Disney’s live-action remake of the classic animated film "Snow White," originally released in 1937, hit theaters this past Friday. Unfortunately for Disney, the early reviews from critics have not been kind.
Leading up to the film’s release, there was significant controversy surrounding various aspects of the movie. Issues related to casting, creative choices, and the outspoken opinions of the film’s star, Rachel Zegler, sparked negative attention. This led to a scaled-back premiere event in Los Angeles, a sign of the challenges the film faced.
Currently, "Snow White," which stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, holds a disappointing 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on critic reviews. Many reviewers have pointed out that the film lacks emotional depth. A critic from The Wall Street Journal noted, “Gloss prevails over heart in nearly every scene, and plot beats feel contrived.”
The New York Times echoed this sentiment, stating that the film is “neither good enough to admire nor bad enough to joyfully skewer,” calling its mediocrity a significant disappointment.
Critics also highlighted the film’s choice to use CGI for the dwarves instead of casting real actors, a decision made after actor Peter Dinklage expressed concerns. The Associated Press remarked that while Zegler brought some life to her character, the rest of the cast, both human and digital, felt stiff and unengaging.
Barry Hertz from Globe and Mail criticized the CGI dwarfs, describing them as “highly unnerving spoonfuls of nightmare fuel.” Other reviews pointed out that in trying to avoid offense, Disney might have created a film that feels bland and forgettable. The New Statesman stated, “In the pursuit of inoffence, Disney has made a film so bland it barely registers.”
Boston Globe reviewer Odie Henderson expressed his disappointment, saying, “This dopey remake made me sleepy and grumpy,” reflecting a common sentiment among critics.
Despite the negative reviews, "Snow White" is projected to earn between $45 million and $55 million during its opening weekend across 4,200 theaters in North America. As the film continues to roll out, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond compared to the critics.