while others feel it is just okay or "forgettable". It seems like this Snow White is aiming to modernize the classic story which is causing some division among critics. Some appreciate the updates while others think it loses some magic in the process.
Rachel Zegler as Snow White: A Charismatic Princess Ready for a New Era
One thing almost everyone agrees on? Rachel Zegler is fantastic as Snow White. Critics are using words like "radiates charisma" "excellent screen presence" and "pitch perfect singing voice" to describe her performance. She is being praised for bringing a modern sensibility to the princess making her more active and less of a damsel in distress.
Reviewers note that Zegler embodies Snow White's kindness and gentleness while also showing a sense of inner strength. She really seems to understand the assignment bringing a "meaningful life" to the character. Some even say her performance is "one of the most memorable of the year". So if you are worried about Snow White herself it sounds like Zegler is a major highlight.
Gal Gadot's Evil Queen: Stylish Villainy But Is It Campy Enough?
Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen is another big draw for this movie. Visually critics agree Gadot looks the part. She is described as "every bit the Evil Queen" and "an imperious presence". Her costumes are also getting shout-outs as "fabulous". However the reviews on her performance are a bit more split.
Some feel Gadot's Evil Queen is "stylishly intense" and "serviceable" even "acceptable camp". Others wanted more campiness maybe something like Angelina Jolie in Maleficent. Some critics think Gadot's performance is "not fun" and even has "terrible line delivery". It sounds like her performance might be a bit more serious and less over-the-top than some were hoping for but still visually impressive.
The Seven... CGI... Friends? Dwarfs Get a Modern Makeover (and Some Creepy Vibes)
The Seven Dwarfs are a tricky part of any Snow White remake in today's world. Disney went with CGI for the dwarfs and it is getting a mixed reaction. Some critics find the CGI Dwarfs "creepy" "weirdly animatronic" and "visually distracting". They are described as less photorealistic than the CGI animals in the movie which is... something.
However some reviewers also say that despite the visuals the dwarfs become "meaningful and integral" to the story. They are praised for having humor and distinctive personalities thanks to the voice cast. It seems like the CGI dwarfs are a choice that viewers will have to get used to and decide for themselves if it works.
Modernizing a Classic: Feminist Themes and Saying Goodbye to "Someday My Prince Will Come"
This Snow White is definitely trying to be modern. The story is updated to give Snow White more agency. She is not just waiting for a prince to rescue her. Instead she is finding her own courage to be a leader. The prince character is changed into Jonathan a bandit who is more of a supportive friend than a savior. The famous song "Someday My Prince Will Come" is gone which is a big change.
These updates are getting a mixed response as well. Some critics appreciate the "narrative refinement" and "deeper themes of community loyalty and empathy". Others feel the movie modernizes when it should focus on storytelling and loses some of the original fairy tale magic. It sounds like Disney is trying to strike a balance between honoring the classic and making it relevant for today's audiences but it is not fully satisfying everyone.
Box Office Forecast: Will Snow White Be the Fairest of Them All at the Ticket Booth?
Industry predictions for Snow White's opening weekend box office are in. It is expected to make around $45 million to $55 million in North America. Globally it is aiming for over $100 million for its opening. That would be enough to top the box office charts but it is not quite hitting the huge numbers of some past Disney live-action remakes like The Little Mermaid or The Lion King.
Comparisons are being made to Dumbo which also had a $45 million opening and ended up being considered a bit disappointing financially. Snow White reportedly cost over $250 million to make so it needs to have good "staying power" in theaters to be a real success. Brand recognition and lack of competition might help it in the long run. However pre-release controversies might be affecting initial buzz. Disney scaled back the premiere event possibly to avoid questions about the backlash. We will see if Snow White can win over audiences despite the mixed critical reception and online chatter.
Key Takeaways from the Early Snow White Reviews:
- Mixed to Positive Reviews: Critics say it's better than some Disney remakes but not top-tier.
- Rachel Zegler Praised: Her Snow White is charismatic well-sung and modern.
- Gal Gadot's Evil Queen: Visually stunning but performance reception is divided camp vs. serious.
- CGI Dwarfs: Controversial visual choice some find them creepy others appreciate their personalities.
- Modernized Story: Feminist themes and updated romance some like it some miss the classic elements.
- New Songs: Music by Pasek and Paul "Princess Problems" highlighted but overall reception mixed.
- Box Office: Projected to open around $45-$55 million domestic decent but needs legs to recoup high budget.
Final Verdict: Should You See Disney's Snow White?
So is Snow White worth seeing? If you are a die-hard Disney purist you might be skeptical about the changes. But if you are open to a modern take with a strong lead performance from Rachel Zegler and some visually impressive moments it could be an enjoyable fairytale. Just maybe go in with slightly adjusted expectations and decide for yourself if this Snow White is the fairest of them all for a new generation.