Ever since Tim Burton's 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland grossed nearly a billion dollars, Disney has been on a live-action remake spree. Initially, these films offered fresh takes on the classics, but they quickly earned a reputation as "shot-for-shot" remakes of their animated counterparts. Following the financial triumph of The Lion King in 2019, which amassed over a billion dollars, Disney set its sights on producing at least one live-action remake each year, receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. In my opinion, these remakes excel when they remain true to their original stories while adding subtle enhancements. Notable successes include The Jungle Book (2016), Beauty and the Beast (2017), and The Little Mermaid (2023). With this background, although my expectations for their latest project, Snow White, were moderate, I wasn't expecting a disaster. However, I admit I hadn't watched any trailers, so my expectations were somewhat uninformed.

 

Snow White diverges from its origins by incorporating a brand-new narrative into the classic storyline. While innovation in storytelling is commendable, forcing a new narrative into the mold of a well-loved story is rarely seamless and often ill-advised. Unfortunately, this film doesn't just falter, it fails spectacularly. Ideally, its only flaw would be mediocrity, barely meeting the low standard of being passable. Instead, Snow White disappoints on almost every front. It starts on an uncertain note and progressively worsens. Hindered by uninspiring music, a poorly constructed script, subpar CGI, and predominantly weak performances, the film ends as a debacle. Perhaps Disney should have taken a page from Warner Bros' playbook. Shelving the project could have saved expenses and spared audiences this cinematic misstep.

 

From various interviews and news pieces, it was clear that Snow White would depart from its original. The foundational plot, Snow White's escape from the Evil Queen, who is relentless after being usurped as the "fairest of them all," is maintained. However, this element is merely a skeleton for the rest of the film's largely new narrative, which clings awkwardly. Only small fragments of the traditional Snow White story are included, lacking coherence. Crafting a completely new story might have been more effective, but it appears Disney chose to link this new plot with a classic character to leverage its iconic status for profit. If detached from the Snow White legacy, this film would likely struggle to draw an audience, given its poorly constructed script. The dialogue feels contrived, character development is thin, and almost every scene unfolds like a disaster, making the film not just hard to watch but a slog to sit through.

 

Beyond a story that defies logic and tests the viewer's patience, the CGI portrayal of the seven dwarfs in Snow White is particularly troubling. This decision seems to stem from a reaction to comments made by actor Peter Dinklage, and unfortunately, it exacerbates the film's issues. Disney's attempt to render these characters in a live-action format not only fails but also places them squarely in the uncanny valley, making them unsettling to observe and difficult to comprehend. After nearly two hours of this visual and narrative chaos, the arrival of the closing credits feels like a welcome escape from an uncomfortable cinematic experience.

 

The most glaring flaw of the film is undoubtedly its musical score. The new adaptation severely cuts back on the beloved original songs, introducing a slew of new tracks that starkly deviate from the classic. Unfamiliar with the new compositions before viewing, I immediately recognized the distinctive style of Pasek and Paul. Their music infiltrates the film in a jarringly unnatural way, seemingly crafted more for personal gratification than to enhance the narrative. The modernity of the score clashes harshly with the 1930s setting of the original tale. Ideally, the composers would have immersed themselves in the musical styles of the era, perhaps drawing inspiration from contemporaneous musicals like those of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Regrettably, it seems Pasek and Paul opted to prioritize their personal artistic expression over honoring the nostalgic essence of the original Snow White, resulting in a soundtrack that feels both out of place and indifferent to the source material.

 

The sole redeeming feature of this film might be Rachel Zegler's performance, which shines faintly amid the surrounding chaos. Despite the limited material she was provided, Zegler brings a level of commitment and presence that sets her apart from her costars. While the character of Snow White remains poorly written, Zegler manages to infuse her portrayal with a hint of vitality, avoiding the uninspired performances that plague the rest of the cast. In stark contrast, Gal Gadot's interpretation of the Disney villain is notably lackluster, ranking as one of the most disappointing portrayals in the genre.

Despite Rachel Zegler's commendable efforts, her performance alone is insufficient to redeem this film. One standout performance cannot counterbalance a myriad of fundamental flaws, including a poorly written script, subpar CGI, and a musical score that may rank as one of Disney's most misguided efforts. The new songs, which disregard the charm and essence of the original story, contribute to a disjointed and jarring experience. From its inception, Snow White is riddled with issues, making it a challenging watch. Parents might find more enjoyment in enduring their toddlers' temper tantrums for nearly two hours than subjecting themselves to this film as a form of entertainment.