Mixed Reviews for Disney’s Snow White Amid Controversies

Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White is finally here, but the reactions are far from magical. While some critics have praised the film for its fresh approach, others have harshly panned it.

The film’s release on Rotten Tomatoes hasn’t helped its cause. With an initial critics’ score of just 45%, Snow White is facing an uphill battle to win over both audiences and critics.

From accusations of hypocrisy aimed at lead actress Rachel Zegler to concerns over the portrayal of the seven dwarfs, this remake has certainly stirred the pot.

What went wrong, and what did some critics actually like about it? Let’s dive into the drama.

The Good: U.S. Critics Applaud a Fresh Take

Despite the controversy, Snow White has earned some positive reviews, particularly from U.S. critics.

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a “vibrant retelling” with a “smart script” penned by Erin Cressida Wilson. He appreciated the attempt to modernize the classic story and praised director Marc Webb’s approach to making it “fresh and relevant again for contemporary audiences.”

Pete Hammond of Deadline called the film “just fine” and praised its “dazzling dance numbers” and Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman also had a positive outlook, describing the movie as “one of the better live-action adaptations of a Disney animated feature.” According to Gleiberman, the CGI dwarfs “bring the movie to life” with “catchy personalities and comically expressive mottled-clay faces.”

Even Robbie Collin from The Telegraph gave the film a respectable three stars, noting that the story “really picks up” once Zegler’s character enters the forest and meets the CGI dwarfs and bandits. The performances of songs like Heigh-Ho and Whistle While You Work were also praised for their “stylish choreography and rousing performances.”

The Bad: Harsh Criticism from British Critics

On the other side of the spectrum, British critics have largely rejected the film.

The Times’ Kevin Maher bluntly stated, “Believe the anti-hype, it’s that bad.” Brian Viner of The Daily Mail gave the film just two stars, describing it as a “painfully muddle-headed affair” with only occasional moments of charm.

Viner acknowledged Rachel Zegler’s talent but criticized director Marc Webb’s handling of her character, stating, “Webb’s film only intermittently allows her to sparkle.” This sentiment was echoed by other reviewers who felt the film’s attempt at modernizing the tale was clumsy and uninspired.

The Seven Dwarfs Controversy

A significant point of contention has been Disney’s approach to the seven dwarfs.

The debate started in 2022 when Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage criticized Disney for attempting to “retell the story of seven dwarfs living in a cave.” As a result, Disney opted to use computer-generated characters instead of hiring actors with dwarfism to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

David Rooney noted that although the voice cast performed well, “their CGI renderings are a bit creepy, and less photorealistic than many of the cute woodland creatures that flock around Snow White.” Many actors with dwarfism expressed concern that Disney’s decision could limit their opportunities for work, sparking further controversy.

Rachel Zegler’s Backlash and Hypocrisy Accusations

Rachel Zegler has been at the center of the backlash, especially after posting a tribute to Adriana Caselotti, the original voice of Snow White, on Instagram.

Dressed in a curly bob styled with a red bow, she captioned the photo, “Just had to pay homage to the original Snow White, Miss Adriana Caselotti, to whom I owe everything ❤️.”

Fans, however, were quick to call her a “hypocrite” for paying tribute to Caselotti despite previously criticizing the 1937 classic as “weird” and “sexist.” One person commented, “So you can pay homage to her ‘looks’ but can’t respect her story?” Another noted, “So you’re paying homage to somebody who is dated?”

Zegler’s previous statements about the original movie have been widely circulated. She told Variety that her version of Snow White “is not going to be saved by the prince” and is instead focused on becoming “the leader her late father told her she could be.”

During an interview on Good Morning America, Zegler tried to clarify her enthusiasm for the role, describing it as “the honor of a lifetime” and insisting she was a “huge Disney fan.”

Still, her earlier comments continued to haunt her, with many accusing her of trying to garner positive publicity after trashing the original movie.

Gal Gadot and Alleged Tension

Rachel Zegler’s reported rift with co-star Gal Gadot has also contributed to the controversy.

Rumors suggested that promotional work for the film was scaled back due to their opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Zegler, who has posted pro-Palestine material on social media, allegedly clashed with Gadot, an Israeli citizen who served in her country’s military.

While some sources claim their tension has been exaggerated, others argue it’s just one more reason why the film’s rollout has been anything but smooth.

Will the Film Recover?

Despite the harsh criticism, some fans are still eager to see what Disney’s new take on Snow White has to offer. However, with backlash over Zegler’s comments, questionable CGI choices, and mixed reviews from critics, the film’s future remains uncertain.

The initial critics’ score of 45% on Rotten Tomatoes is not encouraging, but it’s important to note that audience reception can sometimes differ drastically from critical reviews. Disney’s marketing team will likely continue to push the film’s empowering narrative in hopes of attracting moviegoers who are open to a reimagined Snow White.

Ultimately, the film’s success will depend on whether it can overcome the negative press and appeal to both nostalgic Disney fans and newer audiences seeking a fresh, progressive take on a classic tale. It remains to be seen whether the controversies surrounding the movie will fade into the background or continue to overshadow its box office performance.

Conclusion

• The film received harsh criticism from British critics, while American reviewers were somewhat more positive, praising the film’s vibrant storytelling and modern approach.
• Rachel Zegler’s negative comments about the original Snow White and her recent tribute to Adriana Caselotti have been labeled hypocritical by many Disney fans, adding to the backlash.
• The use of CGI dwarfs instead of hiring actors with dwarfism has sparked discussions about representation and authenticity.
• Alleged tension between Rachel Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot, possibly fueled by their opposing political views, has added more drama to the film’s promotion.
• Despite the criticism, some audiences remain curious about the film’s fresh take on the classic tale, but its overall success at the box office remains uncertain.